Job Description
DEFINITION:
Under supervision from the Director of Education and Programming, Assistant Director of Education, and Camp Coordinator, Outdoor Adventure Camp Counselors are responsible for planning, leading, and implementing Parklands Outdoor Adventure Summer Camp programs for children grades K-9th in a small group setting. They are responsible for the general safety and development, growth, and skill achievement of the participants in his/her group. The incumbent will provide high-quality outdoor educational and recreational experiences for participants that focus on The Parklands core values of safe, fun, clean, and beautiful.
This position works both independently and as a team within The Parklands and ensures that summer camp participants have a safe, interesting, informative and enjoyable experience while in the Parklands. The position works early mornings and in all types of weather. This is an hourly, full-time summer seasonal position that begins May 21, 2026, and ends July 31, 2026. There is a one-week break during the week of June 29-July 5 that we do not host camp.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:
• Help write and implement a daily and weekly schedule for your camp group.
• Organize and lead a variety of small and large group activities each week. Activities include crafts, games, science experiments, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, creek activities, and fishing.
• Ensure camp participants have a fun, educational, and engaging experience.
• Identify and respond to camper behavior issues.
• Ensure that The Parklands classrooms, facilities, and supplies are kept clean and organized.
• Communicate with parents about participant’s experiences, and report concerns to Camp Leadership
• Assist in maintaining daily attendance
• Know and understand ALL emergency procedures associated with the camp program.
• Know, enforce, and follow all safety guidelines associated with the camp and all program areas. This includes but is not limited to being responsible for your campers’ safety and their whereabouts at all times
• Help Camp Volunteers to have a deeper understanding of camp programming and safety measures
• Aid Parklands staff in attending the school bus service offered to scholarship students.
Requirements
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:
• Experience in camps, youth programs, recreation, working with children, or in a related field.
• Ability to lead, plan, organize, and implement program activities.
• Ability to work as a member of a team and the ability to accomplish tasks with little direct supervision.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work with volunteers
• Basic knowledge of Kentucky flora & fauna and an understanding of Kentucky cultural history
• Previous teaching experience, or experience with summer camps, highly desirable
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
• Must pass a criminal background check
• Upon hire, completion of Parklands provided First Aid and CPR certification
• Upon hire, completion of Parklands youth protection training
• Work independently in varied weather conditions.
• Individuals must be physically capable of operating vehicles safely, possess a valid driver’s license, and have an acceptable driving record.
• Must be able to lift 40 pounds and move easily in an outdoor setting with variable weather conditions.
• Some positions will require the performance of other essential and marginal functions depending on work location, assignment, or shift
• Ability to adhere to a Uniform Policy
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:
Applicants must be 18 to apply. Passion for the outdoors and ability to communicate effectively is required. Coursework in parks and recreation, natural sciences, teaching, or cultural history preferred. Experience with children’s camps or working with youth preferred.
Compensation
BENEFITS:
This is an hourly, full-time summer seasonal position that begins May 21, 2026, and ends July 31, 2026. The position works Mon-Fri roughly 8:30am-4:30pm. Pay is $13/hour.
How to Apply
How to Apply:
To apply, send an email containing (1) your resume (2) a cover letter to Director of Education and Programming Curtis Carman at ccarman@theparklands.org and Camp Coordinator Ryan Hynes at rhynes@theparklands.org. Applications will be accepted until positions are filled.