Junior Staff Unit Leader

McGaw YMCA; Michigan; On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

Join a vibrant community at an established camp where you will play a pivotal role in nurturing and developing Junior Staff. As a J-Staff Unit Leader, you will guide young leaders through various camp roles, fostering their growth and ensuring they have a rewarding experience. This part-time, seasonal position offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of youth while collaborating with a dedicated team. Embrace the chance to lead engaging training sessions, create supportive schedules, and build a positive camp environment. If you are passionate about youth development and leadership, this role is perfect for you!

Benefits

Meals provided during camp

On-site accommodation

Team building activities

Leadership development opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum age of 21 with valid US driver's license required.
• First Aid/CPR/AED certification is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and develop Junior Staff while ensuring a meaningful work experience.
• Plan and implement leadership and skill development for J-Staff.

Skills

Leadership

Organizational Skills

First Aid/CPR/AED Certification

Lifeguarding

Coaching

Communication

Education

High School Diploma

Experience with Teens

Job description

The Junior Staff (J-Staff) Unit Leader supports the growth and development of J-Staff. These staff will have the opportunity to work in various roles at camp, such as: Maintenance, Kitchen, Childcare, Barn, Clinic, Activities, and Lifeguarding. The J-Staff Unit Leader, with guidance from the Program Director, will create a schedule for J-Staff that includes assignments to jobs, opportunities for coaching and support, and supervised time-off. The Unit Leader’s primary role is to support the development of J-Staff, providing coaching and resources to support group dynamics, leading engaging development-focused training, and creating a meaningful work experience. They will collaborate with the Staff Life Unit Leader who supports staff needs to create a supportive work environment, as well as with other Unit Leaders to incorporate J-Staff schedule and programming into camp.

Employment Type: Part-time/ Seasonal

Reports to: Program Manager, Camp Echo

SPECIFIC DUTIES

• Responsible for the supervision, development, and experience of Junior Staff.
• Assists with interviewing and hiring Junior Staff during the pre-season.
• Plans and implements a leadership and skill development plan for the J-Staff, including mandatory training upon J-Staff arrival each session.
• Develops foundational job skills in J-Staff critical to the success of working in a camp role.
• Creates a schedule of assigned job responsibilities for J-Staff, which includes the organized and supervised time off schedule for J-Staff daily and weekly.
• Leads daily group coaching and development sessions with the J-Staff.
• Checks in daily with other members of the summer leadership team for feedback regarding J-Staff and addresses any concerns in a prompt and productive manner. Also uses this time to share feedback or concerns that J-Staff may have.
• Plans 1-2 individual check-ins a session with each J-Staff participant to review growth and experience.
• Completes onboarding and exit interview for each J-Staff during their first and last session of work, respectively.
• Plans team building/FUN for J-Staff throughout the session to enhance their overall experience and provide exposure to varying aspects of camp.
• In collaboration with the Staff Life Unit Leader, provides leadership and supervision for J-Staff nights off.
• Supports the programming of the LIT/CIT programs to enhance overall impact of leadership program progression.
• Documents program curriculum for J-Staff development and submits to Program Director, along with any exit interviews/performance evaluations from the session.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• Supports the Program Director in the pre-camp hiring process.
• Supports Traditional Camp Unit Leaders in packing out groups for under/overnights and performing overnight checks on rotation.
• Shares responsibility for CLOD (Cause-Driven Leaders on Duty).
• Aids in the development and education of Leadership program participants.
• If working Family Camp, takes on additional leadership responsibilities as a Team Leader.
• Assists with planning staff training and summer programs in the off-season, if available.
• Is scheduled to work in-between sessions on at least one occasion to support the transition between groups (for campers and/or staff layovers).
• Works with the Program Director to stay in compliance with ACA Standards and helps lead other projects to enhance camp’s impact, such as YUSA’s Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) and Camp Inclusion Project (CIP).

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum age of 21 with a valid US driver’s license and clean driving record per insurance requirements for camp drivers.
• First Aid/CPR/AED certified.
• Lifeguard preferred.
• Proven leadership ability with organizational skills and a talent for developing and leading staff teams.
• Possess a variety of skills and experience with teens.
• A commitment to working with a diverse staff and camper population for the fulfillment of YMCA goals.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF ALL CAMP ECHO STAFF:

• Models, teaches, and upholds the Camp Echo Code of Conduct and protects the well-being of all campers and staff.
• Reports any behavior that goes against the Camp Echo Code of Conduct and/or puts any camper or staff at emotional or physical risk.
• Aids in the development and education of Teen Leadership program participants.
• Maintains positive relationships with campers and other staff.
• Encourages physical, emotional, and spiritual growth and positive character development in all campers.
• Practices cultural humility, striving to actively learn about and be sensitive to cultures different than their own.
• Is a team player, helping others to achieve their potential by enthusiastically saying “yes” when asked to help.
• Takes initiative and strives to be an active participant in creating positive programs and spaces at camp.
• Cares for and maintains any program equipment, supplies, and spaces they use including activity areas (keeping track of keys) and any shared spaces like the offices, Costume Closet, and Program Office.
• Handles whatever else is necessary to ensure that programs run smoothly and safely, or anything else that is deemed necessary by supervisors.
• May be scheduled to work in-between sessions on at least one occasion to support the transition between groups.

All summer positions require living on-site at Camp Echo in Fremont, Michigan. Depending on position hired, staff members live in camper or staff cabins during employment. All meals are provided while camp is in session.

How to Apply – Returning Applicants

If you have worked at Camp Echo from 2016-2022, please log in to your CampInTouch account and follow the link on your homepage to the staff application.

If you are a new applicant or returning staff who has not worked at Camp Echo since 2015, please create a new CampInTouch account. Once your account is created, the staff application can be found on the CampInTouch home page.

All McGaw YMCA Camp Echo employees are required to support the YMCA’s commitment to child abuse prevention. The YMCA enforces its policies and practices to prevent child abuse. The McGaw YMCA will not tolerate the mistreatment or abuse of youth in its programs. All reports of suspicious or inappropriate behavior with youth or an allegation of abuse will be taken seriously. Because of our concern for the welfare of children, the McGaw YMCA has developed standards, guidelines, and training to aid in the detection and prevention of child abuse. In addition, employees are screened, and background checks are conducted as a part of the hiring process.