Now hiring: Camp Counselor (SLO)

Now hiring - Summer Camp Counselor - San Luis Obispo

We’re a rock climbing gym looking for Summer Camp Counselors at our San Luis Obispo, CA gym, but what we really want are people who recognize that stepping into our communities has the power to change lives. Counselors do not need to be peppy and upbeat 100% of the day, but they should exude a sense of warmth and be comfortable engaging diverse populations while coaching. You will be working in a team-centered, dynamic environment. 

Experience in climbing isn’t a requirement but it is highly recommended. We are a gym founded by outdoor climbers and we believe in getting outside to climb just as much as we believe in the indoor gym community. How hard you climb is not a factor in your job, but you should have enough experience to speak the lingo, make safety calls, be familiar with gear and equipment, and be confident in your ability to learn and adapt. Above all else you need to have a strong desire to be part of The Pad community. 

Our Mission:

To build immersive experiences, spaces, and opportunities through climbing, community, fitness, and love.

You will be responsible for:

  • Facilitating and supporting group activities for a variety of ages and abilities, ranging between 6-16 year olds 
  • Collaborating with the Head Counselor to create a structure for teaching kids important skills and facilitating fun climbing experiences
  • Following through with plans that should include games, climbing technique instruction, group ice breakers, and schedules for each day
  • Providing a safe and welcoming environment for climbers to grow and learn
  • Setting up games, and day to day operations
  • Cleaning and breaking down of any equipment or activities and all spaces used
  • Teaching proper technique, how to use equipment, gym rules, and safety
  • Working as a member of a team, you will interact with other crew members as well as other department teams

You will be accountable for:

  • Executing curriculum as set by Head Counselor
  • Working with your supervisor and other resources to achieve the intended results as outlined in program descriptions
  • Acting as a guide to children and parents on proper etiquette in the gym
  • Your availability for scheduled shifts and finding coverage if you cannot make it
  • Acting as a representative of the community and making a genuine effort to get to know and support members and fellow employees
  • Communicating effectively with other counselors on the team to discuss day-to-day activities and any needs for improvements
  • Communicating in a respectful and clear way with all parents and guardians
  • Communicating with the Youth Program Manager about desired schedule or time off
  • Properly clocking in and out using When I Work
  • Checking and replying to all communications via Email and Asana each time you work
  • Completing initial training board via Asana within 30 days of hire

You will be consulted for:

  • Staffing and community needs
  • Scheduling and camp curriculums

You will be informed about:

  • Policy and procedure updates
  • Scheduling and curriculum changes
  • Any changes specific to your position

Requirements:

  • Genuine interest in other people’s experiences
  • Experience with kids aged 6-16
  • Belay certification (on the job training will be provided if you don’t have this already)
  • Confidence enforcing rules and taking charge of dangerous situations
  • Ability to tie knots and move across uneven surfaces and stairways
  • Lift 50 pounds without assistance
  • Lover of learning and a deep interest in improving things for those around them
  • Friendly, enthusiastic attitude, can exhibit warmth and empathy
  • Uphold company values and use the mission statement to guide decisions
  • WFR, CPR, or other medical certifications are a plus but not required
  • Codeword: summer 

What we have to offer:

  • Growth opportunities
  • Paid bi-monthly on the 15th and last day of the month
  • CA – $16-18/hr, assuming 15-20 hours per week to start, opportunity for more hours and growth a possibility
  •  Accrued paid time off

We are an equal opportunity employer that welcomes diverse voices and experiences aligned with the vision of our organization: Climbing. Community. Fitness. Love.

Don’t send that resume just yet!

We don’t want your resume, we don’t want your cover letter, and we don’t want phone calls and emails!

Why? We at the Pad feel that the employment process is broken and we want to address these issues and hopefully inspire others to, as well.

Why is it broken?

  • Applicants are judged on their ability to make a fancy-looking document
  • Applicants are judged on their writing ability when that may not be a requirement of their position
  • Applicants are unfairly judged based on their employment history, success in describing it, and even by their own name and location.
  • Applicants are encouraged to go above and beyond, reaching out to HR and supervisors, and writing long essays, all of which is an emotional drain on everyone
  • Salary, benefits, time expectations, and even physical ability requirements are either omitted or over-inflated.

Our process eliminates this and is designed to test applicants in as little time as possible to see if they will be a good fit. Through our process, we are able to:

  • Educate you about the organization you are applying for so you know if it is a good fit or not for you.
  • Check for the level of attention to detail we want to see prior to hiring.
  • Check for level of readiness for the position
  • Show us your personality
  • Take a minimum of time and energy for our HR team AND you

Please note – if you send resumes, cover letters, etc without being asked, we will NOT review them.

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