Camp Counselor - Summer Camp Programs

Summary

The Animal Welfare League of Arlington is seeking to hire two (2) dependable, hard-working college students or newly graduated high school students for a seasonal position running from June 8, 2026 through August 21, 2026, who are interested in teaching our mission to promote empathy for animals through educational programs.

The Camp Counselor is responsible for leading our summer camp programs through engaging lessons and activities. Working with a variety of ages, daily programs are filled with games, crafts, educational lessons, special speakers, animal encounters, and more.

For the 2026 summer camp season, camps will be filled with 16 campers and run from 9:00 AM–3:00 PM. This position provides opportunities to expand leadership skills, develop group management techniques, strengthen positive communication skills with children, practice strategic planning and organization, and lead educational programs through effective public speaking.

• Employment Type: Seasonal Employee


• Pay Rate: $13 per hour


• Weekly Hours: 30–35 hours per week


• Dates: June 8, 2026 – August 21, 2026
  
  
  
  • One (1) unpaid break: July 19 – July 25, 2026
  
  
  
  


• Number of Positions: Two (2)

Priority Deadline: March 10, 2026
Applications received after this date may be considered if positions remain open. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Plan, coordinate, and implement educational presentation content


• Lead and/or co-lead educational presentations


• Help create and brainstorm ideas for education programming


• Cultivate a safe, fun, and engaging environment


• Facilitate daily art and craft activities


• Move animals to and from kennels


• Ensure participant and animal safety throughout programs


• Set up and break down equipment and activities related to summer camp


• Maintain inventory of education supplies for camp


• Manage camper behavior


• Assist with educational outreach events with the Development Department

Qualifications

Education / Licenses / Certifications

• Current enrollment in an undergraduate program with full-time status (minimum 12 credit hours), returning or starting in Fall 2026, or experience as a camp counselor


• Working toward a degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field is helpful but not required


• Ability to complete Fear Free Certification within two (2) weeks of hire


• Ability to receive clearance through the Department of Justice NSOPW search or other required background clearance

Experience

• Strong public speaking skills with experience presenting to a wide variety of audiences


• Demonstrated ability to engage, inspire, and instruct children


• Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to write clearly and effectively

Key Skills

• Excellent communication, counseling, and interpretation skills


• Ability and desire to work with children from diverse communities


• Comfortable and experienced handling cats, dogs, and small companion animals


• Ability to handle and pick up all types of animals


• Resourceful and creative thinker


• High energy and enthusiasm to make camp sessions and the workplace enjoyable


• Computer literacy, including Zoom, Canva, MS Word, Excel, email, and database systems

Requirements

• Must be 18 years old or older


• Ability to receive clearance through the Department of Justice NSOPW search or other required background clearance


• Availability to work all camp dates and times (30–35 hours per week for 10 weeks), including:
  
  
  
  • Camp Prep Planning: Monday, June 8 – Friday, June 19, 2026
  
  
  • Camp Sessions: Monday, June 22 – Wednesday, August 19, 2026
  
  
  • Camp Cleanup: Thursday, August 20 – Friday, August 21, 2026
  
  
  • One (1) unpaid break: July 19 – July 25, 2026
  
  
  
  

Learn more about AWLA Kids Summer Camp:
https://www.awla.org/programs/youth-programs/camps/

Typical Physical & Mental Demands

Working with animals involves frequent bending, reaching, stooping, kneeling, and extended periods of walking or standing. Strong hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity are required to operate common equipment such as computers, telephones, photocopiers, and other tools used in daily tasks.

Physical strength and dexterity are essential for managing animals on a leash, often while performing other tasks such as opening doors. Candidates must be able to lift and move heavy objects or animals (up to 50 lbs) and engage in active, physical work throughout the day.

Clear hearing and vision are necessary for effective communication with campers, the public, volunteers, staff, and animals. Flexibility and adaptability are critical for managing frequent interruptions and changes in routine. Comfort around a wide variety of animals—including dogs, cats, small companion animals, reptiles, amphibians, and wildlife—is required.

This role also requires emotional intelligence, empathy, and resilience to handle both the rewarding and challenging aspects of working with children and animals. Candidates must maintain composure, demonstrate compassion, and remain focused in a dynamic environment.