Assistant Camp Director/Youth Program Specialist

The Salvation Army•Hartford, CT

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Assist supervisors in organizing and implementing the Camp CONNRI summer camp program and other Youth Department programming around the Division throughout the year. Collaborate with supervisors to lead the implementation of a Christian Education program, enhancing the Division's evangelistic presence for young people and adults.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED required.
Minimum of two (2) years of related professional or practical experience working with children, youth, or young adults in education, Christian ministry or Salvation Army programs, camping, recreation, youth development, or a related program setting.
Must be at least 21 years of age.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and meet The Salvation Army’s requirements for operating Salvation Army vehicles.
Must demonstrate strong leadership skills and the ability to supervise, train, encourage, and evaluate staff.
Must possess strong organizational, administrative, communication (verbal & written), and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage multiple programs, events, deadlines, and responsibilities.
Must demonstrate the ability to develop positive and appropriate relationships with children, youth, young adults, parents, volunteers, Corps Officers, Local Officers, and community partners.
Must be able to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and age groups, with particular emphasis on children, teenagers, and young adults.
Must be able and willing to travel throughout the Southern New England Division to support Corps Officers, Local Officers, youth leaders, and divisional programs.
Must be available to work evenings, weekends, overnight events, and extended periods at camp as required by the responsibilities of the position.
Must demonstrate sound judgment, maturity, professionalism, initiative, flexibility, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a member of the Divisional Youth Department team.
Must successfully complete all required background checks, child-safety requirements, and KeepSAfe training and comply with all Salvation Army policies regarding the protection of children and vulnerable persons.
Demonstrate an understanding of and respect for the mission, beliefs, and values of The Salvation Army and be able to carry out the responsibilities of the position in a manner consistent with them.
Demonstrate Christian character, integrity, compassion, and appropriate conduct when working with children, youth, families, staff, volunteers, and Salvation Army personnel.
Be able to encourage the spiritual development of children and young people and help create environments in which they can explore and grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ.
Be willing to participate in the spiritual life and ministry activities of the Youth Department, camp, and Southern New England Division as appropriate to the position.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred in Education, Christian Ministry, Youth Ministry, Recreation, Camping Administration, Social Services, Child and Youth Development, or a related field.
Relevant college coursework, professional certifications, or significant related experience in youth programming, Christian ministry, education, camping, recreation, or program administration may be considered in lieu of a degree.
Experience developing, coordinating, and implementing programs for children and youth is strongly preferred.
Experience supervising, training, or evaluating staff.
Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
Experience in The Salvation Army or another Christian youth ministry setting.
Experience with Salvation Army youth programs, Corps programming, Christian education, discipleship, or camping ministries.
Camp administration or program leadership experience.
Experience recruiting, supervising, and developing seasonal camp staff.
Knowledge of American Camp Association (ACA) standards and accreditation processes.
Current First Aid/CPR/AED certification or willingness to obtain certification.
Experience using technology and digital communication tools to support youth programs, registration, promotion, and communication.

Responsibilities

Serve as a positive and professional representative of The Salvation Army.
Actively recruit summer camp staff.
Keep current with licensing regulations and American Camping Association (ACA) standards, preparing all inspection reports.
Assist DYS with all State, ACA, and camp staff paperwork.
Process summer employment packets in coordination with the Human Resources Department.
Maintain accurate time and attendance records, as well as other employment records, in accordance with HR and Payroll policies.
Assist in the preparation and implementation of staff orientation and training.
Process all camper applications, working closely with Corps and Service Unit liaisons to ensure that all paperwork is completed accurately, appropriately filed, accessible, and prepared for the check-in procedure.
In conjunction with the DYS, plan and provide Christian Spiritual Formation resources and meetings for the summer camp.
During the summer camp session, live on-site at Camp CONNRI.
Support camp staff supervisors with the daily camp program and staff management.
Participate in the Youth Department's planning and strategy meetings, taking minutes and providing insight and feedback regarding divisional ministry opportunities.
Assist in Youth Commission meetings as directed by the DYS.
Promote and prepare any administrative needs for youth-related programs and be present to assist at these programs as needed during the off-camp season. This includes, but is not limited to, divisional music and art classes, Corps Cadet encampment, youth councils, young adult retreats, and family camp weekends.
Participate in youth-related divisional and territorial seminars and conferences as directed by the DYS.
Assist in clerical duties, including preparing birthday cards for youth, camp assessments, events, program registrations.
Order supplies from THQ and other venues as needed.
Serve as a resource for the Corps regarding Sunday School programs, Salvation Army troops, and discipleship.
Serve as a resource and maintain open communication with all Corps Officers to provide support and encourage growth in the youth program.
Respond to questions, emails, phone calls, and mail correspondence in a timely manner.
Adhere to guidelines for staff responsibilities as found in The Salvation Army’s Employee Handbook.
Complete and maintain required training and certifications related to program operations as required by The Salvation Army.