Camp St. John's Counselor
About St. John’s
St. John’s Episcopal School (SJES) is an independent, coeducational Episcopal School serving up to 500 students in pre-k 3 through eighth grade. Located in a park-like setting on 10 acres in East Dallas, the School offers its employees and students a supportive environment fueled by a common mission – one dedicated to a program of academic excellence designed to train the mind, strengthen the character, and enrich the spirit of each student in a Christian environment.
We think of St. John’s not only as a School, but also as a very special kind of community. We seek to employ people who – regardless of the role they play – understand that they impact the lives of our students, families, and colleagues. The St. John’s Code calls us to model honesty and respectfulness in our relationships, responsibility in the performance of our assignments, and a caring attitude that extends to all members of our community.
Position Purpose
Camp St. John’s Counselors play a vital role in creating a safe and joyful camp experience for children ages 3-12. Counselors serve as positive role models, guiding campers through daily activities while supporting the Episcopal tenet of creating an inclusive community where the dignity of every human being is respected.
This position is ideal for individuals who love working with children and want to make a meaningful impact within a summer camp environment.
To provide continuity and consistency in our program, Camp Counselors are expected to be available for the full camp season, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., May 26 through July 24.
Key Accountabilities
- Supervise and actively engage campers in age-appropriate activities including games, arts and crafts, enrichment, outdoor play, and special programs
- Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful community
- Maintain the safety, well-being, and accountability of campers at all times
- Build positive relationships with campers through encouragement, patience, and active listening
- Support daily routines such as transitions, snack/lunch times, and clean-up
- Model positive behavior, teamwork, and leadership
- Communicate effectively with Camp leadership and fellow staff
- Assist with set-up, clean-up, and special events as needed
- Follow all Camp policies, School guidelines, and child safety procedures
Opportunities and Challenges
The Camp St. John’s Counselor plays a pivotal role in the life of each camper. The counselor is a team member who helps campers develop confidence, independence, leadership skills, and positive social habits they will continue to grow throughout their time at Camp St. John’s and beyond. The Counselor must:
Model the St. John’s Code of respect, responsibility, honesty, and care.
- Demonstrate strong listening skills.
- Demonstrate a growth mindset and be able to accept and implement feedback.
- Embrace the School’s Episcopal identity, ethos, and commitment to respecting the dignity of each individual.
Growth Mindset
- Ability to meaningfully receive, reflect upon, and apply feedback
- Demonstrate a commitment to personal and professional growth
Qualifications and Personal Attributes
- Be at least 16 years old
- Have experience working with children in a camp, school, childcare, or leadership setting
- Demonstrate strong leadership and teamwork skills
- Exhibit patience, maturity, and sound judgment
- Communicate clearly and professionally with campers, staff, and families
- Be energetic, dependable, and punctual
- Model kindness, integrity, and respect at all times
- Pass required background checks (if applicable by age)
- Complete required Camp training and orientation
Preferred Qualifications:
- CPR and First Aid certification
- Previous Camp St. John’s experience (camper or CIT)
- Special skills in athletics, arts, STEM, performing arts, or enrichment programming
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift approximately 30 lbs.
- Ability to work for extended periods
- Ability to work with children and adults in indoor and outdoor settings
- Ability to work on-campus and/or off-campus in field trip settings
In our commitment to diversity and equity, St. John’s Episcopal School does not discriminate regarding race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, age, genetic information, disability, pregnancy, marital status, religion, military status, and/or any protected category. This commitment extends to our employment, educational, admission, financial-aid policies, and other School-administered programs.