Program Counselor - Army Lake Camp

Get away to Army Lake Camp where we serve a variety of groups (churches, youth groups, public/private schools, and more!) Our mission is to inspire Christ-centered love and commitment while sharing God's word by example and instruction through recreational and educational opportunities. Our philosophy is to communicate the life-changing power of Jesus Christ, help campers develop leadership, responsibility, expression of service and Christian values/integrity, as well as challenge the ability of campers and staff to improve skills, self-esteem and expand their Christian experience all while helping campers develop positive relationships. If these values mean as much to you as they do to us, apply today!

This is a seasonal position (June 8, 2025-August 2, 2025).

The Program Counselor is charged with being a positive Christian influence to all campers and guests. Responsibilities include developing campers' social, physical, intellectual, vocational, emotional and spiritual strengths, through group programming. The Program Counselor will also serve in other capacities around camp.

Orientation:

• Complete to the best of your ability and to the satisfaction of supervisors the pre-camp training.
• Complete the training for various challenge activities to a degree that will enable you to teach and supervise others, including high ropes challenge course, low challenge course, archery, paintball, riflery, canoeing, hiking, and pellet gun shooting.
• Complete the training for various specialized activities to a degree that will enable you to teach and supervise others, including marsh walk, orienteering, knot tying, fire starting, nature center, paddleboats, crafts, drama and fishing.
• Complete the training for various sport activities to a degree that will enable you to teach, participate and supervise others, including basketball, swimming, volleyball, soccer, football, Frisbee golf, capture the flag, and tennis.
• Get to know other staff members and their general areas of responsibility.
• Become acquainted with the eco-system known as camp.
• Prepare yourself spiritually for the opening of camp.

Camp:

• Participate in all regularly scheduled staff meetings.
• Carry out program assignments as made for each camp by the Program Director.
• Teach and supervise campers in various challenge activities, specialized activities and sport activities as assigned by the Program Director.
• Assist with the preliminary activity set up and post activity tear down as assigned by the Program Director.
• Assist in waterfront operations as needed and assigned.
• Assist in the planning and implementation of the evening program.
• Assist in the nursery with child care if necessary.
• Supervise and guide campers in all phases of camping program (especially spiritual).
• Lead campers in devotions and instruction on "what it means to be Christian," and how to become one.
• Assist in the process of checking-in and checking-out campers when arriving and departing.
• Accept responsibility for the health, safety, and general welfare of all campers under your supervision.
  
  
  
  
  • Instruct/guide campers on personal hygiene.
  • Give practical motivation in environmental awareness and responsibility.
  • Accompany campers to the health station when necessary.
  • Report all injuries to the Health Service Coordinator.
  • Be cognizant of those campers in your supervision who may have medical issues or take medication.
  
  
  
  
• Report needed equipment and facility repairs and maintenance to the Program Director.
• Assist in restoring camp facilities to order at the conclusion of each camp period.
• Assist in the cleaning and sanitization of campers' cabins after each camp session.
• Maintain a good Christian example at all times.
• Maintain a servant attitude; function as part of a team.
• Establish a time each day for personal devotions.
• Participate in staff devotions as assigned during camp week.
• Attend all Sunday services on the campgrounds.
• All other duties as assigned.

Other:

• Adhere to camp policies and procedures.
• Help maintain the spiritual emphasis of the ministry of the camp.
• Participate in shared evaluation with leadership staff.
• Keep living quarters neat and clean.

Requirements:

• Must be an individual of the Christian faith who has a strong personal relationship with the Lord, attends church on a regular basis, and a desire to lead others spiritually.
• Experience in high-energy physically challenging activities and willingness and ability to go through Army Lake Camp's various challenge, activity and sports course trainings.
• Minimum age of 18 required.
• Minimum one year of college preferred or 18 and one year prior camp staff experience.
• Able to relate God's handiwork through various activities in relationship with the Word of God in programming initiatives.
• Should be interested in God's creation, nature, and outdoor activities.
• Current, or have ability to obtain, American Rd Cross CPR and FA. (Army Lake Camp offers ARC CPR and FA certifications at camp)
• Must be able to lift 80 pounds
• Must live on camp grounds throughout duration of employment
• Demonstrated ability to use initiative and be a self starter.
• An attention to detail.
• A positive attitude and the ability to be flexible in light of changing job situations/priorities.
• Must support the philosophy, goals, and objectives of The Salvation Army-Army Lake Camp.
• A willingness to support and uphold the mission of The Salvation Army and a passion for working with youth.