Camp Counselor
Counselors are responsible for the safe and enjoyable participation of campers in all activities. Counselors should at all times act as positive role models and be enthusiastic and supportive of the instructors and camp administrative staff. Counselors are expected to maintain open lines of communication with summer camp staff and work in a cooperative manner with other group counselors in fulfilling roles and duties.
Job Responsibilities
- Model good-sportsmanship in sports-related activities through enthusiastic, non-competitive participation and support.
- Helping other instructors and counselors to maintain discipline during each activity.
- Assist in Arts and Crafts through participation or working with small groups upon request of instructor. Assist with clean up and discipline.
- Administer discipline according to University of Miami Summer Camp policies.
- Responsible for supervision, performance, discipline, and evaluation of program aides.
- Supervise group in locker room before and after swimming and assist in dressing and showering before entering the pool area.
- Aid in the supervision of drop-off and pick-up according to group schedule.
- Leading group from one activity to another in an orderly manner.
- Instruct and supervise all campers time with fun and creative activities. Prepare daily lesson plans, equipment lists and plans for rain.
- Keep accurate attendance records, incident and accident reports. Report them immediately to the Operation Director for Administration.
- Supervise lunch as well as snack activities and ensure cleanliness of area.
- Interact and discuss child’s participation, performance, and behavior with parents in a professional manner and on a weekly basis as necessary.
- Be available during the entire camp day, 8:30 a.m.-4:15 p.m. (Counselors may not attend class during these hours) and the entire camp sessions offered. Staff training on Saturday before camp is mandatory. No exceptions
- Attend a weekly counselor meeting.
- Maintain the cleanliness and organization of camp storage room.
- Participate in theme days, special events, carnivals, and “Friday Extravaganza”.
- Plan a weekly special activity for your group as desired (i.e. Crazy Hat Day, Talent Show).
- Participate and assist in the coordination of daily morning warm-up exercises.
- Other duties as assigned.
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Volunteer Program Aid
Program Aides (PA) are assistants to Counselors and work collaboratively with two counselors, fellow PA’s, and their camp group each day to ensure that campers have a safe and fun camp experience.
Program Aides must be at least 14 years of age and proof of age is required for new applicants.
High School students who are interested can apply here. Before completing the application, students should be certain that they are able to attend the entire volunteer time period they are requesting.
Applicants accepted into the program will be notified within two weeks of the application deadline via mailed acceptance letter. Given that Mini Canes Recreational Sports Camp receives many applications each year, all applicants cannot be guaranteed a volunteer position. Returning Program Aides will be given priority over new applicants provided that they received a satisfactory counselor evaluation from the previous summer.
PA Responsibilities
PAs may volunteer for either 2 or 4 two-week camp sessions. PAs must be available for all days of the sessions for which they are assigned. In addition, they are expected to be present for the entire time period to which they have committed - no exceptions. All Program Aides are required to attend a mandatory information session at 1 p.m. on the Saturday before the start of Camp Session 1.
Each PA is expected to:
- Wear camp staff t-shirt daily
- Participate in activities with campers with enthusiasm and energy
- Model good behavior, sportsmanship and professionalism
- Check campers in and out
- Organize snack breaks
- Escort campers to other venues, rest room, locker rooms, etc.
- Assist and/or lead instruction of activities
- Participate in Friday Extravaganza
- Assist arts and crafts, wellness, and movement
- Assist children who need extra instruction (i.e. how to hold a baseball bat)
- Bring a disruptive child to the attention of the counselor
- Assist with supervision of campers while in the locker room during swimming
- Assist with equipment set-up, carnival days and sport days
- Assist with clean-up after activities are concluded
- Bring lunch daily
- Other duties as assigned
What NOT to do:
- Administer first aid to an injured camper
- Discipline a camper physically
- Use profanity or other inappropriate language
- Discuss inappropriate topics during camp
- Leave the group without informing the Counselors
- Take a large number of children by him/herself
- Fool around or cause campers to misbehave during activities
- Touch or pick up campers or other volunteers in an inappropriate manner
- Use cellular phones or other electronic devices during camp hours
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Program Aid Application
