Tree Climbing Specialist

Commonpoint Queens; Orangeburg (NY); On-site; USD 20,664 - 34,440; Full time

Job summary

Commonpoint Queens is looking for a Tree Climbing Specialist for their Island Quest Day Camp in Orangeburg, NY. The role involves planning and delivering program activities, ensuring safety, and fostering a positive environment for campers aged 4-15. Applicants should have a passion for working with youth and the ability to climb trees safely. The camp runs from June 29th to August 20th, with mandatory pre-season training and full attendance required during this time.

Qualifications

• Interact positively with youth and adults.
• Work safely at heights while climbing trees.
• Commit to creating a supportive camp environment.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver specific program activities.
• Attend staff trainings before camp.
• Evaluate program success and develop campers' skills.

Skills

Ability to interact with all age levels

Ability to work confidently at height

Understanding of developmental needs of young people

Ability to communicate positively

Knowledge in program area

Flexibility and adaptability

Job description

Job Title: Tree Climbing Specialist

Department/Program: Island Quest Day Camp

Reports to: Program Director/Quest Directors

Camp Background

Island Quest Day Camp joins the agencies of Commonpoint, Friedberg JCC, Suffolk Y JCC, & Gural JCC to introduce an innovative day camp located in Wheatley Heights at the Henry Kaufmann Campgrounds. Island Quest Day Camp is open to ages 4-15 and will provide a unique opportunity for campers as they find their quest through seek, innovate and compete program areas.

Camp Dates

2026 Season: June 29th - August 20th

Monday to Friday: 9am to 3:30pm

Position Purpose

To further the mission of the camp through the planning and delivery of specific quest (specialty) area program activities and theme day events.

Responsibilities

• Available for all pre-season staff trainings: June 7th, June 14th and June 28th
• Must be able to attend every day of camp
• Attend the Spring Into Summer event on May 3rd and Fall Festival TBD
• All days of camp: June 29th through August 20th
• All pre-camp orientations, staff meetings as scheduled by Director

Essential Job Functions Pre Camp

• Staff trainings and specialized staff training and certification for Tree Climbing
• Attend planning meetings & program development (as needed)
• CPR/First Aid Training (as needed)
• Participate in training and collaborative lesson planning and scheduling

Essential Job Functions During Camp

• Stay later for setup for at least 2 theme days (if you can’t do this you must let the Program Director know so you can arrange another way of helping out)
• Understand and manage your quest area
• Deliver progressive program activities
• Help organize and implement Theme Days
• Evaluate the success of the program and the development of the campers’ abilities and skills in various program activities
• Ensure that camp staff and campers know and follow safety and educational procedures
• Assist in the implementation of staff training
• Provide guidelines for specific quest area programs utilizing camp equipment
• Ensure campers and staff follow safety procedures in all program areas
• Assist in the management and care of the physical facilities and equipment in your program areas
• Oversee daily checks of area and equipment for safety, cleanliness, and good repair
• Provide feedback and guidance to program specialists
• Maintain clear and positive verbal communication with all camp staff
• Participate enthusiastically in all camp activities, providing support and guidance to those assigned as leaders
• Participate as a member of the camp staff team to deliver special events, and other all-camp activities and camp functions
• Develop and implement schedules and records for your quest area

Minimum Qualifications & Requirements

• Ability to interact with all age levels
• Ability to work confidently at height without debilitating acrophobia, maintaining focus and safety while climbing trees
• Understand the developmental needs of young people
• Able to lead and collaborate with counselors staff for a successful summer with campers
• Ability to relate and communicate to youth and adults in a positive manner
• Demonstrate knowledge and skill in program area
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing needs
• Commitment to work collaboratively with others to create a safe and supportive camp environment
• Preferred but not required: current instructional certification in program or related experience