Summer Camp Counselor

Company: The Arc Of The Ozarks
Location: Springfield
Posted on: April 2, 2026

Job Description:

Description Positions starting at $19.00 per hour! Are you interested in joining a rewarding non-profit career field with opportunities to make a difference in your community? The Arc invites you to join our team of value-driven and independent professionals. Help us fulfill our mission to support individuals with disabilities in enhancing the quality of their lives! What is this job all about? The Summer Camp Counselor position offers an exciting 8-week opportunity for individuals to lead and engage students in dynamic, fast-paced summer activities. Candidates must be available to work the full 8-week camp, plus a two-week mandatory training period prior to the camp’s start. Training will begin the week of May 18th, running Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The Summer Camp consists of two four-week sessions: Session 1: June 1st – June 26th Session 2: July 6th – July 21st Counselors will be scheduled Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with potential slight variations based on staffing needs. This role is ideal for individuals seeking a summer job who are passionate about or pursuing careers in teaching, occupational therapy, nursing, or special education. What will my day-to-day responsibilities look like? A Summer Camp Counselor is responsible for delivering care to individuals in a fun and enriching environment. You will engage in a variety of activities that reinforce the subjects students are learning in the classroom, while also providing essential support and care for individuals with disabilities. What do I need to be successful in this position? Be at least 18 years old Must possess: High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent Valid license, insurance, and reliable means of transportation to and from the worksite daily Soft skills such as patience, punctuality, empathy, and good judgment Strong interpersonal communication skills Strong organizational skills Must be able to: Work in a variety of conditions and environments, including indoors and outdoors Lift a minimum of 50 pounds Stand for long periods, stoop, bend, and walk on various terrains Work in heat and direct sun If you are passionate about making a meaningful difference in individual's lives, click on the link and apply now to join our team! Looking for more information? Give us a call at 417-874-1929 Ask for Jamie Curbow Send us an Email at Jobs@thearcoftheozarks.org Don't forget to include your name and the position/location you are interested in. Checkout some videos about our organization and the individuals we support here https://www.youtube.com/@thearcoftheozarks-springfield/videos Checkout our website and social media here: https://thearcoftheozarks.org/ https://www.facebook.com/thearcoftheozarks https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-arc-of-the-ozarks/ https://www.glassdoor.com/Reviews/Arc-of-the-Ozarks-Reviews-E421090.htm Qualifications SUMMER CAMP COUNSELOR Definition The Summer Camp Counselor is a non-professional working in providing safe and enjoyable recreation experiences for a small group of school aged, children with different abilities in a summer day camp setting. Recreation activities will include field trips, swimming, games, singing, arts and crafts, exercise, and other activities. Training is also provided in teaching camp participants to become more independent in daily living skills and socialization. This position requires the employee to be ambulatory, lifting, carrying and running are required. Essential Job Functions Mission and Core Values Serves as an ambassador of the mission and purpose of The Arc of the Ozarks Care and Support of Individuals Provides for the welfare and care of a specific group of children with a broad range of disabilities. Assists and supervises the participants in an assigned group, always, with activities, eating, toileting/diaper changes, and swimming while in the activities center, pool, field trips, and any other activities throughout the day. Assists participants with daily activities such as singing, games, arts and crafts, etc. Assists participants with lunches and cleaning up afterwards. Organizes and keeps track of the personal items of assigned group such as extra clothing, diapers, swimming apparel etc. Maintains a positive attitude toward all children in the program. Documentation and Quality Supports Be on time, which is thirty minutes before and after the camp session. Completes a daily log summary of the activities for each of the individuals assigned to the group and turns completed report into the Summer Camp Assistant Supervisor at the end of the week. Reports any unusual occurrences of behavior, health, and accidents/incidents to the Education and Recreation Supervisor or Summer Camp Assistant Supervisor. Attends all training sessions prior to the beginning of the Summer Camp Program. This will include a review of the following: Mandt, CPR, and First Aid. Also includes meeting with some of the participants and parents and reviewing files, as well as training specific to the Summer Camp program. Assists in daily cleanup of all areas used by the program and prepares program areas for the next day’s activities. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion. Ability to work with and respect persons with mental retardation and developmental disabilities. Ability to apply basic skills required in recreation programs. Ability to understand instructions. Ability to possess a Class E Chauffeur’s license and the minimum allowed amount of liability insurance. Ability to accurately report and record observations. Ability to maintain regular attendance and punctuality. Minimum Experience and Training Qualifications Be a minimum of eighteen years of age. Possession of a diploma from an accredited High School or the equivalent. Traits and Characteristics Desired The Summer Camp Counselor will be a person who is passionate about working with individuals with disabilities and increasing their independence as a valued member of the community. A sincere dedication to the mission and the people served by The Arc of the Ozarks is crucial. The Summer Camp Counselor must demonstrate the ability to effectively work with children of all abilities and guide them accordingly. The Summer Camp Counselor should be open to feedback to better assist children at camp and in their activities.

Keywords: The Arc Of The Ozarks, Springdale , Summer Camp Counselor, Education / Teaching , Springfield, Arkansas