Camp Program Specialist - Recreation Leader

The Camp Program Specialist position is for those applicants who are 18 years or older and preferably have completed at least two years of college (recreation, education, childcare, or a closely related field preferred) OR have two years of experience working at a camp or recreation facility or similar. This position is responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing weekly, themed activities for a specified program area such as arts & creativity, sports & games, outdoor/environmental education, character education/cooperative games or early childhood programming Program Specialists may also develop and orient Camp Counselors and Assistant Counselors to lesson plan materials to aid them in leading campers through specific activities. Program Specialists may work across several camp areas including Camp Hannah, Camp Friendship and Little Adventurers Camp for preschool age campers.

Program Specialists work flexible schedules between 7A- 6P which will include office time to research and develop activity plans and time at camp to lead programs. Typical hours are 40 hours per week, however part-time hours may be available. Program Specialists may periodically fulfill the role of Camp Counselor, dependent on overall staffing. It is preferable that candidates be available for the full summer. Approximately 60 hours prior to the camp season is required for planning purposes, as well as additional pre-summer trainings and in-service staff meetings throughout the summer. Internship credit is available.

• Develop, plan and implement activities and assigned tasks for specified program area, ensuring activities are developmentally appropriate, tie in with the weekly themes, and align with camp’s goals and desired outcomes.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of camp participants and fellow staff, adhering to all camp policies, procedures and applicable emergency protocols, as described in the staff manual.
• Act as a role model to camp participants, co-workers, and camp parents in both attitude and appropriate behavior, remaining professional and respectful, as described in the staff manual.
• Maintain camper supervision and discipline, as necessary, in a manner that is appropriate and consistent with policies described in the staff manual.
• Abide by all mandatory reporting and communication policies, as described in the staff manual.
• Evaluate camp programs and provide constructive feedback to support staff and supervisors.
• Regular, predictable, and punctual attendance is required. Any combination of education, training and experience as listed below which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job. A typical way to qualify is: completion of two (2) years of college studies in a related field or two (2) years of experience at a camp or recreation facility. Prior experience in administration or instructing youth in one of these program areas: Arts & Crafts, Sports & Games, Outdoor Education, Enrichment Specialist for 11-12 year olds. Must be willingto work under direct supervision and be 18 years of age.
• Licensure or Certification Requirements: Current and valid Ohio driver’s license with an acceptable driver’s abstract, to meet criteria for insurability established by the City of Gahanna. First Aid/CPR/AED certification.
• Assist other members of the Leadership Team in planning all-camp activities, community involvement programs, and enrichment sessions for specified camp program area.
• Demonstrate enthusiasm, while leading, assisting, and/or actively participating in all program areas, as assigned.
• Maintain exceptional standards of cleanliness, health, and safety in all camp operations, adhering to American Camp Association standards at all times.
• Be alert to equipment and facilities, to ensure utilization, proper care and maintenance is adhered to. Promptly report repairs needed to the camp management team and/or supervisor.
• Maintain appropriate level of formal/professional conduct, in an informal environment.
• Provide parents/guardians and public appropriate feedback and information, when addressing questions and concerns, with assistance from the Leadership Team or supervisor, as needed.
• Be available for camp staff trainings prior to the camp season and for in-service trainings/meetings during camp season; some of these may occur outside of regularly scheduled program hours.
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

Knowledge Of

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Basic recreation principles
• Youth development
  
  

Skill In

• Conflict resolution
• Team building
• Engagement techniques
• Behavior management
  
  

Ability to: (Mental and Physical Abilities)

• Work independently, while also being able to lead and supervise others.
• Assess appropriateness of participant behavior and respond accordingly, using positive behavior management techniques, as outlined in the staff handbook.
• Adhere to regulations, policies, and procedures required by any and all applicable regulatory/governing bodies.
• Communicate and provide necessary direction and instruction to camp participants and fellow camp staff.
• Possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of participants, as well as a high level of accountability.
• Document, update, and appropriately communicate necessary camp records and logs.
• Identify and respond to environmental and other hazards, as well as assist staff and participants in an emergency (i.e. fire, evacuation, illness, or injury).
• Assist the camp management team and Recreation Supervisor in evaluating camp programs, providing input, suggestions, and coaching where necessary.
  
  

Working Conditions

• Primary work location is outdoors, where the employee is subject to environmental conditions, extreme cold, extreme heat, noise, vibration, hazards and atmospheric conditions.
• This is medium work requiring the exertion of 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Work requires climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, and repetitive motions.