What are the responsibilities and job description for the SEASONAL: Head Teacher - Oasis Day Camps - Dobbs Ferry position at Oasis Children Services?
Who We Are:
Founded by experienced childhood educators, psychologists, and developmental specialists, Oasis Day Camp prides itself on nurturing children ages 3 to 16 to feel safe and confident both physically and emotionally. Our camp directors and leaders are school teachers and senior youth workers who painstakingly hand select counselors, activity specialists, and instructors with experience and passion for child development and emotional growth.
Job OverviewThe Head Teacher and Camper Care Coordinator reports to the Early Start Imagination Camp Division Leader and plays a central role in supporting the emotional, social, and developmental wellbeing of Oasis campers. This position is responsible for providing guidance to counselors and specialists on camper behavior management, fostering positive group dynamics, and ensuring that each camper feels safe, valued, and supported. The Head Teacher and Camper Care Coordinator works closely with the Camp Director and Leadership Team to ensure that Oasis’s mission and values are reflected throughout daily activities and interactions.This individual will mentor staff in child development best practices, coordinate interventions for behavioral challenges, communicate with families regarding camper needs, and help cultivate a caring and inclusive camp culture. The ideal candidate is nurturing, patient, proactive, and skilled at coaching staff to create emotionally safe environments where campers can thrive.
ResponsibilitiesRisk and Safety
- Maintain a constant awareness of camper and staff safety in all areas of camp.
- Follow all Oasis Day Camp and Department of Health safety guidelines and protocols.
- Identify and respond to potential hazards quickly and effectively.
- Ensure campers use equipment and facilities appropriately and safely.
- Report all accidents, injuries, or unsafe conditions immediately to the Camp Director or Health Director.
- Participate in all required safety drills, emergency response procedures, and training sessions.
- Model safe behavior and teach campers personal responsibility for safety
Camper Support & Safety
- Oversee and support camper social and emotional wellbeing throughout the camp day.
- Model and reinforce positive behavior management and conflict resolution strategies.
- Assist counselors in addressing group dynamics, conflicts, and homesickness with empathy and consistency.
- Collaborate with parents and guardians to share updates, insights, and recommendations regarding camper progress and adjustment.
- Maintain confidentiality and documentation for any incidents, interventions, or significant camper interactions.
- Partner with the Health Director and Camp Director in responding to any behavioral or emotional safety concerns.
Staff Leadership & Training
- Mentor and coach counselors in effective camper engagement and group management techniques.
- Lead daily or weekly check-ins with staff to review camper needs and successes.
- Participate in pre-camp staff training to educate counselors on developmental stages, empathy-based discipline, and inclusion.
- Provide on-the-spot guidance to staff during the day to reinforce best practices.
- Model professionalism, compassion, and problem-solving in interactions with campers and colleagues.
Program Collaboration
- Work closely with specialists and leadership to align programming with Oasis’s pillars and camper outcomes.
- Ensure that activities promote positive peer relationships, teamwork, and self-expression.
- Collaborate with staff to adapt activities for campers with special needs or unique challenges.
- Support the creation of a positive, inclusive camp culture that celebrates diversity and kindness.
Family Communication
- Serve as the primary point of contact for families regarding camper adjustment and behavior.
- Communicate professionally and empathetically with parents to build trust and maintain transparency.
- Provide updates, feedback, and follow-up regarding any behavioral incidents or emotional concerns.
- Collaborate with the Camp Director on individualized camper care plans when necessary.
Who You Are
- An experienced educator, youth professional, or camp leader passionate about child development.
- Empathetic and skilled at connecting with children and adults alike.
- Organized, patient, and solution-oriented when addressing camper or staff challenges.
- An excellent communicator and team player who thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic camp environment.
- A supportive mentor who models Oasis’s core values through actions and leadership.
- Energetic, dependable, and enthusiastic about summer camp life.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Child Development, Psychology, Social Work, or related field preferred.
- Minimum 2 years of experience working with children or youth in educational, recreational, or camp settings.
- Experience supervising or mentoring staff strongly preferred.
- Knowledge of early childhood child development and group management, and conflict resolution strategies.
- CPR and First Aid certified or willing to obtain upon hire.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
Requirements:
- Ability to walk on uneven ground and stand for long periods of time
- Ability to safely lift up to 50 pounds
Summer ScheduleSummer season runs from late June through late August. Full-time, on-site role during the summer camp session.
Pay: $625.00 per week
Work Location: In person
Salary : $625