Summer/Green Season Camp Counselor

Summer/Green Season Camp Counselor

Evergreen Outdoor Center – Hakuba, Nagano, Japan

Join the Evergreen Team for an Epic 2026 Green Season Adventure!

We're seeking energetic, caring Camp Counselors to inspire and support our young adventurers in Hakuba's stunning Northern Japanese Alps. Work alongside professional guides and educators to deliver safe, thrilling, and unforgettable 5-day camp experiences for kids and teens.

Our English-language summer camps are all 5-day programs and include:

• Nagano Ninjas (ages 7–8) – Playful, confidence-building fun for our youngest explorers.
• Water Wizards & Mountain Masters (ages 9–12) – Hands-on discovery through nature hikes, water adventures (rafting, canoeing, SUP), climbing, mountain biking, orienteering, and eco-learning.
• Japan Alps Leadership Program (ages 13–16) – Challenging outdoor pursuits with leadership training, team-building, river rafting, canyoning, climbing, and epic mountain experiences.

Live and work in one of Japan's most beautiful alpine valleys—surrounded by crystal-clear rivers, lush forests, and towering peaks—while creating lasting memories for campers and building your own skills in outdoor education.

This hands-on role involves leading activities, providing constant supervision, and being a positive role model. No extensive prior experience required—this is a fantastic opportunity to gain leadership experience, immerse yourself in outdoor adventure, and step toward roles in camping, guiding, education, or youth development.

Key Responsibilities

As a Camp Counselor, you will:

• Actively lead and participate in age-appropriate activities, including nature hikes, arts & crafts, team-building games, outdoor cooking, campfires, evening programs, water-based adventures (rafting, canoeing, SUP), climbing, mountain biking, orienteering, and more.
• Build strong, supportive relationships with campers: motivate, encourage, and ensure everyone feels included, safe, and excited.
• Provide constant supervision to maintain camp rules, prevent accidents, and handle any conflicts or concerns calmly and fairly.
• Serve as a positive adult role model through enthusiasm, courtesy, appropriate behavior, and a can-do attitude.
• Assist with camper logistics: support Tokyo train pickups/drop-offs, monitor transitions between activities, oversee meal/snack distribution (tracking dietary needs, allergies, and preferences), and help with room/gear management.
• Collaborate with fellow counselors, Team Leaders, and the Camps Manager to plan events, coordinate schedules, and deliver seamless daily operations.
• Maintain camp facilities and equipment: clean, organize, ensure proper use, and report any issues promptly.
• Attend and actively participate in all staff meetings, trainings, and briefings.
• Promote safety at all times—report incidents or concerns immediately to the Program Team Leader and follow protocols.
• Adapt quickly to changing conditions (weather, group dynamics, schedules) while keeping the focus on fun, learning, and positive experiences.

Additional Duties

Camp life is dynamic! You may occasionally be asked to assist with other tasks or support different areas as needed (directed by management), including stepping into varied roles to keep everything running smoothly.

Requirements

To succeed and thrive as a Camp Counselor, you should bring:

• Genuine passion for the outdoors, working with children/teens, and creating meaningful adventures.
• Experience with kids, youth programs, camps, or outdoor activities (preferred; specific skill instruction like sports, arts, water activities, or climbing is a bonus).
• Upbeat, engaging personality with strong communication, interpersonal, and patience skills—able to connect across diverse ages, backgrounds, and cultures (English primary; multilingual a plus).
• Ability to establish gentle authority through leadership, fairness, and positive example.
• Physical fitness for active participation: running, climbing, swimming, lifting/supporting children, and full days outdoors in variable weather.
• First Aid/CPR certification (or willingness to obtain before starting) highly beneficial.
• Strong teamwork mindset and flexibility in a fast-paced, outdoor environment.
• Eligibility to work in Japan (appropriate visa/status).

What We Offer

• Immerse yourself in Hakuba's breathtaking Northern Alps—hike trails, paddle rivers, and enjoy starry campfires in one of Japan's premier outdoor destinations.
• Hands-on experience in outdoor education, child supervision, activity leadership, and safety management.
• Join a friendly, international team of guides, educators, and counselors dedicated to safety and fun.
• A rewarding stepping stone for careers in adventure guiding, teaching, youth programs, or tourism.
• The chance to make a real impact—helping campers build confidence, friendships, and a love for nature.

If you're responsible, enthusiastic, and ready to inspire the next generation in Japan's incredible outdoors, apply now to become part of the Evergreen Summer Camps team for the 2026 Green Season!

(For more about our camps, visit: https://www.evergreen-hakuba.com/summer-camps)