Outpost Counselor

Classification: Seasonal-Summer
Location: Glisson’s Outpost Program
Reports to: Outpost & Sparrowwood Program Director

Minimal Qualifications:

  • Active Christian faith
  • Passion for coaching children/youth and building Christian community
  • Passion for the outdoors and a desire to instill that admiration in others
  • Willingness to support the theological doctrines and practices of the United Methodist Church
  • At least one year of college (or equivalent) completed
  • A background check will be conducted for this position
  • Ability and willingness to:
    • practice servant leadership while working collaboratively within a team
    • facilitate harmonious relationships and interactions between campers and fellow staff members
    • perform in potentially strenuous physical activities (hiking, lifting gear, kayaking, etc.)
    • give and receive constructive feedback
    • solve problems creatively in fast-paced and at times high-stress environments
    • learn, perform, and teach outdoor skills and activities

General and Specific Responsibilities: 

  • Ensure Camper Supervision
    • Partnering with a co-counselor, maintain supervision of and responsibility for up to twelve campers each week
    • Collaborate with a co-counselor to plan and lead activities that are differentiated for your campers each week
    • Oversee camper safety and well-being
    • Tend to camper’s individual needs and health issues
    • Guide an overnight campout and/or multiple night adventure trips
      • Lead trip specific activities including climbing, kayaking, backpacking, etc.
      • Teach trip specific skills including fire building, shelter making, cooking and safety, water filtration, etc.
      • Maintain responsibility for camper health and well being through teaching backcountry hygiene, first aid support, and medication administration (specific training and supervision required)
      • Assist our media team in collecting photos and videos of camp experiences, and maintaining media gear
      • Facilitate opportunities for campers’ spiritual exploration through daily devotionals, diverse worship experiences, and faith-focused camper activities and debriefs
  • Uphold Outpost Philosophy
    • Regard safety as the first priority and most important consideration in every circumstance
    • Emphasize intentionality in spiritual growth and development
    • Practice and teach small group camping as detailed in staff training
    • Ensure adherence to the Outpost Skills Progression
  • Participate in Staff Training
    • Wilderness First Aid
    • Lifeguard Certification
    • ServSafe Food Handler Certification
    • Trip skills: hiking, kayaking, climbing, mountain biking , backpacking, etc.
    • Trip logistics: schedules, safety, camper trip orientation, etc.
    • Community development (team building)
    • Outdoor skills: knot tying, fire making, etc.
    • “Leave No Trace” principles
  • Maintain Missional Focus
    • Incorporate provided curriculum throughout daily activities and routines
    • Plan and debrief activities to reflect the Gospel and develop character
    • Coordinate morning devotionals and worship experiences with living group