Camp Counselor (2026)

Since 1977, the Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) has provided accessible summer camp experiences for autistic youth and adults. AuSM is seeking Camp Counselors to support and supervise autistic campers at AuSM's Camp Hand in Hand, in Crosslake, MN, and Camp Discovery in Maple Lake, MN.About Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM)AuSM enhances the lives of individuals and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder. Founded in 1971, AuSM serves Minnesotans, throughout their lives, with a fundamental commitment to advocacy, education, support, collaboration, and community building.DescriptionA Camp Counselor provides direct support to one or more autistic campers in collaboration with Cabin Leaders and other personnel. Camp Counselors must have experience working with autistic people ages 12 and up. Experience working at AuSM Camps is strongly preferred. The primary function of a counselor is to act as a mentor, cheerleader, personal care attendant, and friend to 1-4 campers affected by autism. Camp Counselors encourage and challenge the campers according to their strengths and needs. This includes, but is not limited to, assisting the camper with daily tasks of living (eating, dressing, bathing, toileting, etc.).Responsibilities and DutiesBefore Camp:Review camper information packets to familiarize yourself with the needs of incoming campers.Participate in pre-service training and meetings, typically 1-2 days before the camp session begins.During Camp:Meet parents/guardians during camper arrival and check-in.Ensure the access needs of the camper(s) are met, that they receive all medications, and maintain prescribed dietary or activity restrictions.Follow the schedule and support the camper(s) to participate in all activities. This necessitates walking around camp throughout the day, swimming with the camper each afternoon, and eating all meals in a community setting.Share sleeping and bathroom accommodations with campers and other camp staff, including 1-2 overnight supervision assignments.Implement proactive strategies that support autistic campers, help campers to self-regulate, and intervene if moods or behaviors indicate a need for help.If illness, injury, or unusual incidents occur, address the situation at hand and notify the on-site directors.Maintain camper safety, including ensuring that campers report to the nurse to receive any prescribed medications and/or special dietary meals.Collaborate with other AuSM camp staff and our partners, Camp Knutson and True Friends.Be a fun, engaged, enthusiastic, supportive, inclusive, and encouraging role model to all campers and staff.Remember and demonstrate that the camper's needs always come first.Complete any paperwork requested by the on-site directors, including Camper Illness/Injury Form, Incident Report, Camp Evaluations, etc.Help maintain a clean and orderly cabin space.Communicate your needs to the on-site directors.Last Day of Camp:Return all camper packets to the designated camp filing box.Assist campers in packing belongings, preventing lost and found as much as possible.Assist in cleaning all cabin common areas.Participate in camper pick-up, answer parent questions, and send campers home happy.Pack personal belongings.Participate in post-camp evaluations, including completion of parent feedback forms.Qualifications and SkillsAuSM has a strong preference for candidates with experience serving autistic youth and adults in an inclusive school or camp-based setting, including:Prior experience working at AuSM Camps is preferred but not required.Experience working with autistic people ages 12 and up.Respect for the dignity of every human being.Working knowledge of ASD and best support practices.Experience facilitating groups.Ability to collaborate with other camp staff and lead by example.Effective communication and organizational skills.Friendly, encouraging, compassionate, reflective, patient, and fun-loving.A team player with a good sense of humor who engages all campers and staff.About the Autism Society of MinnesotaThe mission of the Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) is to create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully. AuSM seeks to enhance the lives of all who are a part of the Minnesota autism community, with a fundamental commitment to advocacy, education, support, collaboration, and community building.About Camp Hand in HandAuSM Camps serve autistic children and adults of all abilities. Camp Hand in Hand, held at Camp Knutson in Crosslake, MN, is an overnight camp with a staff-to-camper ratio of at least 1:1. Camp Hand in Hand can accommodate the support needs of all campers except those who require extensive nursing care.About Camp DiscoveryAuSM Camps serve autistic children and adults of all abilities. Camp Discovery, held at True Friends Camp Courage in Maple Lake, MN, is an overnight camp with a staff-to-camper ratio of at least 4:1.CompensationCamp Counselors will receive a stipend of $500 for each session worked.Nondiscrimination PolicyThe Autism Society of Minnesota does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices because of race, color, age, religion, creed, sex, gender, national origin, ancestry, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under federal or state law, or local ordinance.Salary