YMCA Camp Silver Creek - Arts and Crafts Lead 2026

Family YMCA of Marion & Polk Counties•Sublimity, OR

12d•$684•Onsite

About The Position

Since 1938, generations of campers have come to experience the joy and beauty of Camp Silver Creek. Located deep inside Oregon's Silver Falls State Park, historic Camp Silver Creek is a magical place for children and adults alike. Towering evergreens and a stream flow through the camp’s four units. In the center of camp, a beautiful field is perfect for field games and the lake welcomes boaters, fishermen, and even the early morning polar bear swimmers. We are actively hiring great role models who are energetic, collaborative, and hard working to join the team for this summer. The Arts and Crafts Leader oversees all creative activities at Camp Silver Creek. As a member of the program staff and a leader among the camp team, they maintain the arts and crafts lodge, plan engaging projects, and support staff during activity periods. They are responsible for ensuring safety, cleanliness, and proper preparation in all arts and crafts activities.

Requirements

At least 18 years of age
Proven interest or prior experience with arts or creative education
Previous experience working with with creating programming for children ages 7-16
Supervisory experience, particularly in peer leadership, preferred
Strong communication and interpersonal skills for working effectively with peers, supervisors, and children
Comfortable working in an outdoor environment and able to foster an appreciation for nature among campers
Enjoys working and interacting with people of all ages and backgrounds, with a special emphasis on children, while modeling and promoting the YMCA’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility
Ability to respond to safety and emergency situations.
Must be CPR and First Aid certified or willing to become certified within the first 30 days of employment. (Certification classes available upon employment.)
Current Oregon Food Handler’s Certification, or ability to obtain certification.
Must be available during all of the following date: June 7 - June 13 (Program Staff Retreat) June 14 - June 20 (Mandatory All-Staff Training) June 21 - August 23 (Camp Season & Move-Out)
Must be physically capable of observing and listening for stressful situations at all times.
Must be physically capable of lifting 40 pounds.
Must be able to quickly reach a person and/or situation to prevent harm.
Capable of effective and appropriate mental, emotional and social responses in a constantly changing, youth centered environment.
All candidates must have reliable transportation.
Job offers are contingent upon completion of a rigorous criminal history background check.

Nice To Haves

Supervisory experience, particularly in peer leadership, preferred

Responsibilities

Plan, prepare, and implement arts and crafts programs for skill groups, choice time, and group activities.
Support the Assistant Director of Programming in capturing photos and videos of camp activities, people, facilities, and scenery each week.
In collaboration with the Assistant Director of Programming, support broader camp programming by assisting with skill groups, large-group camp games, twilight programming, and other all-camp activities as needed.
Maintain organization and cleanliness within the arts and crafts area, ensuring a welcoming and efficient workspace.
Provide clear direction to staff assisting in arts and crafts, ensuring smooth facilitation of activities.
Enforce safety protocols for all arts and crafts materials and equipment, training and supervising staff to uphold safety standards.
Manage inventory of all arts and crafts supplies, track usage, and work with the Assistant Director of Programming to maintain budget compliance.
Conduct end-of-season inventory, assist with camp closing procedures, and ensure proper cleanup of the arts and crafts building and surrounding areas.
Promote and follow Leave No Trace principles, ensuring that arts and crafts activities minimize environmental impact on the surrounding natural areas.
Provide coaching and mentorship to staff, fostering professional growth, teamwork, and adherence to camp values.
Ensure compliance with ACA (American Camp Association) standards and all applicable safety and camp regulations.
Participates in required mid-season leadership planning and training sessions to support program quality, staff alignment, and end-of-season readiness.