Summer Staff Ponderosa Lodge Resource Lead

Mount Hermon Associationorporated; Mount Hermon (CA); On-site; USD 15,000 - 16,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ponderosa Lodge Resource Lead is a ministerial position at Mount Hermon Association, supporting counselors and campers to ensure all campers, including neurodivergent individuals, can participate fully and safely at camp.

Situated at Ponderosa Lodge in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the role emphasizes Christ-centered leadership, program facilitation, and collaboration with the PL staff to foster an inclusive, gospel-oriented camp experience.

Qualifications

• Prior experience working with junior high and high school students.
• Must be CPR/First Aid certified (before arriving at camp).
• Experience in camping ministry and with autism, ADHD, or other support needs.

Responsibilities

• Work alongside counselors and operations team to support campers.
• Facilitate counselor/camper relations and assist counselors in difficult times.
• Meet daily with the PL Counselor Coordinators.
• Assist with program/activities as assigned by the Director of Ponderosa Lodge.

Skills

Camp counseling

CPR/First Aid

Leadership

Ministry background

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: Santa Cruz - Mount Hermon, CA, Position Type: Summer Staff, Salary Range: $340.00 - $350.00Salary, Travel Percentage: Santa Cruz Mountains, Job Shift: Ponderosa Lodge, Position Objective:

The Ponderosa Lodge (“PL”) Resource Lead is responsible to effectively support Counselors alongside the Counselor Coordinators, who have campers in their cabin who may require additional resources at camp in order to thrive during their time at Ponderosa Lodge. The PL Resource Lead ensures that campers who require additional attention, including neurodivergent campers and those with sensory, behavioral, or physical support needs, can fully and safely participate in the summer camp experience. This role focuses on providing individualized support, adapting activities, facilitating social interactions, and fostering an inclusive environment. The ideal candidate is patient, highly adaptable, and experienced in neurodiversity-affirming practices. Working alongside the PL counseling staff and operations team, the PL Resource Lead is responsible to model a genuine lifestyle of Christian discipleship, nurturing spiritual growth of campers and staff through the facilitation of program activities and curriculum in a manner consistent with MHA’s mission, vision and values.

General Qualifications:

The Ponderosa Lodge (“PL”) Resource Lead is a Ministerial position. Ministerial staff render their work, stewardship, relationships and behavior as evidence of being followers of Jesus Christ while embracing and affirming MHA’s Christian mission, vision, beliefs, culture code and standards of conduct. They are responsible for defining, cultivating and leading MHA’s Christian community, conference programs and retreats. All staff are expected to join gatherings which include prayer, worship, and Bible-centered teaching.

Key Job Accountabilities:

• Work alongside the counselors and operations team who will be serving campers who may require additional resources in order to thrive during their time at camp.
• Facilitate counselor/camper relations and when needed, assist counselors in difficult times and decisions concerning campers.
• Meet daily as needed with the PL Counselor Coordinators.
• Assist with program and/or activities and other duties as assigned by the Director of Ponderosa Lodge.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Qualifications: Education/Certifications/Licenses:

• Prior experience working with junior high and high school students.
• Must be CPR/First Aid certified (before arriving at camp).

Work Experience:

• Prior camp counseling experience preferred.
• Experience in camping ministry, with service in various roles, such as counseling, program or operations.
• Prior experience working directly with children or young adults with autism, ADHD, developmental disabilities, or other specialized support needs.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to articulate the gospel of Jesus Christ as communicated in Scripture.
• Ability to demonstrate a personal, committed and thought-through faith in Christ.
• Possess proven leadership experience and skills along with a strong background in ministry and leadership of high school/junior high campers.
• Attention to detail and follow-through with an ability to be creative, flexible and able to adjust to the challenges of the program.
• Ability to engage in a variety of outdoor activities.

Physical Demands:

• The physical environment requires the employee to work both inside and outside in heat/cold, wet/humid, and dry/arid conditions. Requires sitting, standing, squatting, stooping, twisting, and hiking.

Additional Requirements/Skills:

• Must be at least 18 years of age due to the requirement for onsite community living.
• Adherence to the basic principles as expressed in MHA’s Mission, Vision, Values and Commitment statements.
• Adherence to company dress code and professional standards for personal grooming and appearance.
• Commitment to being part of the leadership team within the camp community, and investing in staff during camp sessions and weekends.
• Commitment to spending time serving campers and helping to create a great experience for them.
• Satisfactory completion of background investigation as well as ability to provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States.

This job description reflects essential functions of this position. It does not restrict management’s right to reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.