Summer Extended Care Counselor 2025

As a Summer Extended Care Counselor at Slide Ranch, your primary responsibilities include creating a safe and enjoyably unstructured environment for campers aged 5 to 12 after regular camp hours. You will collaborate with a co-counselor to engage campers in free play activities that enhance their connection with nature and the farm. Additionally, you'll assist with preparation and clean-up duties while maintaining professionalism and a positive atmosphere within the team and among campers.

Candidates for the Summer Extended Care Counselor position at Slide Ranch should be at least 17 years old, possess a positive and collaborative spirit, and have some prior experience working with youth, whether in a camp setting or similar environments. Ideal candidates will be adaptable, enthusiastic, and demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. CPR/First Aid certification by June 9, 2025, is also required.

The work schedule for a Summer Extended Care Counselor at Slide Ranch is Monday to Friday from 2 PM to 5:30 PM. This includes time for preparation and cleanup before and after campers are present. You will also start the position with a full training day on June 9, including safety and group management training, ensuring you are well-prepared for your role throughout the summer.

No, the Summer Extended Care Counselor position at Slide Ranch is non-residential. Applicants must commute daily to the farm, which is conveniently located just 25 minutes north of San Francisco within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

Training for Summer Extended Care Counselors at Slide Ranch includes a full day of orientation on June 9, which covers essential topics like safety protocols and group management strategies. Counselors will learn how to interact with campers of varying ages and how to create an inclusive and engaging environment that fosters learning and connection with nature.

To create a safe environment for campers during extended care, I would begin by establishing clear rules and expectations with the campers, ensuring they understand what is permissible during free-play time. I would also conduct regular headcounts and maintain open lines of communication with my co-counselor, remaining vigilant about any potential risks in our outdoor setting.

To engage campers in unstructured play, I would utilize open-ended questions to spark their imagination and allow them to explore their interests. I would encourage them to lead their own activities while providing necessary guidance and materials for creative endeavors, ensuring they feel empowered and free to express themselves.

In previous roles, I had the opportunity to work with diverse groups of children, which enriched my understanding and approach to inclusivity. I adapted my communication style to cater to different backgrounds and learning preferences, fostering an environment where every child feels valued and engaged.

When handling conflicts between campers, I encourage open dialogue. I would facilitate a discussion where both parties can express their feelings. My goal would be to help them understand each other's perspectives and work together toward a resolution, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and empathy.

To adapt to changing weather conditions, I would always have a contingency plan in mind. If facing inclement weather, I would seek out nearby shelter for indoor activities or initiate games that can be enjoyed in different weather scenarios, ensuring that safety remains a priority while keeping activities engaging.

I feel connected to Slide Ranch's mission because I am passionate about environmental education and believe in shaping the next generation's relationship with nature. It excites me to create transformative experiences outdoors that emphasize the importance of sustainability and healthy living.

My approach to teamwork with a co-counselor is rooted in open communication and collaboration. I believe in regularly discussing our plans, sharing insights on what works well, and keeping each other informed about camper interactions. Supporting each other maximizes our effectiveness and creates a positive environment for the campers.

I would incorporate educational elements into playtime by integrating lessons about local ecology, promoting curiosity about the environment through exploratory games. Activities like nature scavenger hunts could blend fun with learning, enabling campers to discover and appreciate their surroundings actively.

My experience with outdoor teaching includes organizing nature-based lessons that center around hands-on activities. I have led outdoor games that promote teamwork, such as trust-building exercises within a natural setting, enhancing campers' appreciation for both teamwork and nature.

To encourage campers to embrace environmental stewardship, I would create activities that allow them to participate in caring for the environment, such as planting trees or cleaning local parks. Through these experiences, I aim to instill a sense of responsibility and belonging to their natural surroundings.