Opportunity:
The Sr. Wrangler, also known as the Camper Care Team Lead position, serves as the middle management element of a trained team that ensures the wellbeing of participants at summer camp. Camper Care Leads are directly responsible for one cabin and the responsibilities include modeling and teaching counselors in the field, crisis response and de-briefing, managing staff conflict resolution, and conducting cabin staff evaluation. In addition, the cabin head is expected to fulfill all the responsibilities of a cabin counselor which include supervising campers at all activities, overseeing good nutrition and personal hygiene practices, modeling collaborative problem solving and demonstrating positive behavior in social situations. Cabin heads must be available and willing to step into situations on request and be a positive and constructive part of an integrated team for the duration of the contract.
Reporting to: Unit Leaders
Direct Reports: None
Position Type: Contract, Seasonal
Length of Contract: 2.5 months (June 8, 2025- August 29, 2025)
Number of Positions Available: 6
Specific Duties include but are not limited to:
Cabin Management:
- Modeling and teaching cabin staff by ensuring that implementation of staff training is being carried out competently.
- Engagement in crisis response and de-briefing with the objective of providing staff with experience and constructive suggestions to effectively and safely help campers.
- Facilitating staff conflict resolution through collaborative problem solving, improving team communications and enhancing counselors’ understanding of each member’s learning and operating styles.
- Communication with both Senior Staff members and cabin staff regarding camper goals and plans.
- Working alongside the Unit leaders to lead weekly cabin meetings, covering staff expectations, campers’ expectations, reviewing camper care plans, and addressing any cabin issues as deemed appropriate.
- For camper care related matters the Camper Care Team Leads will provide direction to the Rangers (Activity Specialists) assigned to their cabin.
Camper Care:
- Facilitate and assist campers in having a safe, fun and enjoyable session: Camp Counsellors (“Wranglers”) are the Zajac Ranch for Children cabin counsellors and are responsible for the constant supervision and overall health and safety of a group of children with special medical needs.
- Serve as a role model in providing support by helping campers to stay motivated and have fun throughout their stay, they are knowledgeable and aware of any medical issues in the group and provide support to those who request assistance.
- Attend and participate in regular staff meetings.
- Ensure that campers are fully prepared and ready for each activity (i.e., dressed appropriately and have the correct equipment for the activity), they lead campers safely to and from activities while providing constant encouragement and positive reinforcement and they provide supervision and assistance in all aspects of the camper’s daily routine, including but not limited to meals, cabin clean-up, camper hygiene, rest hour, scheduled medication times, behavior management.
- Work with other counselors to create a cabin team that will best meet the needs of campers, assist in all camp programs with assigned staff (i.e. evening programs, campfires, theme days, etc.) assist campers in having a safe, fun, and enjoyable session.
- Managing a cabin’s welfare, safety and security by promoting a safe environment and responding to crisis using trained Non-Violent Crisis Intervention techniques.
- Using collaborative problem solving and negotiation to maximize a camper’s engagement with the program.
- During the hour in which something is planned, counselors should be actively attempting to get their camper to the activity.
- Example: Bob and his camper Rick are having a lot of trouble getting to baking. Bob pushed hard for Rick to attend for 15 minutes. He decides that the pushing isn’t working, and so engages him in something else for 5 minutes. When that activity reaches a positive place, Bob uses the excitement and momentum to push Rick again to attend Baking. Repeat until the hour is complete and then attend the next activity.
- Counselors will provide support to Rangers (Activity Specialists) whenever they can, to either run an activity, help set up and activity or help clean up an activity, coverage permitting.
Required Qualifications
- Standard First Aid
- CPR
- Ability to pass criminal reference check with vulnerable sector screening
Joining our team as a Sr. Wrangler (Camper Care Team Lead) offers the opportunity for professional growth, competitive compensation, and a dynamic work environment. If you have the skills and experience required for this role, we invite you to apply today.
How to Apply:
Interested parties should submit a letter of intent along with an updated resume by following the link below. Only applicants that meet the requirements will be contacted. No phone calls please.
Zajac Ranch for Children is an equal opportunity employer. If you require accommodation at any point in the application process, please contact us and we will do our best to accommodate your needs. We thank all interested parties however only those invited for an interview will be contacted.