Overview

Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) is seeking Group Counselors for the Brooklyn Cultural Adventures Program (BCAP) Summer Camp. BCAP Summer Camp is a national award-winning day camp serving youth ages 7–12, based on a collaboration of six neighboring cultural institutions: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn Children’s Museum, Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Public Library, Prospect Park, and Prospect Park Zoo. Counselors work alongside a team of counselors and interns in supervising and engaging a group of 23 children during three 2-week sessions. Each day, groups take two trips where they engage in hands-on activities with educators at the partner institutions, weaving connections between art, science, culture, technology, and nature; and having fun! Experienced and enthusiastic applicants ages 18 are invited to apply.

Responsibilities

Work in a team of 4-5 staff: Head Counselor, Senior Group Counselor, you, and 1-2 Interns

• Lead by example with energy and enthusiasm, using best practices
• Work with Directors and team to identify your strengths and goals, and take on responsibilities
• Promote a positive community, high morale, and family-like environment for the whole staff
• Take an active role in making a smoothly-operating and supportive team

Help lead your group of 23 children

• Ensure physical and emotional health and safety of campers
• Build and maintain a positive, fun learning community for all campers
• Promote and model friendship, inclusion, and tolerance; curiosity and a love of learning
• Individualize your approach to each unique camper
• Help keep your group on schedule, and plan for travel, bathroom breaks, etc.
• Take an active role in group management, using positive and preventative management strategies, and consistent discipline procedures, following the lead of your HC
• Model behavior consistent with BCAP standards and camp culture at all times
• Contribute to the positive experience of the whole family by greeting parents and campers warmly, and impressing all those who see our camp
• Communicate regularly with your HC and the Directors about your team, campers, families, and partner educators and curriculum; Seek support from your HC or the Directors with questions and concerns
• Actively engage in camp activities at the partner institutions. (E.g. Lead small groups during activities, help distribute materials, show interest and enthusiasm in the material, provide positive reinforcement, model behavior, lead discussions, ask campers questions.)
• Utilize free time productively with fun games and meaningful activities that enhance the summer experience and nurture unity; Help campers make connections between, and meaning from, their learning experiences
• Help supervise during Stay and Play after-camp one evening a week from 3:30-6pm

Qualifications

• Enthusiasm for working with children and community/cultural institutions
• Must be 18 years of age or older and have graduated from high school by June 2024
• Related college/career path preferred (e.g. education, youth, cultural institutions-- museums, libraries, parks, etc.)
• Experience working with groups of children ages 7-12 in a youth program
• An interest in Brooklyn’s culture and history
• Must enjoy and have experience collaborating-- with a team of staff, interns, volunteers, or peers
• Able to maintain a high energy level and positive attitude on a daily basis over a long-term period
• Be punctual and self-directed; able to jump in and find roles and tasks without being asked; eager to help out
• Able to anticipate and address group needs and solve problems that arise on the fly
• Able to model positive communication and foster understanding among diverse audiences served by camp
• Friendly and considerate of all people and places around you, such as parents, museum staff, public visitors
• Creative, flexible, patient, enthusiastic, eager to learn and grow
• Balance of fun and approachable, and responsible and authoritative
• Able to walk up to 2.5 miles a day on the BCAP campus; Lift and carry camp supplies short distances
• Pre-employment background check and CPR/First Aid certification required (both provided by BPL)

This is a seasonal/temporay position from June 24-August 9, 2024 (Monday - Friday) 40 hour per week, $17/hr.