Helen Keller Services·Hempstead, New York
Support the social-emotional development of children who are blind or visually impaired through active engagement in sports, arts, and field trips. Responsibilities include monitoring campers, fostering independent living skills, and potentially leading specific activities or managing other staff members.
Helen Keller Services for the blind has the perfect summer job Opportunity!
Camp Helen Keller is looking for the 2026 season Camp Counselors, Head Counselors and Activity Leaders!
Make memories of a lifetime working in a rewarding and exiting environment with children at our LI Summer Camp
$18- 25 per Hour.
Since 1893, Helen Keller Services (HKS) has been committed to improve the lives of individual who are blind, visually impaired or have combined hearing and vision loss. HKS serves the New York City/Long Island area from its new headquarters in dynamic downtown Brooklyn and the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youth and Adults of Sands Point, New York, which has a network of regional offices that extends HKS’ reach across the United States.
Camp Helen Keller is run by Helen Keller Services for the Blind and is a Day Camp program for children ages 4-16 who are blind or have low vision.
Our Long Island Summer camp will be located in Long Island University, LIU post in Greenvale. Our camp runs from July 6, 2026, to August 7, 2026. Camp staff must be available for mandatory orientation on July 1st and 2nd, and Monday-Friday, 8:30am-3pm, from July 6th-August 7th.
Counselors are expected to utilize the training received at orientation to support the social-emotional development of the children enrolled in the program. This includes not only monitoring the campers, but being constantly actively engaged in the activities and events, including but not limited to outdoor sports, swimming, music & dance, arts & crafts, technology, and various field trips. In addition, staff members are expected to encourage campers to master independent living skills, based on their individual needs and abilities.
The head counselor is responsible for the same expectations as the counselor, as described above. In addition, they are responsible for 3-4 staff members assigned to their group, monitoring the group as a whole, and maintaining a safe and comfortable environment for campers.
Activity leaders is responsible for the same expectations as the counselor, as described above. In addition, the activity leader will be responsible for planning and leading one of our daily activities: sports, music, dance, arts & crafts, and technology.
The camp counselor, head counselor, and activity leader in this position may be expected to work Monday through Friday, various hours based on busing needs for the Helen Keller Camp program. They are expected to be responsible, flexible, and dependable.
They are also exposed on a regular basis to individuals who have varying degrees of intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, as well as physical disabilities.
REQUIRED EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
College students seeking degrees in education, child development, social work, or a related field.
High School juniors and seniors may be considered. Preferred prior experience working with children and/or adolescents.
Certificates, licenses, registrations
High School or college diploma
The Camp Counselor in this position requires an active level of physical engagement to support campers in a variety of settings. Counselors must be able to:
Participate in and lead recreational activities including outdoor sports, dancing, and field trips for extended periods of time.
Remain alert and attentive in both indoor and outdoor environments, including while standing, walking, or moving for prolonged periods.
Assist campers with mobility as needed, which may include helping individuals walk, transfer, or reposition.
Lift, carry, or support up to approximately 25–50 pounds, when necessary, in accordance with training and safety guidelines.
Work in a variety of weather conditions, including heat, humidity, and light rain.
Candidates should be college students in education, child development, or social work, though high school juniors and seniors may be considered. Prior experience working with children or adolescents is preferred.
Market context
In New York, camp counselor roles often draw candidates with child-focused experience because programs need staff who can supervise groups, support routines, and respond to behavior or safety needs. This role is competitive because the stated requirements favor a bachelor’s degree plus child experience, or a master-prepared clinician background, so applicants should match their education and experience closely. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save time, then tailor your application to highlight direct work with children and childhood education experience.