Summer Camp Counselor

Who we are

Ethical Culture Fieldston School is a progressive PreK-12 independent school that has been serving students from throughout New York City and the surrounding suburbs since 1878. ECFS offers a rich curriculum in the arts, sciences, and humanities. A co-ed, nonsectarian school, it serves an inclusive community of about 1,700 students on two campuses - one in the Riverdale section of the Bronx and the other in Manhattan.

What is essential about working at our school

The Ethical Culture Fieldston School has a long history of inclusion and belonging deeply rooted in our mission and the educational philosophy of our founder, Felix Adler. We embrace all aspects of an individual, including their ancestry, family, identity, culture, and beliefs. We affirm both our differences and commonalities and strive to balance individuality and community. In keeping with our progressive tradition, we are dedicated to increasing our students’ cultural literacy to help them understand multiple perspectives and see the world beyond the self. 

We expect members of our community to engage in open dialogue about living and learning in an inclusive environment inside and outside the classroom. We see this work, with its creative tensions, as a catalyst for individual and collective growth. On a daily basis, we are committed to making this vision of a democratic, pluralistic, and progressive school a reality. 

Summer at ECFS 
Summer at ECFS is a six-week summer day camp for rising PreK through 8th grade children. Both morning and afternoon sessions specifically cater to each camper’s interests. Each week focuses on a new student-designed theme which encourages campers to build, play, and learn through a unique and engaging lens. Students grow, learn, imagine, and collaborate across disciplines, while building bonds in a joyful, inclusive community.

Position Summary
As a Camp Counselor, you are an active participant in all camp activities with the goal of creating a memorable and meaningful camp experience for our Future Leader campers. Counselors interact with our campers throughout the entire day, helping them make friends, try new things, and generally caring for their well-being. 

The role of a Counselor is to participate, build relationships, and have fun while ensuring every child's physical and emotional safety. Counselors are assigned to a group and specialty area. They create activities and games during downtime and enter a support role for instructors during camp classes. Applicants must demonstrate a strong aptitude in their specialty area and have experience teaching or coaching children.

We are currently seeking  qualified counselors to work Summer at ECFS from  June 20, 2026, to July 31, 2026. All Counselors must also be available to attend the following mandatory training dates: May 31st, June 13th and June 14th.

This is an onsite role, and the hiring range for this position is $18.75-$25 per hour. When determining the rate, ECFS considers factors including, but not limited to:  the scope and responsibilities of the position, internal peer equity, key skills required for the role, the candidate’s work experience, education, and training, as well as market and organizational considerations.

Responsibilities

Specific responsibilities of the Counselor will include:

• Supporting youth development through camp activities;

• Supporting Instructor teachers;

• Effectively developing a positive rapport with participants; 

• Supervising campers during program hours, ensuring camper safety and the development of positive relationships;

• Appropriately addressing student behavioral issues and other challenges that may arise in order to maintain a safe environment and a sense of calm in such situations;

• Motivating campers with effective communication;

• Knowing and adhering to site specific safety standards;

• Maintaining a clean and safe work environment and notifying the supervisor of any hazardous issues;

• Encouraging campers to help support their social and emotional growth; 

• Participating in professional development, including pre-program training;

• The ability to attend staff meetings as assigned;

• Ensuring confidentiality of student information as necessary;

• Maintaining compliance with all school policies, state regulations, and educational standards; and

• Performing other projects, initiatives, and other duties as needed and assigned.

Requirements

Counselors will possess:

• A Bachelor’s Degree or some college level coursework; 

• Previous experience working with Elementary or Middle School age students; 

• Previous experience as a counselor is strongly preferred;

• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills;

• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills;

• The ability to inspire and motivate;

• The ability to manage time effectively, stay organized, and prioritize required tasks; 

• CPR/First Aid Certifications or the ability to obtain one;

• The ability to be a team player with the ability, flexibility and willingness to work with adolescents, staff, and families;

• The ability to be a mentor and a resource to campers, staff, and families and embrace/foster cultural inclusiveness;

• A commitment to cultural competency and to fostering an inclusive environment that supports students of all backgrounds;

• A positive attitude and the ability to listen effectively and be receptive to feedback; 

• Inspire through creativity and be able to bring these talents to the campers;

• Reliability, punctuality, and consistent attendance; and

• The ability to cultivate a welcoming culture in which all members of our community feel valued and appreciated.

To Apply:
All candidates should visit our employment page at www.ecfs.org to apply. Please submit a resume along with an email and phone contact information of three professional references.

EEO
ECFS is an equal opportunity employer. We seek to be a welcoming community of professionals that broadly reflects the people of the metropolitan New York City area, our students, and families. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion or religious practices, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, citizenship status, national origin, age, ability status, military status, unemployment status or any other category protected by applicable local, state, or federal laws. We are committed to hiring practices that ensure all candidates are given fair consideration in alignment with our institutional mission and goals.