Activities Camp Counselor - Multiple Specialties

Activities Counselor (Arts, Athletics, Nature, Archery & More)

Location:

Bahama, NC |

Pay:

$14-$16/hour depending on specialty and lead responsibilities |

Type:

Seasonal, full-time summer

Schedule:

June 8, 2026 to August 7, 2026. Mon-Thu 8:45am-4:15pm; Fri 8:45am-4:30pm, with some evenings, a possible sleepover, and a few extra training hours.

ABOUT CAMP RIVERLEA

Camp Riverlea is more than a summer job. For over 56 years, Riverlea has been a place where children, teens, and staff grow, belong, and build friendships that last far beyond camp. Tucked into 90 beautiful acres in Northern Durham County, North Carolina, Riverlea is known for its rich traditions, imaginative Hobbit-inspired spirit, and strong sense of community. Many staff leave with lifelong friendships, stronger leadership skills, and the kind of growth that stays with them long after summer ends.

WHO THIS ROLE IS FOR

This role is for people who love teaching a specialty and bringing energy to a group. You are not just running an activity - you are helping campers discover confidence, skill, creativity, and joy.

SPECIALITIES WE REGULARLY HIRE FOR

Arts & Crafts:

Lead hands-on art projects, manage supplies, help campers complete take-home creations, and keep the space organized and welcoming.

Athletics:

Teach movement, games, and sports skills with a focus on teamwork, sportsmanship, hydration, and keeping kids active and engaged.

Nature:

Guide campers through outdoor exploration, nature appreciation, and survival-style lessons like observation, shelter, fire, and ecosystem awareness.

Agriculture:

Use the garden, orchard, chickens, compost, and food-growing spaces to teach stewardship, nutrition, gardening, and responsibility.

Performances:

Teach camp songs and help camper groups create skits, plays, dances, or performances that build confidence, creativity, and connection.

Archery:

Teach archery safety and skills, keep the range orderly and well supervised, and help campers grow through patience, practice, and progress tracking.

Tennis/Golf:

Teach beginner-friendly tennis and golf skills in a way that keeps campers moving, practicing, and having fun rather than standing around. Initiatives /

Low Ropes:

Facilitate team-building games and challenge activities that stretch comfort zones, build trust, and help campers reflect on what they learned. Teach older campers how to use the low ropes course.

WHY THIS IS A GEM-IN-THE-ROUGH OPPORTUNITY

Spend the summer teaching a specialty instead of working a generic seasonal job. Bring creativity, outdoor adventure, music, art, sports, or challenge-based learning to life for kids. Join a camp known for imagination, strong community, and memorable traditions.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

Lead developmentally appropriate activity blocks that are engaging, safe, and well-paced. Create and adjust lesson plans, including rainy-day backups where needed. Keep program areas organized and communicate supply or maintenance needs quickly. Guide support counselors so every adult in your block has a meaningful role. Contribute to special events, assemblies, take-home projects, performances, or showcases depending on specialty.

YOU WILL LIKELY THRIVE HERE IF

You can lead a group with both creativity and structure. You like planning ahead but can still adapt in the moment. You enjoy working outdoors and staying active. You can make learning feel fun without losing control of the group.

THIS ROLE IS PROBABLY NOT FOR YOU IF

You prefer repetitive work and do not enjoy planning. You struggle to keep kids engaged without raising your voice. You want to do your specialty without helping with the broader needs of camp. You resist feedback or follow-through.

REQUIREMENTS

Minimum age 16 for many specialties. Some specialties require specific certifications or documented recent experience. Lead or supervisor specialty roles are generally 18+ and may require CPR/First Aid or supervisor training. For roles with required certifications, Camp Riverlea can provide trainings. Applicants should clearly state which specialties they can confidently lead and which certifications they currently hold.

Pay:

$14.00 - $16.00 per hour

Work Location:

In person