Counselor Job Application

Counselor Job Description (Jr./Sr)
 

What do 4-H Camp Counselors do?
By becoming a 4-H Summer Camp counselor, you will be a part of a team of young adults that will be dedicated to campers throughout the summer. You will help deliver youth development curriculum and programs of the University of Nebraska. 4-H Summer Camps and Centers deliver the expertise of the University to the level of kids throughout the state. As summer camp counselors, you will be trained to help provide active, hands-on, fun and cooperative outdoor programming designed to develop respect for self, others and the environment. Most importantly, you will have the opportunity to impact children’s lives in many experiential, outdoor settings. You will be continually challenged to find new ways of teaching, motivating and playing all summer. You will be a leader and held to high expectations as you will be the best resource camp will ever have in delivering our mission!!
 

Summer camp counselors are the leaders in cabin activities. They actively carry out camp standards, policies, and procedures that lead to a quality and safe program. As a camp counselor, you will have the opportunity to help campers learn life skills and develop confidence as you are a role model, get to know each camper in your cabin, assist with group problem solving and ensure campers have the best time possible while at camp. You will also be responsible to supervise all assigned aspects of the campers’ day (morning reveille, cabin clean-up, meal times, rest hour, evening activities, lights out). Reference the camp counselor job description (PDF at the top of this page) for detailed information on duties, expectations, and how performance will be evaluated.
 

4-H Summer Camps and Centers are open to ALL youth. We hire a team who will constantly encourage campers to grow up to be the absolute best they can be! We believe COUNSELORS are the heart of summer camp; we give you the tools and the confidence to positively impact anyone you meet or interact with at camp this summer!! You will be the key to helping others discover, learn, and grow. Thank you for your interest.

Where can you get more information?
You can contact Lindsay Shearer at lshearer2@unl.edu or call 402-472-2846.
State 4-H Office-4-H Summer Camp
114 Ag Hall
Lincoln, NE 68583-0700
 

What are we trying to do at 4-H Camp?
4-H Mission: To assist youth and volunteer staff through non-formal education to acquire knowledge, develop life skills and strengthen values that enable them to become increasingly self-directing, productive, contributing citizens.
4-H Camps & Centers Vision: 4-H Camps and Centers….a place to discover, learn, and grow.
4-H Camps & Centers Mission: It is the mission of Nebraska 4-H Camps and Centers to provide unique educational opportunities that empower people of all ages to be active in the pursuit of self-improvement in a safe, inclusive, and fun environment.
4-H Camps & Centers Goals:
1. To build programs which utilize unique local resources and serve the mission of the Land Grant University and University of Nebraska Lincoln–Extension.
2. The program and facility will be proactive in growing to efficiently and effectively meet changing needs.
3. To be purposeful in the development and training of our human resources.
4. To provide intentional youth programming that:
     a. are offered in a safe and inclusive environment
     b. that provide positive relationships with caring adults
     c. engage youth in learning and skill mastery (target specific skills)
     d. encourage the development of character and social skills (target specific skills and traits)
     e. provide youth the opportunity to see themselves as an active, important participant in the future
     f. provide youth the opportunity to be a role model or provide service to others
5. To provide intentional educational and recreational experiences for adults.

What are we looking for?
We’re looking for summer camp counselors who:
* have a desire and ability to work with youth in the outdoors for extended periods of time.
* have a willingness to discover, learn and grow throughout their experiences with Nebraska 4-H Summer Camps and Centers.
* are willing to embody activities and habits that are associated with positive role models for campers.
* take experiences as learning opportunities and teachable moments.
* have a willingness to listen, learn and be considerate of others.
* will be a part of a community built upon trust, caring, attitudes, and enthusiasm.
* are able to be supervised by peers of close age.
* are patient and kind.
* will continually respect the institutions, patrons, people, and mission of camp.
* will contribute to the positive culture of camp.
* want to have an ABSOLUTE BLAST this summer!!
* do not just work at camp….we want staff to LOVE to work at camp!!

What campsite will I work at?
Nebraska 4-H Camps and Centers offer three unique locations across Nebraska that provide quality and fun programming for people of all ages to discover, learn, and grow. You can apply for any of three locations. Our three camps are:
* State 4-H Camp – located in the Nebraska National Forest, near Halsey, Nebraska
* Eastern Nebraska 4-H Center – located between Omaha and Lincoln, South of Greta, Nebraska
* South Central 4-H Center – located next to the Harlan County reservoir just past Alma, Nebraska
If you prefer one site over another, please mark the appropriate box on your application. However, due to hiring needs or director decisions, you may be asked to work at a different 4-H Camp than your preference. We are happy to work with you to figure out your needs.

How about training?
All camp counselors need to register for Counselor training at either Eastern Nebraska 4-H Center or at Nebraska State 4-H Camp. Counselors must attend the week long training in order to participate as a counselor during our summer sessions. You can register online here, or by mail with the participant Health and Permission form and mail it to the camp you prefer to be a counselor at.
 

Other trainings or certifications needed?
Other trainings that may be beneficial but are not a requirement to be a counselor are:
*Lifeguarding
* CPR/First Aid
* Wilderness First Aid
* First Responder
* EMT
* Riflery (4-H, Hunter’s Safety Certificate, or NRA)
* Water Craft Certifications
* Audio Visual/Video Editing
* ACCT Certification
 

What qualifications are necessary to be a counselor?
1. Must be at least 15 years of age by June 1 of current year.
2. Desire and ability to work with children and adults in camp setting
3. Ability to plan, lead, and teach games.
4. Ability to work cooperatively with other staff in a team-oriented environment
5. Ability to relate to one’s peer group
6. Good character, integrity, adaptability, enthusiasm, sense of humor, patience, and self control
7. Ability to provide guidance and supervision.
8. Ability to accept supervision and guidance.

What time commitment is involved?
Minimum three days over the summer, available for service 24 hours a day while with cabin. Will be asked to work dates that have been assigned
 

How do I apply?
To apply, complete a 4-H Summer Camp Counselor Application. In addition, you need to have three references complete a Reference Form on your behalf. Return information is detailed on the application. The job description, application, and reference form can all be downloaded at the top of this page.
You must also register for Counselor Training. You can do so by mailing your registration form to the camp you wish to work at or register online here.
Please contact Lindsay at 402-472-2846 or at lshearer2@unl.edu with any questions you might have.