Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

GENERAL COUNSELOR

Since its founding in 1877, The Fresh Air Fund, a not-for-profit youth development organization, has provided free life-changing summer experiences in the outdoors to more than 1.8 million children from New York City’s underserved communities. Young people also participate in year-round leadership, career exploration, and educational programs. For more information, visit

Position Summary

General Counselors play a critical role in the successful operation of our summer camp programs by providing 24-hour-a-day direct supervision of campers and participating in exciting and rigorous activities such as hiking and swimming. Counselors and their campers live together and travel as a cabin throughout the day, including meals and activities such as swimming, archery, ropes course, model farm, and other specialized activities.

General Counselors will report to the Village Leader/Head Counselor.

Responsibilities

1. Provide 24-hour-a-day direct supervision, leadership and guidance to campers with assigned co-counselors. This includes supervising the group in between and during the daily program, planning cabin activities, eating meals with campers and behavior management.
2. Assume responsibility for the safety and well-being of campers.
3. Live in a cabin with 6-12 campers and co-counselors for the full duration of each camp session. Time off during each encampment will be arranged by a supervisor.
4. Understand that the position involves living in cabins with little to no privacy and eating all meals with campers in a large, noisy dining room.
5. Assist Program Specialists during activity periods. This includes participating in activities and helping campers and Program Specialists as needed.
6. Understand that campers come first, and decisions should be made in the best interest of campers.
7. Address stressful situations appropriately in a fast-paced, interactive environment.
8. Be an active member of the camp community by participating in all camp programming, including camp-wide events, overnights, hiking in the woods, swimming, activities, and village meetings. At times, lifting heavy objects may be necessary.
9. Write daily reports and a final evaluation for each camper to help evaluate their needs, goals, and progress during their camp experience.
10. Strive to work cooperatively with fellow staff to achieve the goals of the program.
11. Explain and enforce the policies, traditions, and rules of camp.
12. Invest time with campers to meet their needs, challenge their capabilities, and serve as a role model during their time at camp.

1. Take ownership of the use and care of camp equipment and facilities.
2. Be familiar with emergency procedures and follow them when necessary.
3. Additional responsibilities as needed and assigned.

Qualifications

1. Must be at least 18 years old by the start of camp.
2. At least one year of college is preferred, but you must have a high school diploma by the summer.
3. A minimum of one year's experience working with children is required and you must be passionate about working with children.
4. Interested in working and living in the outdoors for the summer.
5. Emotionally mature with a willingness to work as a team player and to maintain a positive attitude.
6. Flexible and willing to accept challenges and step outside your comfort zone.
7. Available for the entire duration of the summer program.

Employment Period: June 16, 2025 – August 16, 2025

Compensation: $2,500

Benefits: None

Application Instructions

To apply, please submit a General Counselor application. We are hiring on a rolling basis and encourage interested applicants to apply as early as possible. No calls or recruiters, please.

The Fresh Air Fund is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to inclusive hiring, and dedicated to diversity in its work and on its staff. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, experiences, orientations, and communities to apply.

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