We are so glad you want to be a counselor at Pride Camp this summer!
Counselors are not just leaders for campers, but serve as role models for LGBTQ and allied youth. As a counselor, you will make a real impact this summer by bringing your passion and energy to Pride Camp. Counselors gain valuable leadership training and skills through hands-on participation under the supervision of camp staff. Providing campers with a quality camp program means having a highly skilled staff who bring with them their warmth and enthusiasm for working with students. We are looking for a diverse group of counselors who share the common goal of providing the best camp experience possible to LGBTQ and allied youth. If you have lots of energy, enjoy both group and one-to-one interaction with campers, and have worked with youth before, this could be the role for you!
Pride Camp counselors will understand and implement the following values for the duration of camp:
LEAD BY EXAMPLE
Behave with empathy and integrity. We are all leaders.
OWN IT/ENCOURAGE IT
The results we produce reflect who we are. Take pride in being a counselor and the activities you participate in throughout the day. Encourage the campers you work with to be engaged in every aspect of Pride Camp.
GIVE JOY
Laugh. Be positive and help campers feel affirmed and safe in their identity. That’s what Pride Camp is all about!
Who is Eligible to Be a Counselor?
Counselors are not just leaders for campers, but serve as role models for LGBTQ and allied youth. As a counselor, you will make a real impact this summer by bringing your passion and energy to Pride Camp. Counselors gain valuable leadership training and skills through hands-on participation under the supervision of camp staff. If you have lots of energy, enjoy both group and one-to-one interaction with campers, and have worked with youth before, this could be the role for you!
Qualifications An ideal candidate will have the following experience and qualifications:
- Be ages 19-24
- Be currently enrolled in or have recently graduated from a post-secondary educational program
- Knowledge and understanding of culturally specific needs of LGBTQ youth
- Support the mission of Iowa Safe Schools
- Proven ability to develop collaborative relationships
- Passion about supporting a marginalized population including trans* and LGBTQ youth of color
Personal Qualities An ideal candidate will be:
- Committed to social justice and enthusiastic about Iowa Safe Schools’ mission and programs
- Mature and demonstrate leadership skills, common sense, and good judgement
- Enthusiastic about working to ensure that all campers are comfortable, safe and included
- Well-organized, able to multi-task, and able to adapt to fast paced environments
- Flexible and able to function independently and as a member of a team
- Able to demonstrate a genuine interest in camper safety and well being
- Able to accept guidance and supervision from staff
As a Pride Camp counselor, you will…
- Supervise, guide, and provide support to up to 10 campers
- Promote health and safety of every attendee
- Work collaboratively to deliver an interactive program and to create an inclusive community
- Serve as a positive mentor, leader, and role model
- Collaborate, mediate, and intervene with camper issues
- Adhere to and ensure that all camp expectations and procedures are consistently followed
- Support activity leaders during track sessions, and other areas as directed
- Work collaboratively to deliver an interactive program and to create an inclusive community
- Participate in all camp activities with enthusiasm!
- Know where campers are at all times
- Attend mandatory counselor training July 11-12, as well as the entirety of Pride Camp (July 13-17, 2022)
- Problem solve through situations and seek assistance when necessary
- Be organized and punctual
- Other duties as assigned
What is the process of becoming a counselor?
- Fill out the application using the button below, then email it to luke@iowasafeschools.org
- Once your application is submitted, the application review committee will reach out if your application passes an initial screening
- All applications and supplemental materials must be completed and submitted by May 22, 2022
Please Note
All camp staff must complete an application, return a completed release packet and pass a criminal history check. Counselors must attend the mandatory counselor training as well as the entirety of Pride Camp (July 12-16, 2022).