Girls Camp Program Specialist

American Youth Foundation; Grant Township (MI); On-site; USD 17,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing provided

Meals provided

Job summary

The American Youth Foundation is seeking a Program Specialist to plan and teach multiple interest groups to campers during the summer. The role requires close collaboration with staff to ensure engaging programming and camper safety, with on-site housing provided.

You will lead three interest groups daily, develop four-day curricula, and facilitate activities that foster social-emotional growth, inclusion, and resilience in a fast-paced camp setting.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 with at least one year post-high school.
• First Aid and CPR certification (training available).
• Strong teaching/facilitation skills, especially with youth.
• Good mental and emotional health; adaptable with good judgement.
• Support the organization's mission with integrity and accountability.
• Respect diversity and maintain professional relationships.

Responsibilities

• Health, safety, and wellbeing of campers under your care.
• Lead 3 interest groups daily and plan four-day curricula.
• Create engaging instruction that promotes skill development and social interaction.
• Model responsibility and compassion in all camp activities.

Skills

Teaching youth

First Aid & CPR

Safety leadership

Communication skills

Cultural sensitivity

Team collaboration

Job description

Description

American Youth Foundation Mission

We dare people to discover and celebrate the very best in themselves and others; inspire them to explore diverse perspectives and complex challenges; and embolden them to live courageously, engaging their full capacity.

Job Summary

The Program Specialist is responsible for planning and teaching multiple interest groups to campers throughout the summer, as well as supporting additional programming when needed.

Job Locations

• Miniwanca – Shelby, Michigan
• The Miniwanca site necessitates the ability to move through rugged terrain.
• Program Specialists live onsite during staff training and the two camp sessions, including weekends and evenings, to be available 24 hours/day in case of emergency response.
• Housing and all meals are provided.
• Staff live in a communal space with other staff, or in cabins with campers, depending on position.

Job Type

Seasonal

Company Culture

The AYF believes that how we act and interact reflects who we are as a community. In practice, at the AYF we value investing in youth, stewarding the environment, encouraging participants and staff to explore and develop their values and beliefs, belonging in community, and growing together. Recognizing the full value of all, the American Youth Foundation affords equal opportunity for employment and program participation to all individuals on the basis of merit and/or eligibility without regard to race, color, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, familial status, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, age, military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Position Responsibilities

Camper Supervision

• Responsible for the health, safety, and wellbeing of campers assigned to your care.
• Appropriately manage behavior challenges and conflict with a sense of respect for young people and a focus on developing the social-emotional health of campers.
• Utilize coordinating and supervisory staff to adequately meet the needs of campers when necessary.
• Cover for cabin leader days off as needed by sitting with a cabin at meals and rest hour, making sure campers get to the appropriate activities, and engaging with them throughout the day.

Interest Groups

• Lead 3 interest groups every day.
• Plan and implement four-day curriculums that differentiate for various skill levels of campers.
• Facilitate highly engaging instruction that allows for skill development, social interaction, and opportunities for campers to challenge themselves and fail safely.

General Programming

• Actively participate in all camp activities with enthusiasm, creating an inclusive environment that encourages all campers to participate.
• Provide mentorship and connection to all campers in the community with whom you interact.
• Model responsibility and compassion for campers in all activities, such as cleaning cabins or the eating lodge.
• This is not meant to be a complete list of all responsibilities. Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

Skills and Qualifications

Required:

• Must be at least 18 years old with at least one year of post-high school experience.
• First Aid and CPR certification (training available).
• Strong teaching/facilitation skills, especially with youth.
• Strong emotional and mental health. Must be adaptable and exhibit good judgement to determine what is in the best interest of the campers in their care.
• Support the organization’s mission and vision with integrity, dependability, and accountability.
• Interact effectively with individuals and groups respecting social and cultural diversity. Establish and maintain appropriate professional relationships and interpersonal skills that contribute to a positive community.
• Demonstrate passion for serving youth, encouraging campers to explore through play and creating a space where youth feel included and a sense of belonging.
• Fully participate in and be present at all camp community activities, including staff training activities.
• Maintain effective mental, emotional, and social interactions in our youth-centered residential summer camp program.
• Ability to handle stressful situations appropriately, maintaining mental, emotional, and social resiliency needed for the job in a fast-paced, interactive environment.
• Use effective and appropriate self-care practices for maintaining overall wellness.
• Follow all guidelines and policies as described in the AYF (American Youth Foundation) staff manual.

Preferred:

• Demonstrated history of leadership with youth or young adults.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required for this position. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.