Overview

Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) is seeking Head 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. BCAP Head Counselors lead 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 funExperienced and enthusiastic applicants ages 21 , or who have completed a college degree by June, are invited to apply.

Responsibilities

• Lead counselor for a team of 4-5 staff: you, 1 Senior Group Counselor, 1 Group Counselor, and 1-2 Interns
• • Serve as role model and mentor for your team members
  • Lead by example with energy and enthusiasm, using best practices
  • Delegate responsibilities clearly and fairly
  • Promote a positive community, high morale, and welcoming environment for the whole staff
  • Help to support and challenge your team; Work together towards goals; Provide positive feedback
  • Address issues that negatively affect the camper experience or camp community with help from Directors
  • Lead team check-ins each afternoon, and periodic team check-ins or prep meetings in AM or lunch
• Lead counselor for your groups of 23 children
  • Maintain group binder, containing attendance, daily logs, and confidential health records
  • Build and maintain a positive, fun learning community for all campers
  • Promote and model friendship, inclusion, and tolerance; curiosity and a love of learning
  • Keep your group on schedule, and plan for travel, bathroom breaks, etc.
  • Take the lead on group management, using positive and preventative management strategies, and consistent discipline procedures
  • Support campers with disabilities, special needs, or other individual needs, with help from Directors
  • Model behavior consistent with BCAP standards and camp culture at all times
• Daily point person for parents
  • Responsible for morning sign-in and afternoon sign-out, greeting parents, and sharing notes from the day
  • Contribute to the positive experience of the whole family by making them feel welcome, important, and in the loop; and showing empathy and understanding when concerns arise
• Point person for communication with the BCAP Directors
  • Communicate regularly with the Directors about your team, campers, families, educators, and curriculum
  • Seek support from the Directors with questions and concerns
• Point person for partner institution educators during group visits
  • Check-in with educators upon arrival; take the lead on ensuring your team is engaged in the lesson
• 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 3:30-6 pm

Qualifications

• Enthusiasm and commitment to the fields of education, youth development, and community/cultural institutions
• Must be 21 years of age or older
• Career path in education or related field preferred
• 2 full years, or 4 seasons, experience working children ages 7-12 in a youth program
• An interest in Brooklyn’s culture and history
• Formal experience leading a group of youth, and excellent skills in positive group management
• Experience in a leadership role with a team or 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 able to accomplish daily tasks independently and without prompting
• Able to create and follow routines, 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
• Consideration for multiple stakeholders, including parents, partner institution staff, public visitors, etc.
• Creative, flexible, patient, enthusiastic
• Balance of fun and approachable, and responsible and authoritative
• Able to travel up to 2.5 miles a day on the BCAP campus; Lift and carrying camp supplies short distances
• Pre-employment background check and advanced CPR/First Aid certification required (both provided by BPL)

This is a seasonal/temporay position from June 24- August 9, 2024. Monday-Friday (40 hours), $19.00/hr

Jun

(Monday - Friday) 40 hour per week at $19/hr.