Boys Camp Cabin Leader

Description:

American Youth Foundation Mission

We dare people to discover and celebrate the very best in themselves and others; inspire them to explore diverse perspectives and complex challenges; and embolden them to live courageously, engaging their full capacity.

Job Summary

Cabin Leaders are responsible for the day-to-day management of a group of campers. Cabin Leaders, depending on camper age, live in a cabin with their campers and co-lead the group in pairs or trios, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of every camper. Cabin Leaders lead campers through daily routines, facilitate a positive communal living experience, and participate in all camp programming and activities alongside their cabin group and co-staff. Cabin Leaders are the first to support campers in their personal development, participating in all camp activities alongside campers to establish a positive community and build meaningful relationships.

Age Group Breakdown

• Miniwanca: Cabin Leaders lead cabin groups of 4–8 campers and interest groups of 8–12 campers across the camp’s various age divisions (Darer, Seeker, Avail).

Job Locations

• Miniwanca – Shelby, Michigan
• Miniwanca necessitates the ability to move through rugged terrain.
• Cabin Leaders live onsite during staff training and the two camp sessions, including weekends and evenings, to be available 24 hours/day in case of emergency response.
• Housing and all meals are provided.
• Staff live in cabins with campers, or in a communal space with other staff, depending on position.

Job Type

Seasonal

Company Culture

The AYF believes that how we act and interact reflects who we are as a community. In practice, at the AYF we value investing in youth, stewarding the environment, encouraging participants and staff to explore and develop their values and beliefs, belonging in community, and growing together.

Recognizing the full value of all, the American Youth Foundation affords equal opportunity for employment and program participation to all individuals on the basis of merit and/or eligibility without regard to race, color, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, familial status, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, age, military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Position Responsibilities

• Primarily responsible for the health, safety, and wellbeing of campers assigned to your care.
• Depending on camper age, live in a cabin with 4–12 campers at a time and maintain a positive communal experience.
• Guide campers through their daily routines: wake up and bedtime, hygiene, and personal organization.
• Facilitate and teach activities such as boating, climbing, arts and crafts, sports, games, and daily interest groups; plan and implement multi-day curriculums that differentiate for various skill levels of campers.
• Facilitate highly engaging instruction that allows for skill development, social interaction, and opportunities for campers to challenge themselves and fail safely.
• Participate in the development and refinement of available camper activities.
• Participate in all camp programming: early morning and evening activities, meals, and daily reflections.
• Lead campers on overnight camping trips onsite, and/or backpacking and canoe trips, traversing rugged terrain to primitive campsites.
• Manage individual and group behavior: resolve conflict and enforce community standards of respect for all.
• Appropriately manage behavior challenges and conflict with a sense of respect for young people and a focus on developing the social-emotional health of campers.
• Utilize coordinating and supervisory staff to adequately meet the needs of campers when necessary.
• Ensure the safety of campers at all times, following and implementing all safety standards, and assist campers in need throughout the day and night.
• Build relationships with campers to foster friendly, nurturing, and age-appropriate group dynamics.
• Provide mentorship and connection to all campers in the community with whom you interact.
• Model responsibility and compassion for campers in all activities, such as cleaning cabins or the eating lodge.
• Communicate daily with supervisor, attend staff meetings, and receive guidance and instruction from coordinators and directors.
• For Pathfinder and Torchbearer Leaders: help campers move through leadership curriculum and personal style development, and participate in on- and off-site service projects.
• Actively participate in all camp activities with enthusiasm, creating an inclusive environment that encourages all campers to participate.
• This is not meant to be a complete list of all responsibilities. Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements:

Skills and Qualifications

Required:

• Minimum age: 18 years old. Miniwanca requires completion of high school; Merrowvista requires completion of one year of college or post-high school work or service experience.
• First Aid and CPR certification. At Merrowvista, Pioneer/Discoverer and Pathfinder/Torchbearer Leaders specifically require Wilderness First Aid and CPR (provided during staff training).
• Previous experience working with youth.
• Strong emotional and mental health. Must be adaptable and exhibit good judgement to determine what is in the best interest of the campers in their care.
• Support the organization’s mission and vision with integrity, dependability, and accountability.
• Interact effectively with individuals and groups respecting social and cultural diversity. Establish and maintain appropriate professional relationships and interpersonal skills that contribute to a positive community.
• Demonstrate passion for serving youth, encouraging campers to explore through play and creating a space where youth feel included and a sense of belonging.
• Fully participate in and be present at all camp community activities, including staff training activities.
• Maintain effective mental, emotional, and social interactions in our youth-centered residential summer camp program.
• Ability to handle stressful situations appropriately, maintaining mental, emotional, and social resiliency needed for the job in a fast-paced, interactive environment.
• Use effective and appropriate self-care practices for maintaining overall wellness.
• Follow all guidelines and policies as described in the AYF (American Youth Foundation) staff manual.

Preferred:

• 1–3 years working or volunteering with youth in recreational or educational settings.
• Leadership experience, including student, sports, club, team, or community leadership.
• Strong teaching/facilitation skills.
• Basic outdoor skills: hiking, camping, canoeing (training will be provided).
• A personality and character that exudes leadership, flexibility, trustworthiness, creativity, energy, inspiration, and positivity.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required for this position. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.