Job Title: Pathfinders Camp Counselor 

Compensation: $550.00 per week base rate, 10% increase for Spanish speakers, +$30 a week for climbing site manager

Housing: Yes

Dates of Employment:  May 12th, 2025 or May 19th, 2025 - August 16, 2025

Reporting to: Day Camp Manager

Direct Reports: None

Position Summary

As a Pathfinders Camp Counselor, you'll lead middle schoolers through exciting weekly themes—Rock, Horse, and Water—while guiding them in rock climbing, paddleboarding, rafting, fly fishing, and horse care. You'll create a fun, safe environment where campers build confidence, teamwork, and outdoor skills.

This role is dynamic and hands-on, with most of your time spent leading high-energy adventures and sparking curiosity through environmental science lessons. You'll also manage daily logistics like camper supervision, transportation, and activity setup. From facilitating team-building challenges to driving a 15-passenger van, you'll help make every Pathfinder experience unforgettable!

The wage for this position is $550.00 weekly with a 10% increase for those fluent in English and Spanish.

Key Responsibilities

Teaching & Facilitation

• Supervise up to 13 campers daily and ensure individual needs are met.
• Lead activities in rock climbing, paddleboarding, fly fishing, and horse care.
• Facilitate environmental science, team building, games, and crafts.

Rock Climbing

• Teach climbing safety, belaying, and basic techniques.
• Manage top rope climbing sites and ensure proper gear use.
• Provide hands-on coaching and support for campers of all skill levels.
• Maintain high safety standards and follow risk management policies.

Support & Logistics

• Oversee camper safety, logistics, and risk management.
• Support with the Tuesday day camp sleepover shifts on a rotating basis.
• Assist with meals, setup/cleanup, and student free time.
• Handle check-in/out, take photos, and maintain camp equipment.
• Drive a 15-passenger van (Van Driver Training required)
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

• Ability to work with and create an inclusive environment for diverse campers.
• Experience in risk management for outdoor and environmental education.
• Strong group management skills, especially with youth in outdoor settings.
• Creativity, adaptability, and flexibility in managing children in various situations.
• Outdoor recreation experience (e.g., hiking, camping, backpacking, rock climbing).
• Knowledge of science-based curriculum (e.g., ecology, geology, biology).
• Desire to contribute positively to the KSS community.

Rock Climbing Skills:

• Teach climbing safety, belaying, and basic techniques.
• Manage top rope climbing sites and inspect/maintain climbing gear.
• Tie essential knots and hitches for sport climbing.
• Provide hands-on coaching for campers of all skill levels.
• Lead belay and ensure high safety standards.
• Experience with sport/trad climbing (5.8+), lead climbing (5.9+ preferred).
• Ability to set up/clean top rope climbs and manage institutional climbing.
• Familiarity with rappel safety and basic rescue techniques (e.g., belay transfers).
• Knowledge of KSS climbing crags (preferred but not required).
• Professional climbing certifications (e.g., SPI) are a plus.

Education, Experience and Certifications

• Be over the age of 18 by the start date of employment.
• Preferred - Age 20+ with an excellent driving record and a valid driver’s license.
• Awareness of outdoor climbing safety practices.
• Experience leading youth in outdoor recreation excursions.
• Familiarity with climbing gear (harnesses, helmets, ropes, belay devices, slings, quickdraws).
• SPI or other climbing certifications are a plus.
• 460 hours of experience working with school- age children (verification of hours required).
• Current Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and CPR certifications, from an approved vendor, or the ability to obtain before the first day of employment (KSS does offer an on-site WFA course before staff training in May at the expense of the individual).