Camp Counselor

The Job, Plain and Simple

Milton Hershey School in Hershey, PA is hiring married couples for a Full time Flex Houseparent role. This isn't a typical 9 to 5. It's a life changing career where you and your spouse live in an on campus student home and care for a group of about 8 to 13 students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The school was founded in 1909 by Milton and Catherine Hershey, it's fully endowed, and it serves over 2,200 pre K through 12th grade students with a cost free, career focused education. Over 12,000 graduates have come through this place.

As a Flex Houseparent, you're creating a structured, family like environment that helps students grow academically, emotionally, and socially so they can reach their full potential.

What You'll Actually Do

• Provide daily supervision and mentorship for the students living in your home
• Manage household routines and student schedules ; think meals, chores, bedtime
• Administer medications and keep an eye on student wellness
• Drive students to activities (you'll need to get certified to drive student home vans)
• Plan and actively engage in developmental and recreational activities with them
• Lead daily devotions and accompany students to Sunday Chapel ; no proselytizing allowed
• Handle budgeting and household reporting tasks

The schedule? Initially you support various student homes with nine consecutive days on duty followed by three days off. On weekdays you've got unscheduled time while the kids are at school. Eventually you transition into a Placed Houseparent role where you live with the same group of students full time.

Who You Are (and Who You're Married To)

Both spouses need to be legally married for at least two years. You both have to be age 27 or older. No more than three dependent children can live with you in the student home.

• A high school diploma or GED is required
• Experience working or volunteering with youth ; that counts for something here
• A valid U.S. driver's license; you'll become certified to drive those vans I mentioned
• A comfort leading daily devotions and going to Sunday Chapel services (Judeo Christian focused)
• A commitment to living smoke free and weapon free while on campus; no alcohol while on duty either
• Able to lift up to 50 lbs without issue
• Demonstrated integrity ; MHS staff serve as role models for these kids every single day