IDEAL Summer Academy Camp Counselor

Primary Responsibility: 

Summer Academy counselors will work on a team of 6-8 counselors to lead and support approximately 24 campers with intellectual disabilities, ages 17-24 during Summer Academy, May 31- June 4, 2026. May be Federal Work Study eligible.

• Summer Academy is for Accepted Fall 2026 IDEAL students and for prospective students interested in learning more about the program.

Education: 

Counselors must be full-time Lipscomb University students with at least a 3.0 GPA.

Experience:

- Counselors must have a minimum of one semester of volunteer experience as a Peer Mentor with the Lipscomb IDEAL program.

- Experience working as a camp counselor is preferred.

Job-Related Skills:

- High level of comfortability working with individuals with intellectual disabilities

- Ability to problem-solve difficult situations to independently find a solution

- Strong relationship-building skills, especially empathy and patience

- Creative, fun-loving and playful attitude

- Adept at managing stress and diffusing stressful situations

- High level of integrity; values consistent with Lipscomb University’s mission

Start/ End Date:

- Sunday, May 31st – Thursday, June 4th

Duties & Responsibilities:

- Attend a training session with IDEAL staff before the end of the spring semester.

- Arrive on Sunday morning before camp begins and depart once all clean-up has been completed on the last evening.

- Stay overnight in the dorms with campers in a supervisory role.

- Prioritize all Summer Academy responsibilities for the length of the camp week.

- Provide transportation to campers for off-campus outings and excursions.

- Serve as primary leaders/supervisors for all afternoon/ evening activities and in the dorms.

- Monitor and participate in all camp activities, including activities that might be physically demanding. 

- Lead team games and sports and monitor students' free time