Scout Village Leader

American Youth Foundation; Michigan; On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing provided

Meals provided

Job summary

The American Youth Foundation invites energetic individuals to serve as Scout Village Leaders at Miniwanca, Shelby, Michigan. You will co‑lead small groups of children aged 1–8, guide daily routines, and create a positive recreational experience through activities like art, sports, and outdoor exploration.

Housing and meals are provided, and you’ll live onsite during training and camp sessions. Seasonal positions require 18+, First Aid/CPR, and strong teaching skills; you’ll work to ensure

Qualifications

• Minimum age: 18 years old.
• First Aid and CPR certification.
• 1–3 years working or volunteering with children ages 1–8 in an early childhood setting.
• Strong facilitation/teaching skills for early childhood.
• Ability to handle stressful situations with resilience.
• Commitment to AYF mission and values, with integrity and reliability.

Responsibilities

• Supervise a small group of staff children during activities.
• Guide children through naps, snacks, activities, and bathroom breaks.
• Facilitate activities across art, sports, games, swimming, and outdoor exploration.
• Be available for early morning or late evening supervision as needed.
• Maintain safety and supervise according to safety standards.
• Communicate with parents about injuries, health, or behavioral concerns.
• Participate in staff meetings and training.

Skills

First Aid and CPR

Facilitation/teaching skills

Resilience under pressure

Integrity and dependability

Interpersonal skills

Education

Degree in early childhood or child development

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

Scout Village Leaders are responsible for the daily care of staff children who are too young to participate in the main camp program (approximately ages 1–8). Scout Village Leaders co‑lead a small group of children in a pair or trio during daytime working hours, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of every child. This role leads children through daily routines, creates a positive recreational experience across the age range, and plans and facilitates daily activities such as sports, games, art, swimming, and outdoor exploration. Staff in this role may occasionally be asked to supervise children early in the morning or late evening in emergency situations that require their parents on staff to work.

Job Locations

• Miniwanca – Shelby, Michigan
• Miniwanca necessitates the ability to move through rugged terrain.
• The Scout Village Leader lives 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

• Supervise a small group of staff children at a time (group size and ages fluctuate based on staff members present), maintaining a positive communal and recreational experience.
• Guide children through daily routines such as naps, snacks, activities, clean-up, and bathroom breaks.
• Facilitate and teach activities appropriate across the developmental stages of the children, in areas such as art, sports, games, swimming, and outdoor exploration.
• Be available to supervise children early in the morning or late evening on occasion.
• Manage individual and group behavior; teach children conflict resolution skills and care for their social‑emotional wellbeing.
• Ensure the physical and emotional safety of children at all times by following and implementing all safety standards with attention toward risk management.
• Create and diligently maintain a safe environment for infants or toddlers at all times.
• Communicate with parents on staff if injuries, health, or behavioral concerns arise.
• Communicate with the seasonal coordinating team to use camp facilities when appropriate.
• Build relationships with campers to foster friendly, nurturing, and age‑appropriate group dynamics; provide mentorship and connection to all in the community.
• Communicate daily with supervisor, attend staff meetings, and receive guidance and instruction.
• This is not meant to be a complete list of all responsibilities. Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

Skills and Qualifications

Required:

• Minimum age: 18 years old
• First Aid and CPR certification
• 1–3 years working or volunteering with children ages 1–8 in an early childhood setting, such as daycare, school, in‑home care, or recreational programs.
• Strong facilitation/teaching skills for early childhood.
• 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:

• Prior summer camp employment.
• 2+ years of professional experience caring for an infant or toddler.
• Leadership experience, including student, sports, club, team, or community leadership.
• Activity planning and facilitation skills, specializing in early childhood education.
• Degree in early childhood or child development (completed or upper‑level coursework).
• A personality and character that exudes leadership, flexibility, trustworthiness, creativity, energy, inspiration, and positivity.

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.