Summer Camp Counselor Lead (Unit Director)

Camp Mendocino is a residential summer camp located in Northern California. All Camp Employees are expected to live, sleep and work at Camp. Camp Mendocino provides meals and lodging for the duration of the employment period.

Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco (BGCSF) is dedicated to providing children and teens with safe, fun places to learn and grow, with professional staff to offer support and guidance, serving as caring mentors and role models. One aspect of Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco's programs is Camp Mendocino (our residential summer camp). Camp Mendocino is a nationally recognized program where staff members work with youth ages 8 to 17 of all backgrounds to help them gain the qualities and skills needed to become responsible citizens and leaders.

Camp is located four hours north of San Francisco and spread over 2,000 acres. We provide transportation between San Francisco and Camp at the start and end of the summer.

We offer a wide range of activities at Camp including: swimming, a four part challenge course, mountain biking, archery, dance and drama, arts and crafts, environmental education, sports, overnight camping, and much more!

Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco is an Equal Opportunity Employer. View other exciting career opportunities with Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco by viewing our webpage at www.kidsclub.org/jobs.

Lead counselors (also called Unit Directors) manage a small team of Camp counselors (6-8 staff) and are responsible for a group of up to 20 youth, ensuring a positive camp experience, managing behavior issues and participating in all Camp activities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for supervising a group of up to 20 youth and a small team of staff members
• Foster camper growth in the areas of: life skills, self care, and interpersonal skills
• Ensure safety of all campers in their group including setting clear safety expectations, observing and engaging campers while in their care, assessing the appropriateness of camper behaviors, following emergency procedures and all COVID-19 safety protocols.
• Manage and coach counselors ensuring proper supervision of youth, including running daily team meetings
• Ensure the physical and emotional needs of staff and campers in their group are being met
• Oversees the daily schedule and activities schedule for campers is adhered to
• Lead & plan traditional Camp activities, including but not limited to: arts & crafts, archery, hiking, environmental education, and sports.
• Facilitate mediation, mentoring, and conflict resolution
• Work as a liaison between youth and staff to sustain a positive, safe and fun environment
• Contact parents/guardians and ensure consistent communication with camper families
• Ensure campers’ medical needs are met through consultation with infirmary staff
• Attend all required meetings and trainings
• Maintain accurate documentation and paperwork
• Foster character development consistent with BGCSF philosophy
• Engage campers with a positivity, including participating in cheers, talent shows, and overnight hikes
• Directly supervise youth in activities or in a cabin overnight
• Other duties as specified by direct supervisor

BY THE END OF THE SUMMER, AN INCREDIBLE LEAD COUNSELOR WILL:

• Build a safe & positive environment
• Create opportunities for fun & belonging for all campers
• Establish supportive relationships with campers and adult staff
• Encourage a sense of belonging, usefulness, influence, confidence in campers
• Create intentional & inclusive plans for campers who need extra support
• Coach staff in best practices working with youth
• Advocate for staff wellbeing, and support their professional growth

SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED:

• Minimum 2 years experience in youth development
• Experience working with middle school aged youth.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and communicate with coworkers, parents, and campers
• Ability to handle difficult or stressful situations in a professional manner
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE PREFERRED:

• Experience working with youth from disadvantaged circumstances
• Experience working with youth in an overnight camp setting
• Experience supervising staff

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to lift 50lbs.
• Must be able to walk on uneven terrain for at least 3 miles
• Must be able to be stand for 8 hours (with breaks)
• Must be able to work in temperatures ranging from 35° to 100°

SCHEDULE: Temporary/Seasonal position. Applicants should be available June 16 - August 2, 2021 to work & live on-site at our Camp location in Northern California (Mendocino County). Please note that any offer of employment and/or start date are contingent on BGCSF's response to the COVID-19 virus. An offer may be rescinded or the start date adjusted, depending on the needs of the organization during this unprecedented global pandemic.

From: Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco