Program Instructor

General Function

Directly supervised by the Day Camp Director and the Overnight Camp Director, the Program Instructors assume responsibility for the entire summer camp program, including the mentoring of staff at their assigned program area, and the program planning and development of the specialty area as well as serving as co-counselors in the overnight camp program.

Know How

All Summer Program Specialist positions require:

1. Age minimum of 18-21 years, preferred (see below).

2. Bachelor’s Degree related to youth work, preferred.

3. Minimum of 2-3 seasons of leadership experience in camping.

4. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with children and families.

5. Certification in First Aid and in Infant, Child, and Adult CPR. (Additional lifesaving certification is preferred).

6. A driver’s license and a good driving record.

7. Ability to lift and carry 40 lbs of equipment.

8. Must be comfortable in leading off-site trips if required

9. Demonstrated skills and ability in youth work: staff development, training, and evaluation; communication, program planning, and administration; and recognizing and encouraging quality in others.

10.Demonstrated success and certifications as stated in the description.

Instructor Positions:

 Arts and Crafts Instructors - a minimum of 19 years of age and 2 seasons camping experience with established expertise teaching Arts and Crafts. Duties: develop arts and crafts program for camp. Prepare list of materials needed to support the program and prepare purchase orders. Keep a clean and orderly work space. Be sure lessons for the week follow the theme of the week and that campers are excited about the activity. Ensure the safety of all participants. Work closely with the Day Camp Director and Overnight Camp Director to ensure the program meets the needs of all levels of campers in ability and age and the nature and spirit of our programs. In collaboration with the counselor be sure all campers feel safe and behavioral issues are addressed. Serve as co-counselor in overnight camp.

 Ropes Instructor– training through an accredited or reputable program (certifications preferred) and a minimum of 20 years of age and 3 seasons experience in climbing programs. A minimum of 2 seasons experience and established expertise in serving as a camp counselor with demonstrated ability in relationship building and child development. Duties: Instruct climbing with campers ensuring that they are challenged whether a first time camper or a camper who is returning for many weeks or years. Ensure the safety of all participants. Follow proper procedures when instructing ropes course activities. Oversee the competence of all staff who bring groups to climbing. Ensure staff are using the basic commands and necessary backup systems to be supportive at the climbing program. Encourage campers to use their journals to keep track of their achievements at climbing. Be sure all equipment is well maintained, put away and locked when not in use. Complete all necessary log books. Help campers to set reasonable goals and commit and celebrate their achievements. Work closely with the Day Camp Director and Overnight Camp Director to ensure the program meets the needs of all levels of campers in ability and age and the nature and spirit of our programs. In collaboration with the counselor be sure all campers feel safe and behavioral issues are addressed. Support all camp ropes course program as needed and as scheduling permits. Serve as co-counselor in overnight camp.

 Archery Instructor - a minimum age of 19 and 2 seasons camping experience with established expertise and certification in teaching archery. Duties: Instruct archery to overnight campers ensuring that they are challenged whether a first time camper or a camper who is returning for many weeks or years. Ensure the safety of all participants. Follow proper procedures when teaching archery. Oversee the competence of all staff who bring groups to archery. Train staff the basic commands and how to be supportive at the archery program. Support campers in their skill level achievements by recording their achievements at archery. Help campers to set reasonable goals and commit and celebrate their achievements. Be sure all equipment is well maintained, put away and locked when not in use. Work closely with the Overnight Camp Director to ensure the program meets the needs of all levels of campers in ability and age and the nature and spirit of our programs. In collaboration with the counselor be sure all campers feel safe and behavioral issues are addressed. Serve as co-counselor in overnight camp.

 Nature Instructor - a minimum age of 18 and 2 seasons camping experience, must be able to lead and teach nature activities and have a demonstrated interest in this area. Provide co-counselor coverage for Overnight Camp. Develop nature program in consultation with the Overnight Camp Director and as defined by established curriculum for overnight camp. Prepare list of materials needed to support this program and prepare purchase orders. Keep a clean and orderly nature center. Be sure lessons are appropriate for the level of the camper and meets the campers needs as outlined in curriculum plan. In collaboration with the counselor be sure all campers feel safe and behavioral issues are addressed. Serve as co-counselor in overnight camp.

