Job Summary:
This position requires the facilitation/teaching of an age-appropriate curriculum for the Beyond program’s Rainbow Explorers Day Camp. The Rainbow Explorers Day Camp Facilitator provides instruction and supervision of campers ages 8-11 and is the key facilitator implementing the Rainbow Explorer curriculum through camp activities. Rainbow Explorers Day Camp is for children from families with LGBTQ+ caregivers/parents, gender expansive or self identified LGBTQ+ youth, and/or for children for whom their caregivers/parents feel a day camp that includes and affirms LGBTQ+ identities will be a good fit for their child. The Rainbow Explorers Day Camp Facilitator works as a team with camp counselors, Directors, campers and families, to ensure a fun and safe environment. The Beyond Rainbow Explorers Day Camp Facilitator will make observations and engage socially, in small groups, and one on one, in ways that support skill development and social and emotional learning. The Facilitator will implement strategies, through fun and imaginative play and camp activities, that support the positive self-image of campers and coping skills and that reduce anxiety, social isolation, depression, and that may offer support to individuals with various neurodivergent conditions and/or gender dysphoria. Camp curriculum is designed to support the pride, self-confidence, and inclusion of LGBTQ+ young people and/or LGBTQ+ families.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities: (Additional duties as assigned)
- Facilitate/teach the Rainbow Explorers curriculum on scheduled days for four weeks, between Mondays and Fridays.
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Lead interactive activities with campers.
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Strive to provide a fun, exciting, and inviting atmosphere for all campers.
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Facilitate daily activities designed to support campers' enjoyment, learning, social connection, positive self-image, mental health, well-being, and communication skills.
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Provide guidance that supports the positive mental health and emotional well-being of campers and staff.
- Apply basic principles of youth development, connect with the campers, and work with campers to create positive and meaningful relationships utilizing communication, respect and empowerment.
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Act as a positive role model for campers.
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Take an active role in the camp community by participating enthusiastically in all aspects of camp.
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Interact with campers’ parents in a consistently positive and welcoming manner, utilizing strong customer service skills and maintaining good rapport.
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Welcome campers daily in a positive, inviting, outgoing and inclusive manner.
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Offering an accessible and friendly presence, making observations and offering strategies that support mental well-being.
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Report to the Day Camp Director daily on the well-being of the Rainbow Explorers Day Camp cohort, communicating about any situations and/or dynamics and instances of note.
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Report to the Day Camp Director immediately with any issues that impact the safety and well-being of campers, or needs in supporting the best camp experience as possible for campers. This may include needs that require the camp nurse, or requests for materials or repairs.
- Communicate with the Day Camp Director any instances where intervention from a camper’s parent or guardian is advisable.
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Report to the Beyond Program Director with updates on the implementation of Rainbow Explorers Day Camp curriculum and activities, sharing feedback, any concerns with campers/guardians, and any needs to support the success of the camp.
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Be prepared to offer suggestions of resources or “next steps” for wraparound support of campers/families and/or staff outside of the camp setting.
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Practice confidentiality and utmost discretion with knowledge of camper health history.
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Maintain campers’ overall health and safety while at camp, alerting the Day Camp Director and Health Supervisor of any issues, and ensuring each campers’ personal health and hygiene needs are met.
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Follow all safety procedures and camp rules, including New York Department of Health, Girl Scout Safety Activity Checkpoints, and American Camp Association Standards.
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Assist with check-in and check-out procedures.
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Assist with weekly camp clean up, including sweeping, mopping, sanitizing, trash pick-up, etc.
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Assist with keeping program facilities, lodge, and assigned bathroom area clean throughout each session.
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Assist program staff as needed.
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Honor and respect camper and staff name and pronoun(s) as important contributing factors to overall positive mental well-being.
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Acting as a leader and role model to other staff members through use of excellent customer service skills, maintaining a professional demeanor and positive, upbeat disposition, and communicating with other staff members in a way that is positive and encouraging.
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Model self-care among staff and campers. This includes taking all (mandatory) breaks, adequate hydration, attaining a reasonable amount of sleep, balanced nutrition, and caring for one’s own emotional wellness.
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Adhere to all COVID-19 protocols required by NYS Department of Health and GSNYPENN.
Minimum Qualification Standards:
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Be at least 23 years of age.
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Believe in the Beyond Program mission.
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Have completed undergraduate degree and possesses teaching experience. Preferred candidates will be currently enrolled as a graduate student in the fields of education, social work, psychology, therapy, or have completed graduate degree.
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Preferred candidates will hold, or currently be enrolled in formal study for one of the following: Masters in Social Work (LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Clinical Psychologist (Psy. D.), Counseling Psychologist, MA, MS, M.Ed, Ed. D or course of study.
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Knowledge of and experience working with LGBTQ+ youth.
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Desire to work with LGBTQ+ youth and families in the outdoors and to immerse one’s self in the outdoor environment.
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Prior summer day or resident camp experience preferred.
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CPR/First Aid training, or willingness to obtain
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
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Strong organizational skills including the ability to manage multiple projects and details simultaneously.
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Possess good character, integrity, patience, sense of humor, enthusiasm, a high level of flexibility, and willingness to be a part of the camp community.
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Ability to work productively in a fast paced, stressful environment.
Skills related to program planning and implementation, such as: time management, creativity, flexibility, public speaking skills, organization, and strong interpersonal skills.
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Physical and Mental Requirements:
Light mental and visual attention is required for performing work where there is some variety, but actions taken, and decisions made are limited to a few possibilities. Work requires some coordination with others.
Physical Exertion:
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Exerts up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently or constantly to move objects.
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Walking on uneven terrain, up and down hills for distances up to ½ mile
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Endurance to meet emergency needs
Environmental Conditions:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that may be encountered while performing the essential functions of this position.
The employee is subject to inside and/or outside environmental conditions, noise, outdoor elements such as rain, wind, sun, heat, and animals such as bugs, snakes, bats, etc.
