Overview of Program
IEA’s one-of-a-kind Yunasa summer camps unite participants with experts in the social and emotional development of highly able youth. Campers explore and grow the intellectual, spiritual, emotional, social, and physical aspects of their lives in a supportive and nurturing setting. Yunasa provides a fun-filled summer camp geared toward the uniqueness of gifted children while having all the enjoyment of a traditional summer sleep-away camp. Yunasa is a weeklong summer camp for highly gifted and neurodiverse youth between the ages of 10 and 16. Yunasa Counselors are aspirational and inquisitive individuals who are looking to develop their personal confidence, build community, and learn new things through exploration and discovery. Campers participate in activities designed to expand their horizons and provide them with opportunities for support and growth.
Job Description
Camp Counselors work collaboratively with Institute for Educational Advancement staff to provide a meaningful, safe, and enriching summer experience for campers. Counselors reside in cabins with campers, provide supervision and guidance, and support campers’ social, emotional, and intellectual needs. They facilitate small-group discussions and daily reflections, lead camp-wide activities, and help foster a supportive and inclusive camp community.
Responsibilities
Camp Counselors will be expected to:
Camper Supervision and Support
- Supervise assigned campers at all times while on duty and remain attentive to the needs and safety of all campers.
- Serve as a primary point of contact for campers experiencing difficulties and provide appropriate guidance and support.
- Maintain order and a safe, supportive environment within camp housing facilities.
- Serve as positive role models through attitude, actions, and interactions with campers.
- Monitor campers’ social and emotional well-being and communicate concerns, behavioral incidents, or other significant issues to Institute for Educational Advancement staff promptly, following established protocols.
- Know, follow, and enforce all camp program safety guidelines, including maintaining awareness of campers’ whereabouts, following emergency procedures, and ensuring compliance with camp appropriate attire.
Program Support and Implementation
- Plan, facilitate, and lead camp activities, including small-group discussions, daily reflections, and whole-camp programming.
- Assist with real-time program adjustments and development to meet the needs of campers and the camp community.
- Assist with camper check-in, travel, and transportation, including following Unaccompanied Minor and other applicable travel protocols.
- Assist with the completion of camper and program evaluations.
Staff Collaboration and Communication
- Work collaboratively with fellow counselors and Institute for Educational Advancement staff to support campers and ensure a positive camp experience.
- Maintain proactive communication with staff regarding camper needs, concerns, and emerging situations.
- Consult regularly with Institute for Educational Advancement staff regarding campers’ social and emotional well-being.
- Communicate personal needs and seek support when necessary to maintain the well-being of campers and the counselor team.
General Camp Responsibilities
- Attend, actively participate in, and complete all required staff trainings.
- Assist with maintaining clean and orderly camp housing facilities, including final-day cleaning and facility checks.
- Undertake other reasonable duties and responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor to ensure quality service and support for campers, families, and the broader camp community.
Qualifications and Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Experience supervising students in a camp, school, or similar youth-serving environment.
- Knowledge of and ability to lead a variety of camp activities, including icebreakers, hiking, water sports, campfire games and songs, team-building activities, and other outdoor recreational activities.
- Ability to work effectively with campers, fellow staff, faculty, and parents.
- Creativity, enthusiasm, and a high level of personal initiative.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with campers, peers, and supervisors.
- Ability to handle all interactions and professional contacts with discretion and professionalism.
- Effective stress management and conflict resolution skills.
- Ability and willingness to support a diverse and unique camper population with varying levels of support needs.
- Flexibility and adaptability when responding to scheduling changes, unexpected circumstances, and individual camper needs.
- Willingness and ability to work extended days while taking appropriate scheduled breaks.
- Ability to perform a variety of physical tasks in varying weather conditions, including prolonged periods of walking and standing, lifting 10–15 pounds, swimming, and other physical activities as required.
Compensation
Camp Counselors have travel expenses covered by IEA, receive full room and board for their time at camp, and are paid a stipend of $800 for experienced Yunasa counselors and $600 for first-year Yunasa counselors upon completion of the camp.
If you are interested in this position, please submit your resume and a cover letter to Yunasa@EducationalAdvacement.org
