Program Staff

General Overview: Summer Program Staff are responsible for the care and supervision of campers and for developing and delivering Resident Camp programs and activities. They are responsible for working in collaboration with other summer program Staff and other staff and contributing to the general operations of camp by participating in support projects when assigned to a support week. Activities occur inside and outside, and the employee is subject to both environmental conditions.

Essential Functions (including but not limited to the following):

Camper Care and Camp Program (85%)

•Work with counselors and staff to plan activities and lead campers within the cabin group.

•Direct, mentor, and supervise campers at all times, including in cabins overnight.

•Encourage campers’ social, emotional, and spiritual growth.

•Provide care and guidance to campers, ensuring their physical and emotional safety.

•Encourage acceptance and fellowship between cabin members and among groups.

•Help campers deal with problems and facilitate the resolution of conflicts.

•Explain the rules, policies, and procedures of camp life to campers.

•Lead or help with activities such as swimming, archery, nature hikes, arts, ropes course, team building, outdoor cooking, and outdoor skills based on training and experience.

•Ensure that activities are cleaned up, and the site is kept clean, organized, and free of litter.

•Ensure campers are brought to staff, nurses, and head leaders for care as needed.

•Know, enforce, and follow all safety guidelines associated with the camp and all program areas. This includes but is not limited to being responsible for campers’ safety and their whereabouts at all times.

•Know and understand all emergency procedures associated with the camp program.

•Arrive the day before camper arrival by 5 pm.

•Attend regular meetings and communicate with staff about the wellness and development of campers. Provide and receive feedback from directors and fellow staff.

Camp Support (15%)

•Support food service, including dishwashing, cleaning, and food preparation.

•Assist maintenance staff in minor repairs around camp as directed.

•Assist with cleaning buildings and maintaining trails and grounds.

•Fill in for others as needed to ensure smooth camp-wide operations.

Special qualifications:

All Program staff must be at least 14 years old unless assigned to a cabin; then 18 is the minimum age. They must also be two years older than the group of campers they are working with. All Program Staff must obtain First Aid and CPR or Lifeguarding certification prior to the arrival of campers. All Program Staff must have completed YFC safety training and Staff training at Prairie River Camp.

Skills and Abilities

•Maintain a viable, growing relationship with Jesus Christ and exemplify that relationship in daily life

•Self-motivated person who can anticipate the needs of staff and guests

•Ability to handle multiple projects and issues at the same time and yet maintain a positive attitude

•Ability to interact extremely well with others

Physical Requirements

•Ability to stoop, kneel, bend, reach, stand, walk, push, pull, lift, work with fingers, grasp, feel, talk, hear, and perform repetitive motions.

•Ability to walk over rough terrain for several hours and carry loads of up to 50 pounds.

•Heavy visual acuity is required to perform such activities as supervising campers.