Camp Counselor

Our Camps Mission:

Hidden Villa Summer Camp develops young leaders who are committed to social and environmental justice and are equipped with a sense of awe for natural and human beauty, tools for non-violent, multicultural community building, as well as the confidence to make positive change in our families, communities, and world.

About Us:

Hidden Villa Farm and Wilderness Preserve is seeking an energetic, responsible team player for the position of Residential Counselor. Hidden Villa is a non-profit organization with a 75-year history, focusing on environmental education. We use our organic farm, wilderness, and community to teach and provide opportunities to learn about the environment and social justice. Hidden Villa stretches over 1600 acres of open space in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, about 40 miles south of San Francisco.

Check out our website for more information about the farm!  Hiddenvilla.org

About the Position

Position Title: Residential Camp Counselor 

Reports to: Unit Leader

Exempt/ Non-Exempt: Exempt 

Employment Dates: June 3rd - August 3rd
Application Deadline: May 5th   

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Unit Leader, Counselors work collaboratively to implement their residential program and create positive learning opportunities that support Hidden Villa’s Mission. Counselors are placed with the age group that suits their skill set and opportunities for growth.  There may be opportunities when you are asked to work with a different cohort as needed.

Key Responsibilities

1. Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of all campers in your group.
2. Be a role model for each camper in your group.
3. Design and teach/co-teach age-appropriate activities to groups of campers.
4. Collaborate on leading and co-leading morning reflections and evening activities.
5. Work with your Head Counselor/Unit Leader when there are camper adjustment or discipline problems.
6. Recognize and respond to opportunities for discussion of individual or group problems or concerns.
7. Provide opportunities for the group so that each individual experiences success during camp.
8. Sleep on-site in your assigned program area when camp is in session.
9. Participate in scheduling for your program prior to the start of each new session.
10. Follow the schedule for your program as written by Head Counselors and Unit Leaders.
11. Monitor and interact with campers during meals and all unstructured time.
12. Be available in sleeping area at night to support campers.
13. These are not the only duties to be performed. Some duties may be reassigned and others assigned as required.

Candidate Qualifications

Essential Functions

1. Ability to communicate and work with campers and staff in the program to which you are assigned, and provide necessary instruction to campers.
2. Abilities to observe camper behavior, assess appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior management techniques.
3. Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to camp activities.
4. Physical ability to safely supervise farm chores and wilderness hikes.

Desired Qualifications

• Desire and ability to work with children between the ages of 8-18 in a residential outdoor setting
• Ability to accept supervision and guidance and implement changes
• Excellent communication skills
• Current CPR, First Aid, and CA Food Handler certifications; or willing to obtain
• Ability to teach and/or lead activities related to our camp mission
• Ability to mentor Youth Leadership campers
• At least 18 years of age
• Flexibility and patience
• Ability to utilize youth work appropriate self-care techniques