Part-Time Summer Camp Program Assistant Director

Penn State University; Prescott (AZ); On-site; USD 17,000 - 24,000; Part time

Job summary

Penn State University is seeking a seasonal assistant director for Shaver’s Creek summer camp programs. The role focuses on staff training, program development, and logistics for Wee Wonderers, Discovery, Explorer, Investigators, and LITs. Expect long outdoor days, with emphasis on safety and positive learning culture.

On-site work at Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center from May through early August; 40+ hours/week with overtime after 40 hours. Housing is not provided.

Qualifications

• Prior camp and outdoor environmental education teaching experience
• Prior program administration experience preferred.
• Abiding by requirements to keep everyone safe, including staying within eye/ear shot of adults around minors and following camp policies

Responsibilities

• Lead training sessions
• Gather materials for training sessions
• Assist with camper sign-in and sign-out
• Assist in running AM and PM camp community circle
• Assist with daily teaching observation and provide feedback to staff
• Set out Camp Stamp Puzzler clues and assist in other program areas as needed
• Assist on Fridays during family programs and on Saturday mornings as designated
• Assist in emergency situations and with group management or any needed staff support
• Spend time in field across all programs for staff, LITs, and campers' benefit
• Assist in enacting staff recognition programs
• Help with other program or logistical parts required to run a smooth camp experience

Skills

Camp experience

Outdoor education

Staff training

Program administration

Job description

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

Job Description And Position Requirements

This position serves as a seasonal assistant director of Shaver’s Creek summer camp programs. This position is part of the team that supports and creates the highest quality experience for everyone at camp. They will be involved in facilitating staff training, creating program materials, assisting with logistics associated with camp, developing programs, teaching if needed, and cultivating a positive, flexible atmosphere centered around learning and growth. During the camp season the majority of the program day is spent outdoors in the field with staff and campers.

This is an hourly paid position ($15/hour), with all hours above 40 a week paid at time and a half. Applicants need to be able to commit to 40 hours/week on-site at Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center from the first Monday in May through the first full week in August. Housing is not provided.

Program assistants move between the various day camps at Shaver’s Creek, including Wee Wonderers (ages 4-5), Discovery (ages 6-8), Explorer (ages 9-11), Investigators (ages 12-14) and Leaders In Training/LITs (ages 14-17). The camp week runs Monday through Saturday and this position will generally work 7:45 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. during staff training and while camp is in session for six to eight weeks from June to early-August. Friday has an overnight program that extends into Saturday morning. When camps are not in session, the position is generally a 40-hour work week. Full participation is required during all hours worked.

General responsibilities and requirements of this position include the following:

• Prior camp and outdoor environmental education teaching experience
• Prior program administration experience preferred.
• Abiding by requirements to keep everyone safe. This includes staying within eye shot/ear shot of another adult at all times while around minors and following all camp policies/expectations.
• This position will be working with children and staff outdoors for up to 13 hours/day. Applicants must be physically able to work outdoors for long hours in all types of weather and potentially over rough terrain.

Preparing for Summer Camp (May)

• Obtain certification in First Aid or Wilderness First Aid (preferred)
• Update or create program materials and activities
• Assist in logistical preparations for camp
• Use Google Drive, and other systems shared by Summer Camp
• Aid in physical site preparations

Weekly/Daily Summer Camp Operations (June - mid-August)

• Lead training sessions
• Gather materials for training sessions
• Assist with camper sign-in and sign out process
• Assist in running AM and PM camp community circle
• Assist with daily teaching observation and provide feedback to staff
• Set out Camp Stamp Puzzler clues and assist in other areas of program as needed
• Assist Friday during family program and as designated on Saturday mornings
• Assist in emergency situations, group management situations, and any other situations in which a staff member is in need of help from a director
• Spend time in field across all programs to the benefit/needs of staff, LITs, campers, and program
• Assist in enacting staff recognition program
• Help with other program or logistical parts required to run a smooth camp experience

A qualified candidate will have a passion for working with children, prior experience in a camp setting, patience, a plethora of flexibility, be enthusiastic, want to grow, work well with a team, and foster a desire to make the camp experience the best that it can be every single time for every single person.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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