Head of Program

GIRL SCOUTS OF NORTHEAST TEXAS • Palestine, TX

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Summer leadership staff are responsible for assisting the Camp Director and staff team with daily operations of sleepaway camp, including program coordination for the camp community, summer staff coaching and mentorship, camp values promotion and relationship-building, and general operations and problem-solving support. This position develops relationships with staff and campers and participates fully in daily camp life while serving as a caring mentor, positive role model, and helpful problem solver. The position reports to the Camp Director. Paid staff training is provided at the beginning of the summer and takes place at Camp Bette Perot near Palestine, TX. The position stays onsite in a shared staff bedroom.

Requirements

• College degree, or within one year of completing degree or equivalent experience
• Organized, participant-focused, and safety conscious
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism
• Excited about working with youth and young adults of all ages and with variable needs
• At least two summers of experience as a camp counselor or similar participant-focused role in a youth camp setting, or equivalent work experience with similar functions and responsibilities
• Ability to address staff and camper conflicts, concerns, and questions in an equitable and developmentally appropriate manner
• Ability to live, eat, teach, and play respectfully and fruitfully with diverse staff and campers all day, with limited privacy and personal time
• Willingness to live in camp setting with exposure to wildlife, including bugs, spiders, and snakes
• Willingness to be active outdoors all day in variable weather conditions (high heat over 100°F/38°C, high humidity, rain, wind, possible tornadoes) and to walk extensively around camp
• Willingness to role model respect, positivity, smiling, cheerfulness, kindness, patience, honesty, inclusion, good mental hygiene, and accountability and to self-regulate emotions respectfully in a variety of circumstances
• Willingness to listen to learn from and cooperate with others
• Willingness to embrace a simple living environment while staying on camp
• Ability to work long hours all day and all week with possible need to respond to campers / emergencies overnight (staff get personal breaktime each day)
• Ability to complete full term (all weeks) of camp agreement
• Demonstrate and promote a climate of courtesy, respect and professionalism to coworkers, the volunteers served by this council, and others with whom this job puts them in contact
• Upon employment, employee must register as an adult member in the Girl Scout organization and subscribe to the tenets of the Girl Scout Promise and Law
• Attendance is an essential job requirement defined as having regular, consistent, reliable, punctual and predictable attendance including the ability to work regular hours and shifts, before and after hours, and weekends when required
• Must complete and pass a criminal background check
• Must possess a current driver license withing the US and be prepared to drive camp vehicle(s) if necessary

Nice To Haves

• Experience serving youth in a work or volunteer setting
• Experience attending summer camp or going camping
• Prefer a valid US drivers’ license and meet GSNETX driving record & automobile insurance requirements

Responsibilities

• Champion a positive, inclusive, caring, safe, and fun camp environment and promote the values of the Girl Scout Promise and Law, including serving as a positive role model for youth in language, dress, culture of inclusion, behavior, and attitude
• Lead and participate in camp program activities and administration, including meals, activities, rest, free time, kapers (chores), staff trainings and meetings, planning and preparation, and cleanup
• Assist with staff training and mentoring and work closely with camp administrative staff
• Assist with coordination of response for any emergencies that arise
• Assist with camper care to keep the campers physically, socially, and emotional safe
• Assist with weekend operational support as needed, including cultural events for international staff
• Facilitate positive group relationships, including addressing conflict in constructive ways
• Advocate for camper and staff confidence, responsibility, challenge seeking, teamwork, learning, goal setting, relationship skills, coping strategies, and opportunities for personal and group success
• Adhere to camp schedule and uphold schedules with others
• Assist in care of campsite facilities, equipment, and supplies, including managing resources wisely
• Practice all camp safety standards and emergency procedures and uphold them with others
• Work independently and as part of a team to meet camp program and operation needs and to implement solutions to problems that arise
• Participate in staff trainings and meetings as requested

Benefits

• Summer camp changes lives for the better! Join an amazing community where you will make new friends, develop personal and professional skills, engage your body and your mind in an outdoor environment, overcome challenges, and be the best version of yourself, plus have tons of fun!
• As part of the team, you will get to make an incredible impact on staff and campers through mentorship, helpfulness, and inspiration.
• The staff and campers will remember the sense of belonging, friendship, growth, and magic of summer camp for their entire lives.
• All positions include meals when camp is in session, housing (if applicable), paid training and certifications (if applicable), plus invaluable work experience that prepares you to succeed in future careers.

What This Job Offers

• Number of Employees: 51-100 employees