Teen Leadership (CIT/LIT) 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

The leaders of the Counselors in Training (CIT) and Leaders in Training (LIT) programs get the unique opportunity to mentor and guide upper high school students as they take steps to prepare themselves for the world after high school. These leadership programs are designed to equip campers with leadership skills that they can begin using right away at camp, at home and in their schools. Our CIT & LIT leaders are responsible for designing and delivering high quality programs as well as being open to letting the campers steer the conversations and experiences. As these young people develop more independence and autonomy within our community, they put the pieces together to be exceptional leaders. 

About the Position

Position Title: CIT and LIT Group Leaders

Reports to: Unit Leader

Exempt/ Non-Exempt: Exempt 

Benefits: $650/per week. Outdoor Living space & meals provided.

Duration: June 2nd – August 2nd, 2025 (Paid staff training June 2nd – June 13th)

Essential Job Duties

• Ensure the health, safety and well-being of all campers in your camp.
• Conduct written and oral evaluations of Leaders in Training and Counselors in Training program participants.
• Attend and be an active leader in All Staff Training.
• Work as a mentor in the LIT and CIT programs, teaching teens to work with children as well as leadership & life skills.
• Create a fun and exciting camp experience for teens in your charge
• Recognize and respond to opportunities for problem solving in the group
• Work with Co-Leader and Unit Leader when camper challenges arise or behavior adjustments are needed
• Act as a role model among other staff members, demonstrating a high level of professionalism at all times
• These are not the only duties to be performed. Some duties may be reassigned and others assigned as required
• Ability to train and supervise staff and teens, and assess ability and skill levels appropriate to lead activities.
• Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to camp activities.
• Ability to live onsite in a community with little privacy.

Candidate Qualifications

• Current CPR, First Aid, and CA Food Handler certifications; or willing to obtain
• Ability to develop and teach workshops for teen program participants
• Ability and experience in supervising youth programs
• Ability to coach and give feedback to a diverse group of teen campers
• Excellent communication skills
• Desire and ability to work with teens in an outdoor setting
• Strong interest in developing camp programs focused on social justice, environmental stewardship and living a sustainable life style
• Flexibility and patience
• Ability to utilize youth work appropriate self-care techniques
• Desire to learn and grow
• At least 21 years of age

Physical Requirements

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.