Counselor/Activity Specialist - Koinonia Nature Camp, New York

Position Title: Counselor/Activity Specialist - Koinonia Family Camp, New York

WLS Level:  3              Position Code: 

Contract Hours:  As defined by the status form and/or the grade level descriptions

Current Revision Year: 2025

The Work-Learning-Service (WLS) Levels reflect a student’s growth in responsibility, skill, and autonomy within their campus role. WLS 1 is the entry level, assigned to most first-year students or those performing structured, routine tasks under close supervision. WLS 2 introduces more variety and independence. WLS 3 involves skilled work with minimal supervision, independent judgment, and training others. WLS 4 adds supervi sory responsibilities and greater departmental impact. WLS 5, a management-level role requiring 15 hours weekly, is for student managers or highly technical roles, emphasizing leadership, communication, and departmental oversight. WLS 6, the director level, requires students to serve as role models while managing other student leaders or technical staff. WLS UC (Unclassified) applies to major campus leadership positions like SGA President and Student Directors, representing the highest levels of autonomy and responsibility. 

The Labor Program Office reviews all levels and works collaboratively with pathway educators to develop and refine positions that support student learning and departmental needs.

1. WLS Level Justification

Refer to the WLS Level definitions to describe why this level is appropriate for the role. Highlight supervision level, skill requirements, and scope of responsibility.

This position is assigned at a WLS Level 3 due to its skilled duties, variety in responsibilities, and independent judgment. This position works directly with children, providing a safe and engaging environment for independent learning and growth. Students in this position work closely with peers and make independent decisions and judgements about camper safety, autonomy, and creative expression.

II.   Description Of Duties For This Position

Provide a clear and structured summary of responsibilities associated with this position.

1. Plan, lead, and implement camp programs for children in a choice-based environment.
2. Supervise campers and ensure their safety and general well-being.
3. Engage campers in a partner with vs. power over model.
4. Ensure the cleanliness of the site.
5. Assist in maintaining accurate program records, including incident reports, required documentation, and daily attendance.
6. Know, enforce, and follow all safety guidelines associated with the camp program, including knowing the whereabouts of your campers at all times.
7. Other duties as assigned.

            III.    Learning Opportunities For This Position:

List how this position will support student learning through daily responsibilities and intentional reflection. Supervisors are encouraged to reference specific Learning Goals (1–7) and describe how these goals show up in the work.

1. Time Management – Practice prioritizing and completing multiple tasks efficiently. Work independently with peers supervising groups of up to 10 children. Learn to assume responsibility for timely arrival at work site and full preparation for the work day. (Aligned with: Goal 1 and 5)

1. Problem Solving – Address real-time emotional, physical, and behavioral issues using informed decision-making with a compassion-focused lens. (Aligned with: Goal 3)

1. Communication and Customer Service – Represent the organization to the best of their ability and ensure the satisfaction of campers and parents in the program. (Aligned with: Goal 2)

1. Creativity and Innovation – Design new and exciting camp programs on a weekly basis, informed by and including ideas and passions suggested by campers (Aligned with: Goals 1, 2, 6, and 7)

1. Ethics and Confidentiality – Learn to manage sensitive information responsibly, including camper medical and personal information. Learn what is appropriate information to share in a child-centered environment. (Aligned with: Goal 1)

1. Team Collaboration – Develop workplace relationships that emphasize shared goals and peer support. Recognize that work at Koinonia is in service of all members of our community, regardless of race, gender, age, disability, or economic privilege. (Aligned with: Goal 6)

  IV.     Qualifications Needed For This Position

List the baseline skills or attributes a student should have to be successful in this role, while ensuring equity and accessibility.

1. Ability to obtain appropriate certifications to serve in this role at camp (CPR/First Aid)
2. Strategic & creative thinker and planner with a youth centered mindset. 
3. Proven reliability, punctuality, and responsibility.
4. Ability to take an idea from inception to implementation independently.
5. Experience working with groups of others to facilitate the creation of an idea.
6. A deep ability to be patient and interact by asking questions rather than directing and expecting compliance.
7. Ability to explain a complex idea in simple terms.
8. Have a sense of silliness, humor, and wonder.
9. Experience working with children.
10. Willingness to try imaginative, unconventional ideas.
11. An understanding that failure is learning.