Weekend Respite Care Counselor (Variable Schedule)
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The Indian Trails Camp Inc
Grand Rapids, MI, US
Summary
The Respite Camp Counselor supports campers with disabilities by facilitating activities, providing physical assistance, and ensuring a safe, inclusive environment. They collaborate with staff to manage medical and behavioral needs while serving as a positive role model.
Job Description
Make an Impact. Have Fun. Change Lives.
Flexible weekends. Unforgettable experiences.
We’re on the lookout for enthusiastic, responsible, and compassionate individuals to join our team of Respite Camp Counselors for our Weekend Respite Camps (Friday–Sunday) and One-Day Camps (Specific Saturdays only) throughout 2026-2027. Pick the weekends that work for YOU—we’ll schedule around your availability!
Ready for a weekend that changes lives—including your own?
Spend your weekends immersed in 30 acres of beautiful forest, surrounded by laughter, adventure, and community. As a Respite Camp Counselor, you’ll help create unforgettable experiences for campers with physical, cognitive, and/or developmental disabilities—while forming meaningful friendships, gaining valuable skills, and making a difference that lasts a lifetime.
What’s in It for You?
- Flexible Scheduling: Sign up only for the weekends that fit your calendar
- Pay:
Weekend Camps (Fri–Sun): $275 total + free room and board
One-Day Camps (Saturdays): $13.73/hour for 8 hours - All-Inclusive Perks:
Meals during camp included
On-site lodging in cabins
Free parking - Unforgettable Environment: Enjoy nature, fresh air, and time away from your daily routine.
- Purpose-Driven Work: Help campers live life to the fullest in a safe, inclusive space.
- Professional Growth: Hands-on experience in caregiving, education, special needs support, behavior management, emergency response, teamwork, and leadership.
What We Expect of You
As a Respite Camp Counselor, you’ll support your campers throughout all aspects of the camp weekend, including:
- Assist campers during activities such as:
- Arts & crafts
- Swimming
- Boating
- Ropes course
- Campfires
- Meal times and more
- Encourage participation by adapting activities to meet a wide range of physical, emotional, and cognitive needs
- Be a role model: Offer emotional support, companionship, encouragement, and fun!
- Provide physical assistance as needed, including:
- Feeding
- Dressing
- Toileting
- Showering
- Supervise campers at all times with safety as your top priority
- Support campers in emergency situations (illness, injury, evacuation, etc.)
- Work as a team to maintain a clean and organized cabin and shared camp spaces
- Participate in camper check-in/out, transitions, and end-of-weekend cleaning
- Follow all policies and procedures, including HIPAA confidentiality and licensing standards
- Collaborate with Health Office Staff to ensure you understand each camper’s unique needs, including:
- Medical conditions
- Dietary restrictions
- Safety protocols
- Behavioral support plans
- Take on other responsibilities as assigned by Camp Director or Lead Counselors
What Do You Need to Qualify?
- Must be at least 18 years old and a high school graduate (or equivalent)
- Ability to lift 50+ lbs and provide physical assistance to campers
- Clear background check (local, state, and federal)
- Must complete all required paperwork and staff training
- Strong communication skills with campers, coworkers, and families
- Passion for working with individuals with physical, cognitive, and/or developmental disabilities
- Positive attitude, patience, empathy, and the ability to be flexible and adapt
- Ability to respond appropriately in emergencies
- Understand and maintain HIPAA confidentiality
- No alcohol or drug use while on camp property or working a shift
- Must be able to work outdoors and indoors in all weather conditions for extended periods
Position Information:
- Job Type: Variable weekends/dates (you choose your weekends)
- Weekend Schedule:
- Arrive Friday at 3:00 PM
- Depart Sunday at 12:00 PM
- One-Day Schedule (optional):
- Saturdays, 8 hours total
- Pay: $275 per weekend
Included:
* Living quarters – in cabin with campers.
* All meals during camp weekends.
* Free parking - Reports to: Camp Director
IKUS Life Enrichment Services
ikuslife.org
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).
IKUS Life Enrichment Services helps individuals with disabilities to discover their potential, experience greater freedom, learn new skills, and have fun in a safe environment. Ultimately, IKUS gives clients the tools they need to make every day another best day.
Because everyone wants another best day, IKUS serves individuals from five years old to eighty-plus. We also serve clients with a wide variety of abilities, including spina bifida, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, congenital anomalies, down syndrome, autism, multiple sclerosis, arthrogryposis, cognitive impairments, and other developmental and/or physical abilities, helping them to live joyful, productive lives through services that address each person’s specific needs and goals.
Founded
1952
Company size
51-200 employees
Industry
Individual and Family Services
Org type
Nonprofit
Headquarters
Grand Rapids, MI
IKUS Life Enrichment Services helps individuals with disabilities to discover their potential, experience greater freedom, learn new skills, and have fun in a safe environment. Ultimately, IKUS gives clients the tools they need to make every day another best day.
Because everyone wants another best day, IKUS serves individuals from five years old to eighty-plus. We also serve clients with a wide variety of abilities, including spina bifida, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, congenital anomalies, down syndrome, autism, multiple sclerosis, arthrogryposis, cognitive impairments, and other developmental and/or physical abilities, helping them to live joyful, productive lives through services that address each person’s specific needs and goals.
Founded
1952
Company size
51-200 employees
Industry
Individual and Family Services
Org type
Nonprofit
Headquarters
Grand Rapids, MI