OWS Summer Program Junior Counselor

Junior Counselor (Multiple Program Areas)

Open Window School is a K–8 independent school located on Cougar Mountain, centrally situated between Bellevue, Issaquah, and Newcastle. Each summer, Open Window School offers a five-week enrichment program serving students entering Kindergarten through 7th grade from the local community.

Junior Counselors support Summer Program Counselors and instructors across multiple program areas, including Adventure Programs and Innovation Programs. This role is designed to provide hands-on experience working with children while building leadership, communication, and responsibility skills in a supportive environment.

Major Areas of Responsibility / Essential Functions

• Support counselors, instructors, and campers throughout the camp day
• Model positive behavior, appropriate boundaries, and professionalism
• Assist with games, activities, and transitions between program components
• Support campers who may need additional guidance or assistance
• Help prepare, organize, and clean up materials and program spaces
• Follow daily schedules, routines, and staff expectations
• Receive feedback from supervisors and apply it to daily work
• Participate in daily morning and afternoon gatherings or rallies
• Communicate questions, concerns, or camper needs to leadership
• Other duties as assigned to support the overall success of the summer program

Program Areas May Include

• Adventure Programs: Assisting with traditional camp activities, games, and group supervision
• Innovation Programs: Supporting classroom-based activities, projects, and student learning

Qualifications & Skills

• Designed for students aged 16–17. Junior Counselors must be 16 years old of age by June 1, 2026 to apply. 
• Interest in working with children and learning leadership skills
• Ability to follow directions and work as part of a team
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn
• Responsible, reliable, and punctual
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Ability to participate in active camp programming, including games and movement
• Comfortable working indoors and outdoors in varying conditions
• Physical stamina for standing, walking, and assisting with activities throughout the day

Position Details

Manager: Summer Auxiliary Programs Manager

Compensation: $20.00/hour

Classification: Seasonal (June 29 – August 7)

Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Training: Required attendance at all or a portion of in-person training sessions at Open Window School, June 29 – July 2.

When applying, please indicate which Junior Counselor position(s) or program 

area(s) you are interested in.

To Apply:

Please submit a cover letter describing your interest in and qualifications for this position, your resume, and complete all application questions on our Career Opportunities website. Open Window School does not sponsor employment visas. 

Please be prepared to provide up to three references if requested. If you have any questions about the position or the application process, feel free to reach out hr@ows.org. Applications should be submitted through the online system and not via email.

Open Window School does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, color, religion, creed, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national or ethnic origin, or other status legally protected by local, state, or federal law.