Camper Care Specialist

Camper Care

Summary

The Camper Care Specialist at Camp DREAM is an AmeriCorps position, responsible for supporting the mental, social, and emotional wellbeing of campers and staff throughout the day. The Camper Care Specialist lives in a tent with other staff and serves as a mentor for youth, helping to nurture the self-esteem, confidence and core values of every camper. Camper Care Specialists do not run activities, but rather float around and are “on-call” to help out with behavior escalations, staff questions, and support youth who are utilizing the Reset Space. AmeriCorps members are expected to work 10 day sessions, with one 30 hour period off; as well as 3 days off between sessions. 

Dates: May 31 – August 14

Job Responsibilities

As a Camper Care Specialist, you will function as part of the Leadership Team (LT), attending LT meetings each morning to coordinate with other members of the team and discuss the upcoming day. As a member of the LT, responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

• Attend scheduled meetings and training events, including pre-camp training sessions.
  • Camper Care Specialists are expected to lead 1-2 trainings during pre-camp, typically around behavior intervention, mandated reporting, and incident reports
• Assist and coach counselors in using trauma informed behavior intervention techniques
• When coaching is not an option, take over as the lead interventionist during a behavior escalation or mental health crisis.
• Create safety plans with youth who express feeling unsafe at home or school.
• Help counselors file with DCF when a report is required.
• Coordinate with DCF, families, schools, counselors, and other people in a youth’s support system to help them receive the support they need. 
• Share a living/sleeping space with 1-2 other staff. 
• Adhere to and ensure enforcement of camp rules and communicate them positively and effectively to participants.
• Lead staff meetings and a Co/Re Group (group of counselors who check in weekly about how the session is going)
• Plan and run evening activities
• Cover for other Leadership Team members on their days off
• Help counselors problem solve, coach counselors through difficult situations and conversations
• (Optional for those who have a driver’s license) Pick up/drop off counselors and campers in either a personal vehicle or the Camp vans
• You will be viewed as a leader among the team of AmeriCorps members and will be responsible for cultivating an effective, positive environment at Camp DREAM. 
• Get to know campers and develop positive, healthy relationships. Maintain appropriate boundaries with campers and follow camp policies regarding disclosure, confidentiality, and social media involvement.
• Interact with and observe campers. Immediately report all injuries and illnesses, regardless of severity, to the Camp Director after the nurses have taken control of the situation.
• Know the scheduled service and rest times. Report to service on time as scheduled.
• Abstain from the use of personal electronic devices, such as tablets or cell phones, during on-duty hours. These devices may be used during time off.
• Perform additional functions or assume additional responsibilities throughout the facility as needed or as requested by the Camp Director and other leadership staff.

***Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. As part of the Camp community, especially the Leadership Team, it is likely that the needs of camp will require you to do things that are not on this list. If you have specific questions about this, please email us or ask for clarification in your interview. 

Description of Camp: 

Camp DREAM is a joyfully rambunctious camp! We are a rustic forest environment with minimal electricity and wifi, and no phone reception. You should be able to supervise campers at all times while on duty at camp, which is broadly described in the following:

• A communal living situation that means actively socializing and being surrounded by other campers and staff from sun up to sun down;
• Lots of active outdoor activities, such as sports, swimming, boating, archery, low ropes course, and more. Every camper attends these activities, and there is a focus on collaboration and teamwork;
• 3 daily meals in the lodge or outdoor pavilion with up to 60 people who create a busy, bustling, and often loud environment, with excited talking, cheering, large-group singing, and games;
• A screen-free environment (during work hours) in which we disconnect from cell phones, video games, and the internet. Campers do not use devices during any part of the program day nor are campers permitted to wear headphones outside of the cabin. 

It is important to remember that by the nature of overnight camp:

• You will likely have a lot less “alone time” than you might find at home.
• You or your campers’ schedules may change with little notice due to weather or other circumstances, and flexibility is key
• You should feel ok being away from home and having an independent group-living experience with 50-60 other kids and staff.