 LARP Instructor - a minimum age of 19 and 3 seasons camping experience. Must be able to lead and instruct LARP camp activities. Must have demonstrated experience in live action role play and understand how it relates to Sherman Lake YMCA Camp's four core values of honesty, caring, respect and responsibility. Instruct LARP utilizing the Sherman Lake YMCA curriculum ensuring that all campers receive the experience that they are expecting. Campers must move through the level curriculum and demonstrate their competence of the level before moving on. Stories must support the curriculum level. In collaboration with the counselor be sure all campers feel safe and behavioral issues are addressed.

 Waterfront Instructors ( 3 positions: 1. Day Camp Boating; 2. Overnight Camp Boating and Sailing and 3. Overnight Camp Water Exploration & Fishing) - a minimum age of 20 years and 3 seasons camping experience, lifeguard certification and established expertise teaching water activities, including boating. Serve as co-counselor for overnight camp as assigned. Duties: Instruct water activities with day and overnight campers ensuring that they are challenged whether a first time camper or a camper who is returning for many weeks or years. Instruct water activities utilizing the provided progressive curriculum. Ensure the safety of all participants. Follow proper procedures when instructing water activities. Oversee the competence of all staff who bring groups to water activities. Ensure staff are using the basic commands and necessary backup systems to be supportive at the waterfront program. Encourage campers to use their journals to keep track of their achievements at water activities. Be sure all equipment is well maintained, put away and locked when not in use. Use all buddy board systems in place. Help campers to set reasonable goals and commit and celebrate their achievements. Work closely with the Day and Overnight Camp Directors and Waterfront Director to ensure the program meets the needs of all levels of campers in ability and age and the nature and spirit of our programs. In collaboration with the counselor be sure all campers feel safe and behavioral issues are addressed. Serve as co-counselor in overnight camp.

Principle Activities for all positions:

All Summer Program Specialist positions require each person to:

1. Live by and teach the Four Principles of the Sherman Lake YMCA Outdoor Center: Honesty, Caring, Respect, and Responsibility.

2. Maintain that the health and safety of campers, members, and participants is the #1 priority of the Sherman Lake YMCA Outdoor Center at all times.

3. Create, plan, schedule, implement, and evaluate all camp programs and special events.

4. Ensure that all applicable YMCA, ACA, local, state, and federal regulations are fulfilled.

5. Train, motivate, and mentor staff.

6. Maintain the highest standard of safety and quality at all times.

7. Develop and maintain good public relations with parents and families of campers.　

8. Be flexible and assist in any and all areas of the Sherman Lake YMCA Outdoor Center as needed and directed.

9. Encourage and assist in developing new ideas for camp programs and activities.

10.Assume complete responsibility for the management of at least one major program area of camp.

11. Establish and maintain smooth logistics and master scheduling of camp, especially the transportation process of campers.

12.Develop and monitor all emergency systems that will ensure camper and participant safety at all times.

13.Keep and submit accurate records (financial, accident, maintenance repairs, etc.) in a timely fashion.

14.Drive camp vehicles in emergencies and as needed.

15.Stay overnight in the cabins during the summer camping programs. The hours for a Summer Program Specialist are Sundays 12:00 noon – Fridays 7:00 pm, weekly, unless previously discussed with and recorded by a camp director.

Please note: Camp is often unpredictable. There will be times when you will be requested to help in addition to your principle activities.

Effect on End Results

The effectiveness of Summer Program Specialists is measured in part by:

1. The achievement of the goals and objectives of the Sherman Lake YMCA Outdoor Center.

2. YMCA Campers, Members, and Participants having a happy, safe, and rewarding experience.

3. Campers have learned a new skill (achievement), made a new friend (relationships) and feel a sense of belonging.

4. Each Staff member and Volunteer having a rewarding growth experience.

5. Positive formal and informal performance reviews and program evaluations from supervisors, the staff you supervise, campers, and parents.