Friendship Coach

Step into a meaningful leadership role where you help every camper find their voice, build lasting connections, and feel a true sense of belonging at Willow Lake Day Camp. As our Friendship Coach, you will partner closely with Unit Leaders and group counselors to proactively support camper social dynamics and resolve peer conflicts with empathy. You will champion inclusive play, model positive communication, and provide hands-on coaching for campers navigating first-time transitions or friendship challenges. This position offers an exceptional real-world foundation for aspiring educators, counselors, social workers, and child psychologists looking to elevate their practical youth mentorship skills. Spend your summer outdoors making an indelible impact on kids' lives while gaining resume-defining leadership experience within a collaborative staff community.

- **Active Leadership Team Engagement:** Demonstrate dedication as an active member of the Willow Lake Leadership Team by participating in all off-season meetings, pre-camp orientations, and leadership development trainings.- **Daily Collaboration & Leadership Meetings:** Maintain an active daily schedule from 8:00 AM to 4:15 PM, participating in essential morning and afternoon leadership meetings with Directors and Unit Leaders to review group dynamics, address social-emotional trends, and coordinate proactive support across camp.- **Coach & Empower Camp Staff:** Partner directly with group counselors and Unit Leaders across all divisions, equipping staff with real-time coaching tools, de-escalation strategies, and practical techniques to cultivate positive, inclusive bunk environments.- **Mentor Counselors in Peer Mediation:** Work side-by-side with counselors across our 35-acre campus, modeling empathetic listening, constructive problem-solving, and restorative communication rooted in our DREAM BIG core values.- **Champion Inclusion & Camper Belonging:** Proactively observe daily bunk and group interactions to identify campers seeking extra social connection, ensuring every child feels welcomed, heard, and empowered to be their authentic self.- **Guide First-Time Transitions & Social Dynamics:** Provide individualized check-ins and encouraging mentorship for campers navigating friendship hurdles or adjusting to the fast-paced camp environment, helping them build lasting peer relationships.

- Experience working with children in camp, school, youth group, childcare, or coaching settings.- Background in peer mediation, mentoring, education, psychology, social work, or related human development fields is a plus.- Demonstrated ability to connect authentically with kids ages 3 to 15 and help them navigate social dynamics.- Experience working collaboratively within a team-oriented environment.

- Warm, approachable, and enthusiastic personality with high emotional intelligence and active listening skills.- Strong problem-solving abilities and a proactive mindset when identifying social and emotional needs.- Passion for youth mentorship, character development, and empowering campers to be their authentic selves.- Reliable team player who communicates clearly and respectfully with staff and camp leaders.- Must be available for the full 8-week camp season and attend all pre-camp staff orientation sessions.

- **Bachelor’s Degree Required:** A completed bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, Child Development, Education, or a related field.- **Advanced Credentials Preferred:** Master’s degree (completed or in progress) or professional certification/licensure in School Counseling, Child Psychology, Clinical Social Work (MSW/LCSW), or Mental Health Counseling (LPC/LAC).- **Professional Background:** Experience working as a practicing school counselor, child psychologist, pediatric therapist, or social-emotional learning specialist with children ages 3–15.

- Ability to navigate our 35-acre outdoor campus on foot in various summer weather conditions.- Active participation alongside campers during outdoor games, team-building exercises, and camp-wide events.- Stamina to maintain high energy, alertness, and engagement throughout the camp day (8:30 AM to 4:30 PM).

- **Career-Launching Experience:** Build tangible leadership, mediation, and behavioral support credentials that stand out on resumes for education, psychology, and counseling programs.- **All-Inclusive Camp Perks:** Daily hot and cold lunch provided and the opportunity for your child(ren) to attend at discounted tuition.- **Hands-On Mentorship:** Work directly alongside experienced educators, directors, and child development professionals in a supportive learning environment.- **No Weekend or Evening Shifts:** Enjoy a consistent Monday through Friday schedule that keeps your summer weekends completely free.- **Lifelong Community:** Join the tight-knit Willow Lake staff family and create lasting friendships with passionate, like-minded peers.

Willow Lake Day Camp is a premier family-owned day camp in northwest New Jersey serving children ages 3 through 15 across 35 shaded, scenic acres. We provide a dynamic blend of sports, creative arts, outdoor adventure, and comprehensive aquatics in an environment dedicated to safety, character development, and inclusive fun. Our team is committed to empowering campers and staff alike to dream big, build genuine friendships, and reach their full potential every summer.

Willow Lake Day Camp is situated on a picturesque 35-acre campus on the north shore of Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey. The property features expansive sports fields, heated pool complexes, creative art pavilions, outdoor adventure challenge courses, and private lakefront areas.