I am ever so grateful for my time at IKUS as it shaped my passion and understanding for this population. I would highly recommend working at IKUS to anyone interested in a medical profession! –Kendra, MS, OTR/L, former Camp Counselor.
IKUS’ summer camp, Indian Trails Camp, serves individuals with varying diagnoses. Due to the very diverse population that we serve, Counselors gain valuable experience for their future career. We are proud to have several former staff currently in the medical field including but not limited to, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Doctor, Nurse, Special Education Teacher, Speech Pathologist, Social Work, and Recreational Therapy.
Indian Trails Camp brings adaptive recreation to campers in a safe, barrier-free environment in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Summer campers participate in a wide range of activities while learning perseverance, teamwork, and self-reliance and experiencing empowering fun and friendship. Some activities include swimming, boating, fishing, zip line, climbing wall, music, theater, and sports.
Now seeking enthusiastic, responsible, and caring individuals to join their Summer Camp team! Camp staff receive a wonderful training program, incredible experiences that translate into many different professions, and an opportunity to have fun this summer while making a huge difference!
I could never fully put into words how Indian Trails Camp has impacted my life and shaped my career path. Working with the campers and consumers through ITC has truly been one of the best life experiences I could have ever imagined. I 100% believe working with these individuals is what makes me into the teacher I am today. –Ashley, former Camp Counselor
QUALIFICATIONS:
§ Understanding and staying true to the mission and values of Indian Trails Camp
§ Desire to work with individuals both youth and adults with physical disabilities and mild mental impairments
§ Ability to relate to ones peer group
§ Ability to assist in teaching and assisting one in an activity
§ Ability to accept guidance and supervision
§ Good character, integrity and ability to adapt to camp settings
§ Enthusiasm, sense of humor, patience’s, self-control and team player
§ College student in related field (management, Recreation, Occupational Therapist, Therapeutic Recreation, Phycology, Social Work, Special Education, etc..)
§ High School graduate or equivalent, or at least 18 years of age
§ Experience working with individuals with disabilities is preferred
RESPONSIBLE TO:
§ Camp Director with regards to policies, procedures and job performance.
§ Head Counselor with regards to daily needs and support
§ Program Director with regard to program planning and implementation
EXPECTATION:
§ Function as a cooperative member of the ITC staff
§ Supervision of campers
§ Have a willingness to help out whenever and wherever needed
§ Assist in camp check in and check out
§ Attendance during all meal times and activities
§ Supervise campers during weekend Respite Days
§ Help ensure camper safety all summer long
§ Assist Camp Director, Head Counselors and Program Director in any other assigned duties
§ Commit to working the entire camp season
§ Be on time
§ Attend all necessary meetings and training
§ Provide leadership and guidance to a cabin of no more than 10 campers in cooperation with cabin-mates (3-5 staff per cabin)
§ Participate in general planning of camp program
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITES:
§ To be responsible for all campers and activities at ITC
§ To identify and meet camper needs
§ Interpret health and safety regulations with campers and the Health Center Staff
§ Guide the campers in participation in group, cabin, and all camp activities
§ Assist campers in daily activity area: swimming, boating, arts, ropes and all other camp activities
§ Assist campers at meal times
§ To make sure all health routines are adhered to
§ Care for all physical needs of campers needed assistance. This may include dressing, feeding, toileting, showering etc. this should be done on a daily basis to the BEST of your ability
§ All counselor staff will work directly under the Head Counselor and Camp Director and be responsible for working together as a team
§ Responsible for keeping your cabin and other camp areas clean
§ Attending all weekly meeting with Head Counselor both for day camp and cabin
§ Completing staff evaluations at the beginning, middle and end of the summer season with Head Counselor
§ Assisting in flag raising and lowering
§ Planning good use of “free or rest time”
§ Be aware of physical and emotional limitations of campers
§ Deal with problems or issues as they arise. If problem persists, bring the issue to the attention of your Head Counselor
§ Assisting in incoming and outgoing camp activities
§ Be on time for day camp check in – meet at 8:00am in the lodge
§ Responsible for you day camper during the day and cabin campers when not with day camper
§ Cabin Counselor staff are required to work 2-3 weekend respites each summer season
§ Responsible for any other duties as assigned
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
§ Always being in the right mind set
§ Be present
§ no use of alcohol or drugs while working or while at camp
§ Be on time
§ Be responsible and professional both on and off camp property throughout the summer camp season
§ Always be a team player
§ Bring all questions and concerns to your Head Counselor or Camp Director
EMPLOYMENT DATES:
§ May 24th – May 29th and June 1st – Summer Staff Training
§ June 2nd – August 17th – Summer Camp