The Salvation Army Southern California·El Cajon, California
The Assistant Summer Day Camp Counselor assists in maintaining a safe, educational, and fun environment for children in grades K-5. Responsibilities include supervising activities, monitoring student welfare, and supporting the development of recreational and academic programs.
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
The Assistant Summer Day Camp Counselor is responsible to the El Cajon Corps Youth Programs to assist the Corps Officers in maintaining a safe, educational, and fun Christian environment for participating children in support of the values of Jesus Christ and The Salvation Army. They will assist and support Counselors in various activities. Additionally, they will be a part of the discipleship group aimed at personal spiritual growth and development.
Essential Functions
Ensure the health and safety of students while maintaining a clean and safe work area.
Communicating with students and co-workers.
Assist in creating and developing games, recreational activities and academic activities for children from Kindergarten through the 5th grade.
Supervise students and volunteers in accordance with The Salvation Army policies and procedures.
Help monitor children between different facilities and field trips.
Monitor students as they complete tasks and activities observing strengths and room for improvement.
Maintaining audio/video equipment, books, toys, and furnishings.
Use equipment and systems such as a projector, DVD player, speakers, television, game consoles, and computers.
Serve snacks and clean up after snack time.
Show up on time and be flexible with hours should additional help be needed.
Correct or reprimand students under the guidance of Counselors as soon as possible (in accordance with Day Camp Guidelines) for actions that put health and safety of other students at risk and/or distract others from completing activities or following directions.
Be responsible for the welfare of each individual in the program and do all possible to solve problems
Maintain good morale around the children and parents at all times.
Inform Director, Corps Officers, and/or Business Administrator of any student, co-worker or volunteer problems and document any inappropriate behavior and confidential notices of concern.
Attend trainings as required including but not limited to Protect the Mission – child safety training, CPR certification and The Salvation Army fleet safety training.
Be willing to attend all orientation meetings/classes.
Make every effort to get along with co-workers not causing friction or rifts in staff.
Be willing to help in set up at the start of the week, and clean up/takedown at end of every week and at the conclusion of the summer.
Maintain professional appearance and wear Day Camp Staff Uniform at all times when working.
Other duties as assigned by Director and/or Corps Officers.
Ability to walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, run, jump, and twist on an intermittent and sometimes continuous basis. Maintain the ability to grasp, push, pull objects such as files, file cabinet drawers, reach overhead, and carry program supplies. Maintain the ability to operate a computer, telephone, and similar technologies. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
Candidates must be able to complete child safety training and demonstrate the ability to work well within a high-performing team. The role requires physical stamina to perform tasks such as lifting up to 50 lbs and active engagement with children throughout the day.
Market context
In California, support roles that work with children often draw steady interest because schools and programs need staff who can help maintain safe, inclusive environments. These roles can be competitive when candidates already have CPR, First Aid, and child abuse prevention training, plus experience working with diverse groups of children. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your certifications are current before applying.
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