Description
Ignite Young Artists' Passions in the Heart of the Rockies!
Perry-Mansfield—America's oldest continuously operating performing arts camp, founded in 1913—is seeking up to 15 enthusiastic Residential Camp Counselors for our 2026 summer season. Nestled on 74+ acres of breathtaking wilderness in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, you'll live alongside talented young performers in our Emerging Artists, Young Artists, and Pre-Professional Intensives programs. As a live-in counselor, you'll be the daily heartbeat of camp life: guiding campers through their artistic journeys, ensuring their safety and well-being, and helping them thrive in a creative, supportive community. This isn't just a job—it's an immersive summer where you'll mentor future stars, build deep connections, and soak in the magic of mountain life and performing arts.
Position Overview
Residential Counselors serve as primary caretakers and role models for groups of campers (dorm-style for younger artists, nearby cabins for older ones). You'll oversee daily routines—from wake-ups and meals to classes, medications, bedtime, and weekend adventures—while fostering growth in social skills, confidence, and artistic expression. With constant interaction, you'll play multiple roles: mentor, motivator, safety guardian, and friend in a vibrant, arts-focused environment.
Key Responsibilities
Camper Care & Safety
Provide 24/7 supervision and always know the whereabouts of campers in your care
Ensure a safe, secure environment; administer first aid, respond to emergencies, promote hygiene, and check daily with the camp nurse on medications
Supervise closely during mealtimes, classes, activities, and transitions
Mentorship & Community Building
Build strong, positive relationships to create belonging and support emotional well-being
Act as a role model, encouraging teamwork, respect, cooperation, and positive communication
Offer individual guidance, conflict resolution, crisis support, and help develop social skills, problem-solving, and self-confidence
Communicate with parents as needed about health, progress, and emotional status
Program Support & Daily Operations
Lead or assist with engaging group activities, cabin discussions, and weekend small-group/campus-wide events (with Camp Director support)
Communicate rules, schedules, and expectations clearly; enforce them consistently
Collaborate with co-counselors to track attendance, locate absent campers, post absences, and ensure smooth program flow
Facilitate weekly cabin cleaning and group meetings
Complete written camper evaluations at the end of each session
General Duties
Report hazards or maintenance needs promptly
Contribute to a clean, well-maintained campus
Attend weekly counselor meetings and represent Perry-Mansfield positively
Complete required online training (approx. 10 hours via Colorado Shines) before arrival
Perform other duties as assigned
Full residential season: June 1 – August 1, 2026 (~9 weeks)
7 days/week engagement, with at least one full day off per week (scheduled collaboratively with Camp Director and team)
Mandatory pre-camp training and orientation
Compensation & Perks
Weekly pay: $400 – $500 DOE (based on experience)
Room and board included (live-in housing in dorms/cabins + all meals)
Immerse yourself in Steamboat Springs' stunning mountains, arts community, and historic camp legacy
Gain invaluable leadership, mentoring, and performing arts experience in a world-renowned setting
Join a passionate team dedicated to nurturing young talent
Possible tuition exchange program for qualified PDI applicants
If you're energetic, creative, caring, and excited to live the Perry-Mansfield magic—mentoring emerging artists while surrounded by pines, peaks, and performance—apply today!
Requirements
Qualifications & Skills
At least 19 years old or one year of college completed
Current CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain before camp)
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Background or strong interest in performing arts (theater, dance, music, etc.) highly preferred
At least one year of experience at a performing arts summer camp or similar setting helpful
Strong organizational, time-management, and leadership abilities
High alertness, initiative, and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
Understanding of child/youth development, conflict resolution, and positive guidance
Flexibility, adaptability, and commitment to Perry-Mansfield’s mission of fostering imagination, spirit, and performance
Must pass a comprehensive background check
Physical Requirements
This hands-on, active role requires:
Standing, walking, kneeling, bending, stooping for extended periods
Participating in camp activities and lifting/carrying up to 50 lbs
Clear vision and hearing for supervision and safety
Schedule & Commitment
