Camp Counselor

Overview

At The New York Foundling, we trust in the power and potential of people, and we deliberately invest in proven practices. From bold beginnings in 1869, our New York-based nonprofit has supported hundreds of thousands of our neighbors on their own paths to stability, strength, and independence.  We help children and families navigate through and beyond foster care. We help families struggling with conflict and poverty grow strong. We help individuals with developmental disabilities live their best lives, and we help our neighbors access quality health and mental health services—core to building lifelong resilience and wellbeing. Together, our interrelated programs provide a whole-person, whole-family, and whole-life approach that unlocks solutions for a lifetime.

Camp Felix is The New York Foundling’s overnight summer camp that provides children and teens in its programs with a safe, enriching break from the city. Through outdoor activities, peer connection, and supportive mentoring, Camp Felix helps campers build confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of community.

Responsibilities

Camp Felix is a sleepaway camp located in Kent, CT. Transportation will be provided to and from the camp site.  

Mandatory Staff Training: Wednesday July 22 to Friday July 24 (3 days) 9am to 5pm in Manhattan, Sunday training onsite at Club Getaway (bus departs NYC at 12pm) 

Camp Sessions:  

Session 1: July 27-July 31

Session 2: Aug 3 to Aug 7

Session 3: Aug 10 to Aug 14

Position Description:

Camp Counselors work under the guidance of a Unit Leader to support Camp Felix’s mission of providing a safe, fun, and enriching summer camp experience. Counselors play a vital role in helping campers build positive relationships, develop new skills, strengthen self-esteem, and form healthy habits in a supportive, engaging environment.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Ensure the safety, well-being, and emotional support of campers in an assigned cabin

• Live in the cabin with campers and provide consistent supervision and care

• Maintain a clean, safe cabin environment and promptly report maintenance or safety concerns

• Supervise campers at all times, ensuring protection from bullying, abuse, public health risks, or unsafe situations

• Maintain constant awareness of campers’ whereabouts through visual and verbal supervision

• Lead and participate in daily scheduled activities, ensuring timely transitions to and from programs

• Actively engage campers in a wide range of activities, including arts and crafts, sports, hiking, swimming, dance, music, and theater

• Supervise campers during meals, rest periods, showers, and evening routines, including overnight supervision when assigned

• Proactively identify and reduce risks to prevent dangerous situations

• Respond to emergencies in accordance with Camp Felix policies and procedures

• Support camper growth through positive reinforcement, guidance, and age-appropriate discipline

• Use positive, supportive strategies to manage behavior and resolve conflicts

• Participate fully in pre-camp training and staff development

• Assist with camper transportation, including supervision during bus travel and loading/unloading

• Perform additional duties as assigned to support a safe, inclusive, and successful camp experience

The New York Foundling is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse employee population, the Foundling will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.

Qualifications

Other Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. preferred, but not required

• Experience working with children in a professional or structured setting (e.g., education, childcare, afterschool programs, recreation, or instruction)

• Prior experience in a summer camp setting (day or overnight) preferred

• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with campers, peers, and supervisors

• Ability to serve as a positive role model by demonstrating patience, kindness, responsibility, honesty, and compassion

• Genuine interest in making a positive impact on the lives of children and youth

• Familiarity with, or willingness to learn about, the needs of children involved in the child welfare system

• Ability to follow camp policies, procedures, and supervisory guidance

• Enthusiasm for participating in all camp activities and encouraging camper engagement (e.g., swimming, sports, performing arts, group games)

• Reliable, punctual, and committed to being an active team member and leader

• Availability for required training and for at least one full camp session

• Demonstrated commitment to camper and staff safety

Salary Range:

$600/week for each session, $480 for training week