Summer Camp Counselor

The Henry Ford is a nonprofit organization, an internationally recognized cultural destination, and a one-of-a-kind workplace. The Henry Ford provides unique educational experiences based on authentic objects, stories, and lives from America's traditions of ingenuity, resourcefulness and innovation. Our purpose is to inspire people to learn from these traditions to help shape a better future. Our team is inspired daily by one another as well as the authentic stories of innovation that we share across our four venues. We want you to be part of this legacy and take it forward and that aligns with our core values of being Welcoming, Curious, Authentic, and Passionate.

Counselors are responsible for delivering high‑quality, fun, educational, and safe camp experiences for campers ages 6–13. Counselors facilitate pre‑designed weekly programming, support camper wellbeing, and contribute to a positive camp culture aligned with The Henry Ford's mission and Model i learning framework. 

This position now includes two staffing pathways assigned during hiring based on candidate availability, experience, and program needs: Counselor and Counselor Flex. 

Pathway Assignment: Pathways are determined by the hiring team and included in the official job offer. Candidates may indicate interest, but final placement depends on availability, experience, staffing levels, and operational needs. 

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Facilitate safe, engaging, and educational programming aligned with THF's learning philosophy. 
• Ensure the safety and wellbeing of all campers by knowing and applying all camp policies and emergency procedures. 
• Maintain accurate records, including daily attendance and incident documentation. 
• Support maintenance of camp spaces, supplies, and daily flow. 
• Communicate effectively and professionally with campers, families, and colleagues. 
• Uphold The Henry Ford and Learning & Engagement guidelines in program delivery. 
• Perform other duties as assigned

Counselor Pathway 

Counselors are assigned to one camp level for the entire season. They deliver a consistent, relationship‑based experience for a group of 16 campers and collaborate closely with their assigned Lead Counselor. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Facilitate pre‑designed camp curriculum, daily experiences, and activities. 
• Build strong rapport with campers and contribute to a positive group culture. 
• Maintain accurate program records including attendance and incident reports. 
• Assist with maintaining camp supplies, program spaces, and daily schedules. 
• Support arrival, lunch, transitions, and dismissal routines. 
• Collaborate directly with the Lead Counselor assigned to their level. 

Scheduling

•  Assigned to one camp level for the full season. 
• Option of morning or afternoon shift.

Scheduling requirements:  

• Must be available for the following dates: 
• Invention Convention US Nationals: June 3 – 5, 2026 
• One shift required 
  • Staff Training: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. 
  • Saturday, June 6, 2026 
    • June 15 – 19, 2026 
    • Week A: June 22 – 26, 2026 
    • Week B: July 6 – 10, 2026 
    • Week C: July 13 – 17, 2026 
    • Week D: July 20 – 24, 2026 
    • Week E: July 27 – 31, 2026 
    • Camp Wrap-up: August 3 – 4, 2026 

Counselor Flex Pathway 

Counselor Flex staff perform the same essential job functions as Counselors but serve in a full day, highly adaptive role that supports Extended Care and operational needs across all camp levels. This pathway is ideal for staff who thrive in variety, problem solving, and camp wide support day solving, and camp wide support. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Lead and supervise Extended Care programming before and after camp 
• Provide operational and programmatic support across all camp levels as needed 
• Assist with activity facilitation, rotations, setup/reset of program spaces, and camper support 
• Offer one-on-one or small group support for campers who need additional assistance 
• Support arrival/dismissal, lunch coverage, and transitions 
• Work closely with Camp Supervisors to anticipate and respond to daily staffing and camper support needs 

Scheduling

•  Full day role, with flexibility to start as early as 6:30 a.m. and end as late as 6:30 p.m., depending on Extended Care enrollment and staffing needs. 
• Schedule varies day-to-day based on operational priorities. 

Scheduling requirements:  

• Must be available for the following dates: 
• Invention Convention US Nationals: June 3 – 5, 2026 
• One shift required 
  • Staff Training: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. 
  • Saturday, June 6, 2026 
    • June 15 – 19, 2026 
    • Week A: June 22 – 26, 2026 
    • Week B: July 6 – 10, 2026 
    • Week C: July 13 – 17, 2026 
    • Week D: July 20 – 24, 2026 
    • Week E: July 27 – 31, 2026 
    • Camp Wrap-up: August 3 – 4, 2026

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

• Must be at least 18 years of age.  
• Some college preferred in the fields of education, science, history, or other related field.   

SPECIAL SKILLS 

• Collaborative team player committed to building a positive camp environment 
• Passionate about working with and supporting youth 
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to guide and develop counselors 
• Confident supervising large groups of children in structured and unstructured settings 
• Self-directed professional who thrives with minimal supervision 
• Creative problem-solver who adapts quickly to dynamic camp needs 
• Highly organized multi-tasker able to manage competing priorities effectively 

Please note that this job description is subject to modifications at any time to meet the evolving requirements of our institution.

Respect, inclusion, and opportunity for people of all backgrounds will attract the best ideas to THF and help us shape a more vibrant future. By honoring and celebrating people's diversity, THF can bring new creativity, effectiveness, and leadership to our work and community. Achieving diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility is a continuous process, which, we believe, will contribute to a sustainable and inclusive world. Therefore, we strongly encourage applications from individuals who identify with or belong to marginalized communities.

It is the policy of The Henry Ford to prohibit discrimination in any employment, donor or volunteering opportunity including but not limited to based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, genetic information, pregnancy, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, physical/mental disability or any other such characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. This Policy applies to all of our employees, donors and volunteers to ensure that they are treated without discrimination.