ABOUT US

Sanctuary for Families is New York’s leading service provider and advocate for survivors of domestic violence, sex trafficking and related forms of gender violence. Every year, Sanctuary empowers thousands of adults and children to move from fear and abuse to safety and stability, transforming lives through a comprehensive range of services. We provide a range of wrap-around services to help survivors rebuild their lives in the aftermath of abuse, and work to end gender violence through three key strategies: direct services, outreach and training, and systems-change advocacy. Our services are available in 12 locations throughout New York City.

POSITION OVERVIEW

General Summer Camp Counselors will help to support the Camp HOPE New York model. This model is a trauma-informed camp which supports campers whose background experience includes gender-based violence and residual trauma. Staff working with this demographic will be empathetic, caring, and knowledgeable about how trauma impacts individuals. General Counselors will act to support campers by modeling positive attitudes, providing guidance, and identifying any potential issues. This is an overnight camp program in a rustic setting outside of New York City, where counselors will be living in cabins with 4-6 teen campers. There are currently (12) openings for this position.

General Counselors will report to the Head Counselor.

Camp runs August 19 - 24, 2026. All activities will be in-person in Fishkill, NY. Camp Counselors are required to be at camp August 17 & 18 for pre-camp training.

There will be an additional pre-camp training for all camp staff on August 8, 2026 in Manhattan.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide 24-hour-a-day direct supervision, leadership and guidance to campers with assigned co-counselors. This includes supervising the group in between and during the daily program, planning cabin activities, eating meals with campers and behavior management. Keeping safety in mind at all times.
• Facilitate and support activities with teen campers, with guidance and input from Camp HOPE NY Leadership Team, other camp staff, and campers;
• Interpret to campers the policies, traditions, and rules of the camp;
• Practice good health habits and maintain a good personal appearance;
• Maintain records on each camper to help evaluate their needs, goals, and progress during their camp experience. (Procedures for record-keeping will be covered in pre-camp training);
• Knowledge, competency, and ability to follow emergency procedures;
• Invest time with campers to meet their needs, challenge their capabilities and serve as a role model during their time at camp; Campers come first, and decisions should be made in the best interest of campers.
• Attend daily morning meetings
• Follow other rules and regulations that are deemed important by the Camp Director;
• Strive to work in a cooperative manner with fellow staff to achieve goals of the program;
• Assume responsibility for the use and care of camp equipment and facilities.
• Participate in camp activities with campers-hiking, arts & crafts, talent shows, tie dye, swimming, etc.;
• Manage stressful situations appropriately in a fast-paced, interactive environment with the support of Camp Hope Leadership staff.
• Be responsible for the group’s time management and making it to meals and activities on time;
• Collaborate and work with a co-counselor to help support the needs of campers in your cabin;
• Communicate to Camp HOPE NY Leadership successes, concerns with campers, observations, or any other issue that may impact camp;

• Education: High school graduate, 1 or 2 years of college preferred.
• Experience: Must have either one year experience in camping and supervision of children or have completed an acceptable training course.
• Willingness to work under supervision to accomplish SFF’s objectives.
• Passionate about working with children.
• Interested in working and living outdoors for the summer.
• Emotionally mature with a willingness to work as a team player.
• Flexible and willing to accept challenges and step outside comfort zone.
• Able to maintain a positive attitude.
• Comfortable with being exposed to wet, humid, and hot/very hot conditions.

Budgeted Salary: $900

Work position is Full-time

Work schedule is currently In-person; must be able to meet job location schedule obligations

Sanctuary for Families is a welcoming workplace. All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, creed (religion), color, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, age, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status or domestic violence victim status, and other categories protected under Federal, New York state or New York city laws.

Survivors of gender-based violence are strongly encouraged to apply.