Work at Camp
AuSM Camp positions for 2024 will be announced soon.
Become an AuSM Camp Counselor
Working at AuSM Summer Camps is a unique opportunity for students, para-professionals, teachers, service providers, siblings, friends, and relatives who want to support this amazing community. As an AuSM camp counselor, you will make a difference and have the chance to:
- Get valuable hands-on experience using structure, environmental supports, social stories, and individual communication systems.
- Apply to work any number of sessions you desire.
- Do it! As a camp counselor, you not only gain personal experience, you touch the lives of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder by providing a unique camp experience.
Questions about working at camp can be directed to AuSM at camp@ausm.org or by calling 651.647.1083.
Camp Counselor Job Description
AuSM Camp Counselors are hired to supervise campers with autism to
1) keep them safe, and
2) to make sure that they are having a great time at camp.
AuSM Camp Counselors are not responsible for designing camp activities, but rather offer direct support to campers as they participate in fun camp activities like swimming, boating, arts and crafts, archery, horseback riding, biking, fishing, and more. Counselors also help campers with activities of daily living from the time they wake up until the time they tuck in for bed.
Each camp session serves campers of a specific age range and at an established threshold for support needs. Camp counselors are matched to campers and groups according to experience and interests; all levels of previous experience are welcomed. This is a truly inclusive experience for people of all backgrounds, and nearly 100% of camp staff report that their time at camp is meaningful, super fun, and often one of the best experiences of their life.
FAQs: AuSM Camp Counselor
How old do I need to be to be a counselor?
All Camp staff must be at least 18 years old by the time of camp. Those under 18 will need a parent/guardian signature on all camp documentation.
How old are the campers that I would work with?
Each summer, AuSM serves young children, teens and adults. Each session of camp is designated for a certain age group as designated on the job application, so you will know the camper ages associated with each session before you sign up.*
*Don’t be intimidated to consider working with adult campers. Our adult weeks are some of our most amazing sessions!
Do I need any experience?
AuSM welcomes camp counselors with any level of experience. There are counselors who have returned every summer for years, but we also have many counselors each summer who are working with campers with disabilities for the first time. Come as you are and be ready to learn and have fun!
What kind of training and support do I get?
AuSM provides a full day of counselor training at the onset of each camp session. Comprehensive, practical training is offered on-site at camp. Our trainings are excellent, which is why we welcome those of all levels of experience to join us.
Additionally, all counselors work in teams, and have access to a group leader who has extensive experience in supporting campers with diverse needs. You will be well-supported!
Once hired, counselors will also receive email communication that includes specific information to help you plan for your visit to camp.
Can I get information about the camper(s) I will be supporting before camp?
Our trusted camp leadership teams put a lot of work into matching staff with campers for optimal success and relationship building. During the on-site training day, you will have access to LOTS of information about your camper(s) so that you can prepare to support them.
Where will I be sleeping, eating, etc?
Our living accommodations are very comfortable. Our camp partners provide us with top notch facilities and meals. Counselors also have private sleeping quarters and bathrooms within cabins but separated from camper lodging areas. Camp food at all our partner sites is high-quality, and special dietary needs can be accommodated.
What do I do while my camper is at an activity?
Counselors get to do all our fun activities right alongside campers– helping to model, offering support, and enjoying a great time! At camp, we also allow campers to take a break from activities as needed, so counselors occasionally catch quality time with campers during independent activities as well.
Do I get any time off during my stay at camp?
Each AuSM camp counselor gets a break in the middle of the day, as well as time to socialize or rest each evening after campers are in their cabins. Counselors are not allowed to leave camp grounds as long as campers are present.
Do I get paid?
Yes. Camp counselors receive $400 per session that they work. Program staff, CSPs, and nurses have extensive experience, specialized education, and mandated licenses; their higher compensation reflects that expertise.
Can my time as a counselor count towards my internship/volunteer commitment/practicum/academic class hours?
Yes. We at AuSM believe that camp experience is extremely relevant across multiple fields. We can provide letters of confirmed hours, write ups, evaluations, etc. As long as your program allows it, we can do it.
Can I use camp experience to apply for future jobs?
Camp experience is wonderfully applicable to many fields, including education, recreation, therapy, medicine, social services, and more. Camp experience looks great on a resumé, and many of our counselors earn letters of recommendation from camp leadership that they can offer new employers or academic programs for personal reference.
Is transportation to and from camp provided?
Usually, no. However, if transportation is the only thing limiting your ability to join our camp staff, we can help you coordinate ride shares to and from camp, depending on where you live.
What is it like to work at camp?
Awesome! Here’s what one counselor had to say about it.
What are AuSM’s COVID policies?
Great question. AuSM is committed to protecting the health and safety of all of our beloved campers and counselors. We work hard to design program in a way that maximizes strategies like social distancing and pods, but also ask campers and staff to wear masks in certain settings.
Though AuSM does not have a vaccine mandate for camp, we may ask for proof of vaccination or a negative test within a few days of coming to camp.
Specific and timely guidelines will be available to all campers and staff in May, 2022. That way, we can be sure that the rules me make reflect timely guidance from state and federal public health leadership.