Day Camp Group Leader (Summer Camp Counselor)

In 1887, John Ames Mitchell, editor of Life magazine, raised $800 to send 266 children from New York City to the Life Fresh Air Farm in Branchville, Connecticut. Since that first summer, thousands of children and teens have participated in our nature-based summer camp and after-school programs in New York and New Jersey. We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to play, learn, and grow at camp. Trail Blazers is committed to creating diverse, equitable, and inclusive spaces where all children, families, and staff are valued, included, and empowered.

Summary of Position

Spend the summer outdoors!

As a Group Leader, you will be the co-leader of a small camp group and be directly responsible for the care of up to 12 campers each day. You will work with 1 or 2 other Group Leaders to meet your campers needs in an age-appropriate manner, manage group behavior and dynamics, and develop a daily schedule that includes facilitating programming for your group based on the given skill and themes of the week. Each day you will be given time to plan your schedule and review provided games and activities. Trail Blazers’ Program Director and Program Specialists will be available to support your understanding and facilitation of all provided activities. Many camps are planned down to the second and don’t allow time to wander off course, whereas at Trail Blazers we encourage curiosity and desire to explore. Your Site Director and Team Supervisor will support you in group behavior management as well as caring for your campers.

This position requires creativity, flexibility, and working with children in a fully outdoor setting. Trail Blazers Day Camp is based out of Prospect Park and Brooklyn Bridge Park. You will be outside in the park all day, every day, rain or shine. This is a seasonal, full-time, exempt position that runs June - August.

Essential Functions

• Facilitate programming in a small camp group of up to 12 campers
• Lead nature and adventure based activities with your assigned group of children
• Use the resources available at Trail Blazers, the expertise of your fellow staff members, and your own creativity and experience to create exciting, outdoor-based camp activities
• Build relationships with your campers as individuals, and tailor your activities and program schedule to meet their needs and interests
• Approach conflicts in an emotionally responsive manner
• Actively participate in games, crafts, meals, and activities with your group
• Engage in conflict resolution and employ behavior management techniques as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Job Specifications

• Meet age requirement for group leader employment (18+) by June 24, 2026
• At least one year of experience working with children ages 3-10 preferred
• Experience working with children in a group setting preferred
• High levels of enthusiasm, kindness, and patience
• The ability to move safely over uneven terrain, for a duration of 30 minutes
• The ability to work outside in any weather
• The ability to see and respond to dangerous situations
• The ability to run, bend, and change directions while moving
• Willingness to undergo background check requirements

Compensation and Employment Details:

Dates:

New Group Leaders: June 24, 2026 - August 28, 2026
Returning Group Leaders: June 25, 2026 - August 28, 2026

Seasonal salary:

$5,952 for the contract period of June 24, 2026 to August 28, 2026

Final compensation will be prorated if the start or end date changes or if the employee works fewer days than the full contract period, except for approved paid time off.

Locations:

• Prospect Park
• Brooklyn Bridge Park

Group Leader Schedule:

• Main Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
• Aftercare Schedule*:Monday–Friday, 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM. *Aftercare shifts are optional, but group leaders must be willing to work them when required for staffing coverage. These shifts earn additional compensation on top of the total summer pay.
• You must be available for the full group leader main schedule. We are unable to offer part-time, reduced, or flexible schedules, except as required by law for reasonable accommodations.

Trail Blazers is an EEO employer. Applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, ancestry, physical/mental disability, medical condition, military/veteran status, genetic information, marital status, ethnicity, alienage or any other protected classification, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. By completing this application, you are seeking to join a team of hardworking professionals dedicated to consistently delivering outstanding programs and services to our campers and families. Applicants requiring accommodation to complete the application and/or interview process should contact jobs@trailblazers.org.

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary

Pay: $5,952.00 per year

Work Location: In person