Sleeping accommodations include:

• A large canvas tent (12’x12’) shared with 1-2 other staff members
• A wooden bed frame with a 5” camp mattress, or a camping cot (you can choose)
• Composting toilet facilities up to a 5 minute walk from your tent
• No water or electricity at the tent site

Benefits of Serving at Camp DREAM

• You will grow your adaptability, flexibility, and problem solving skills
• This position offers the opportunity to see new perspectives and connect with folks of many different backgrounds and lived experiences. 
• This role involves high levels of teamwork, collaboration, and interpersonal communication.

Required Qualifications: 

• To be an AmeriCorps member you MUST be 17 years or older, and be a US Citizen, US National, or Lawful Permanent Resident Alien. 
• Previous experience working with youth in a mental health capacity.
• Commitment to the entire service term (May 31 – August 13th) 
• Commitment to the mission of AmeriCorps and DREAM.
• Demonstrated skills and experience in leadership roles.
• Commitment to serve as a role model for youth.
• Elevated awareness of issues of social equity and social justice with a commitment to continued learning as it relates to serving our diverse community in a manner that is respectful and aware. 
• A passion for supporting your own and others’ ongoing work around Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
• Demonstrated ability to manage time and set priorities while giving consideration to those who you are serving, your fellow team members, the organization, and the self.
• Mental and physical ability to manage stressful situations, work well under pressure, and maintain a positive attitude while working long days on less sleep than accustomed to

Preferred Qualifications: 

• MSW, LCSW or LICSW, CCMHC, LMHC, or other counseling degree
  • If you require supervision for your current practice, camp will provide supervision by a LICSW MSW practitioner for one hour per week.
• Familiarity with trauma informed behavior intervention and restorative practices
• Creativity, energy, and an entrepreneurial spirit.
• Current driver’s license, proof of insurance, and clean driving record. (**NOT REQUIRED but strongly preferred to support session transportation)

Term and Compensation:

• Dates of service: May 31 – August 14th 
• 60-75 hours per week, 450 total service hours. 

• $750 biweekly, $4,500 total (6 pay periods) 
  • These are PRE-TAX amounts.
• Upon completion of dates and total hours, you will receive an education award of $1,956.35 (pre-tax). Click here to learn more about the Segal Education Award. 
• Free housing for your entire term is included. 
• AmeriCorps members are also eligible for:
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (food stamps)
  • Child care assistance
  • Student loan deferment (forbearance)
  • Other publicly-funded benefits, such as heating and utility assistance.
• If you engage in work-related travel in a personal vehicle outside of your commute, DREAM will provide reimbursement for mileage.
• As an AmeriCorps member at DREAM, you will have the additional support of a DREAM AmeriCorps Director to help you navigate your service term and apply for publicly funded programs.

Travel:  Staff who meet the driving requirements for DREAM will be expected to assist with camper transportation to and from camp weekly. Drives will be done in pairs, and may be 1-9 hours long. Out-of-the-area and overnight travel may be occasionally expected.

Work environment:  This position primarily operates in an outdoor environment with active children and other service members, for extended periods of time, and in all types of weather and environmental factors (heat, cold, wet, etc.). This role will operate occasionally in an office-type environment and may use standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

Physical demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee/member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job: 

• This position requires comfort working in outdoor environments, regardless of the weather.  This position can be very active and frequently requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing.  
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee/member is regularly required to communicate with individuals who talk and hear.  
• The employee/member will occasionally be required to lift and/or move items over 50 pounds.  
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee/member is regularly required to observe and comprehend using vision abilities that include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

AAP/EEO Statement:  The DREAM Program is an equal opportunity employer and an incorporated 501(c)3 charitable organization. The DREAM Program prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

At will employment:  The DREAM Program is an at will employer. Employment with The DREAM Program is voluntary and is subject to termination by you or The DREAM Program at will, with or without cause, and with or without notice, at any time. The policy of employment-at-will may not be modified by any officer or employee.