Head Counsellor Roles (Leadership Team Role)

The Head Counsellor role is a leadership role at Camp Cooper - you will also be assisting with all aspects of running Camp. It is perfect for anyone that is looking for a new challenge at Camp

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for experienced Camp Counsellors / Youth Workers who are looking for a new role at Summer Camp. The Head Counsellor roles are leadership roles at Camp Cooper - you will be assisting with all aspects of running Camp and responsible for managing the Camp Counsellors.

The Head Counsellors will need to be fantastic role models, leaders and mentors to the counsellors. They need to be able to build strong relationships and teach counsellors key skills to ensure they are great at their roles. 

The role is most suited to people looking for a new challenge or extra responsibility at Camp 

Head Counsellors will manage cabins, counsellors and the pastoral management of the campers. They will assist with the general running of Camp and will oversee the elective programmes at Camp. They will be responsible for managing the electives - ensuring that the electives run smoothly, equipment is organised, curriculum/activities are well prepared and debriefs with the activity counsellors happen every day.

All Leadership Team members must be prepared to step in to fill other positions when needed, step up for needed tasks, and seek out opportunities to add as much magic to camp as possible.

Head Counsellor Key responsibilities

• Managing Camp Counsellors 
• Running Staff Meetings
• Dealing with camper issues - e.g. homesickness, arguments, challenging behaviour
• Scheduling activities
• Helping run large events
• Helping in the office and organising Camp logistics
• Writing and giving staff evaluations
• Helping with all aspects of Camp
• Responsible for the elective activity programme
• Responsible for the curriculum for electives 
• Support the counsellors in the delivery of the elective activities
• Ensure we have equipment in place for electives
• Debrief with activity counsellors
• Ensure electives are safe

Other duties to be assigned as required

About You

Candidates must demonstrate the following skills and characteristics:

Essential:

• Experience working directly with groups of young people aged 7-17
• Have or are willing to obtain a first aid certificate
• Fluent in English
• Ability to be a positive role model for young people
• Ability to lead training sessions 
• Experience working in a fast-paced and demanding environment
• Maturity to be responsible for the care, well-being and safety of young people
• All applicants must successfully pass full background and reference checks

Beneficial:

• Experience of working with young people from a range of nationalities
• Experience working at a summer camp

We've made some exciting changes to our staff packages and roles for summer 2024. Our aim is to have the very best staff team - full of energy, enthusiasm and positive role models and in return a great staff package to underline the value of your role and work.

Wages and Work Schedule

Staff are scheduled to work approximately 11 hrs per day and work schedules will be available a week in advance. Wages are paid via bank transfer and are usually paid in two instalments, one at the end of your first month (August 1) and the other shortly after the end of camp. Underneath are the gross wage amounts before taxes - National Insurance and PAYE deductions (deductions are based upon your current tax codes). The amounts below already include the government accommodation & food deduction allowance of £9.10 per day. Our 2023 Head Counsellors will be paid the following amount for a 7-week role (this includes a 6-night residential staff training period). 

• Head Counsellor £4400

Staff returning for another summer at Camp will receive a £150 bonus. However, this will come with extra responsibilities.

Time Off

We know how important it is to recharge and take care of yourself.  We work hard to give staff as much time off as our programming will allow. Camp Cooper is run on two-week session schedules and staff get 2 full days off during each 2-week session. Staff also get a day off at the end of each 2-week session. We will try to accommodate as many time-off requests as possible and we always accommodate special time-off requests such as for weddings and graduations. 

Staff also get an assigned work schedule of approximately 10 hours per day. When you are not working, this is your own time to do as you please - to chill, exercise, make phone calls home or explore the local area, whether that be a beach walk at Edinburgh or exploring the vast woodlands in Crieff. 

We encourage staff to make the most out of their summer working by going on as many adventures as possible on their time off. We can point you in the right direction regarding places to explore or adventures to be had in the local area.

Dates

Summer Contract Dates (For Crieff and Edinburgh)

Start Date: Friday June 21, 2024. Arrival time 2pm

End Date: Saturday August 10, 2024. Departure time 4pm 

These dates include our mandatory staff training period

Unfortunately, we are unable to hire Head Counsellors staff who are unable to start on Friday, June 21 for staff training. 

Professional Development

From the interview process to staff training, all the way to end-of-session feedback, the skills you learn while working at Camp Cooper are invaluable. Staff not only learn how to work with children in a professional capacity, but also increase their communication, time management, organisation, and conflict resolution skills. 

We are also happy to write references and letters of recommendation upon request.

Good Food

We provide three meals a day, seven days a week for our staff, and we are able to accommodate most food allergies and vegetarian diets. Our food is home-cooked with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. We pride ourselves on having healthy, nutritious, and delicious food for our campers and staff.

A Place to Live

Don’t worry about having to pay rent this summer! All staff are provided with a clean, comfortable room to sleep in while they are employed. Rooms, more often referred to as cabins are usually made up of 3 to 6 counsellors. We, unfortunately, cannot accommodate couples sharing accommodation or guarantee anyone having their own room.

Staff Training 

Our 6-day intensive staff training week is a critical part of Camp Cooper. We set the tone for the summer and learn how to create a fun and positive atmosphere, how to run creative activities and how to ensure the campers are safe.

Our staff training is being held at Ardmay House surrounded by the beautiful wilds of Scotland. Staff from both Edinburgh and Crieff will come together for an epic training week

Staff training is fully residential and by the end of the staff training period, staff will have made firm friends with each other and will be confident in being an EPIC Camp Cooper Counsellor.

 Apply Now for Summer 2024