Farm Camp Counselor

Program Summary 

Hidden Villa is a non-profit organization with a 100-year history, focusing on environmental education, land stewardship and community building. We use our organic farm, surrounding wilderness and community to 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.

Hidden Villa is committed to creating an environment where all people are welcomed and feel a sense of belonging while here on the farm. This approach opens the door for formative experiences for our campers as they enjoy this beautiful place in nature and build connections with the people and world around them.

Each day campers embark on adventures through the farm and wilderness preserve. They are challenged to try new things and find confidence in their individuality as they strike up friendships with the other youth in their group. Our staff are trained on how to maintain an empathetic and compassionate learning approach while they facilitate thought provoking activities and discussions around social and environmental issues. 

Position Description

Hidden Villa Summer Camp is seeking Community Camp Counselors to work collaboratively under the guidance of the Community Camp Unit Leader to create positive learning opportunities that support Hidden Villa’s Mission through engaging and play based activities. 

Counselors guide our campers on adventures through the farm and wilderness preserve, challenging them to try new things and find confidence in their individuality as they strike up friendships with the other youth in their group. Our counselors are trained on how to maintain an empathetic and compassionate learning approach while they facilitate thought provoking discussions around social and environmental issues.  

A Community Camp Counselor will work on a team to lead groups of campers from 4th – 7th grade and will be placed with age groups that suit their skills and opportunities for growth. This is a residential position where counselors spend their summers camping with our kids under the stars. 

About the Position 

Position Title: Community Camp Counselor 

Reports to: Unit Leader

Exempt/ Non-Exempt: Exempt 

Benefits: $600/per week. ($20/week increase of pay for counselors who are lifeguard or ropes course certified) Outdoor living space & meals provided.

Duration: June 3rd – August 3rd, 2024 (2 paid training weeks; 7 paid camp weeks)

Essential Job Duties

• Ability to communicate and work with campers and provide necessary instruction to keep them safe and engaged in activities. 

• Ability to clearly communicate with peers and supervisor to maintain a positive, collaborative and high functioning team environment. 

• Abilities to observe camper behavior, assess appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior management techniques.

• Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to camp activities.

• Physical ability to safely supervise farm chores and wilderness hikes.

• Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of all campers in your group.

• Be a role model for each camper in your group.

• Design and teach/co-teach age-appropriate activities to groups of campers.

• Collaborate on leading and co-leading morning reflections and evening activities.

• Work with your Unit Leader when there are camper adjustment or discipline challenges.

• Recognize and respond to opportunities for discussion of individual or group problems or concerns.

• Bring a positive attitude and desire to grow and learn as a person

• Provide opportunities for the group so that each individual experiences success during camp.

• Sleep on-site in your assigned program area when camp is in session.

• Participate in scheduling for your program prior to the start of each new session.

• Follow the schedule for your program as written by Directors and Unit Leaders.

• Monitor and interact with campers during meals and all unstructured time.

• Be available in the sleeping area at night to support campers.

• These are not the only duties to be performed. Some duties may be reassigned and others assigned as required

Candidate Qualifications

• High level of patience and empathy 

• Desire and ability to work with children between the ages of 8-13 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 during our staff training

• Ability to teach and/or lead activities related to our camp mission

• At least 18 years of age

• Flexibility and patience

• Ability to responsibly use time-off to recharge and take appropriate self-care 

Physical Requirements

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This job operates in an outdoor setting. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. Camp can be a high energy environment where noise and stimulus can reach overwhelming levels. While performing duties of this job, the employee is required to regularly stand; walk miles at a time on uneven terrain. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Mandated Reporting and Staff Training

Our summer camp staff members are mandated reporters and are required to complete a mandated reporter training.  It is possible that a camper will share information or experiences from their homelife that requires Hidden Villa to file a report with Child Welfare Services. This can be upsetting to some individuals and is our legal and ethical duty to report cases of suspected child abuse.

Summer camp staff training is designed to equip our staff with the skills and tools they need to be effective leaders within our camp. At times staff training will focus on complicated topics such as mental health crises, child abuse, sexual harassment in the workplace, and neurodivergent behavior. While staff can take space when needed, participation in all training sessions is required.

Hidden Villa is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and campers.