Cabin Staff Special Needs Summer Camp

Position Purpose: 

Cabin Staff are responsible for carrying out activities and guiding campers in their personal growth and daily living skills. Camp Staff will oversee volunteers paired 1:1 with campers for the duration of camp. This position requires 24 hour care and responsibility for volunteers and campers during the time at camp. It involves caring for the physical hygiene needs of our campers. This position also involves spiritual leadership and the willingness to teach daily Bible devotions to a cabin group.

Essential Job Functions:

1.    Assist in the direction, supervision, and organization of volunteers and campers in their living unit, within activities and throughout the camp in order to meet the intended camper outcomes.

• ­ Provide an atmosphere of inclusion and encouragement for all campers.
• ­ Assure campers are properly supervised at all times.
• ­ Be aware of and implement safety guidelines.
• ­ Oversee camp volunteers and facilitate relationships between campers and volunteers.
• ­ Articulate the gospel and love of Jesus Christ.

2.    Participate in the development and implementation of program activities for campers within the mission and outcomes.

• ­ Responsible for leading and assisting with the teaching of activities.
• ­ Actively participate in all program areas as assigned.
• ­ Provide for the progression of activities within the framework of individual and group interests and abilities.
• ­ Assist in program areas such as waterfront, nature, all camp activities, and arts and crafts as directed.

3.    Maintain high standards of health and safety in all activities for campers and staff.

• ­ Provide the daily care of each camper within your supervision including recognition of personal health needs.
• ­ Be alert to campers and staff needs and assist them with personal and/or health problems, and discuss with camp health manager and/or resident camp director when appropriate.
• ­ Be alert to equipment and facilities to ensure utilization, proper care, and maintenance is adhered to; report repairs needed promptly to camp director.

4.    Be a role model to campers and staff in your attitude and behavior.

• ­ Follow and uphold all safety and security rules and procedures.
• ­ Set a good example to campers and others in regard to general camp procedures and practices including sanitation, schedule, and sportsmanship.

Other Job Duties:

• ­ Contribute to verbal and written evaluations and communication as requested.
• ­ Participate enthusiastically in all camp activities, planning, and leading those as assigned.
• ­ Participate as a member of the camp staff team to deliver and supervise evening programs, special events, overnights, and other all-camp activities and camp functions.
• ­ Assist in the planning of any special events on or near the waterfront.
• ­ Identify other tasks or duties that this position may be expected to perform but are not necessarily the primary focus of this position.
• ­ Provide supervision and care to individuals with special needs, including physical hygiene activities such as showering, toileting, and general appearance upkeep.

Relationships:

• Communicate regularly with staff, directors, and volunteers regarding needs of campers.
• Alert Camp Director immediately of issues with a camper, volunteer or staff member.
• Work with volunteers to provide a fun, safe environment for campers.

Equipment Used:

Counselors may be asked to use fire protection equipment, washers and dryers, dishwashers, and specialty program equipment. 

Qualifications: (Minimum Education and Experience)

­ Must be 18 years of age or high school graduate.

­ Must submit health forms prior to first day of work.

­ Ability to interact with all age levels and disabilities.

Preferred Qualifications

­ Experience working with individuals with special needs and/or disabilities.

­ 1-2 years prior overnight camp experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

­ Understand the development needs of youth.

­ Ability to relate to youth and adults in a positive manner.

­ Demonstrate knowledge and skill in program areas designated camp program areas.

Physical Aspects of the Job:

• ­ Ability to communicate and work with groups participating (age and skill levels) and provide necessary instruction to campers and staff.
• ­ Ability to observe camper behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques.
• ­ Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to the activity.
• ­ Physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid. Must be able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury) and possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers.
• ­ Physical endurance for walking long distances, prolonged standing, bending, stooping, daily sun exposure, lifting up to 50 lbs, and other physical movements involved in physical hygiene care of campers.
• ­ Ability to live in a camp setting, work irregular hours, and operate on interrupted sleep.