Head of Programs-Camp Bette Perot-Palestine, TX

Girl Scouts Of Northeast Texas • New Mesquite, TX

7h • Onsite

About The Position

The Head of Program plans, organizes, and hosts daily camp life and operations at Camp Bette Perot, an equestrian sleepaway camp serving girls ages 7–16. The position supports the Camp Director and staff team with program coordination, staff coaching and mentorship, promotion of camp values, relationship-building, and general operational problem-solving. The Head of Program develops relationships with staff and campers and participates fully in camp life as a caring mentor, positive role model, and helpful problem solver. The role reports to the Camp Director.

The summer leadership season runs from the beginning of June to the end of July. The work week is typically 13 hours per day, six days per week. Paid staff training takes place at Camp Bette Perot near Palestine, Texas. Staff stay onsite in a shared staff bedroom. Duties include coordinating daily activities such as meals, singing steps, trading post and mail, evening activities, and activity signups; supporting staff and campers; helping mediate conflicts; and collaborating with the Head of Counselors.

The role requires full participation in camp operations and activities, including staff trainings and meetings, planning, preparation, cleanup, and assistance with emergencies and weekend operations as needed. The work involves living and working in a simple camp environment, being active outdoors in variable weather, and serving youth and staff in a diverse community. The position is seasonal and requires completion of the full camp term.

Requirements

• College degree, within one year of completing a degree, or equivalent experience.
• At least two summers of experience as a camp counselor or in a similar participant-focused role in a youth camp setting, or equivalent work experience with similar functions and responsibilities.
• Organized, participant-focused, and safety conscious.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism.
• Enthusiasm for working with youth and young adults of all ages and with variable needs.
• 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 with diverse staff and campers throughout the day, with limited privacy and personal time.
• Willingness to live in a camp setting with exposure to wildlife, including bugs, spiders, and snakes.
• Willingness to be active outdoors all day in variable weather, including high heat, humidity, rain, wind, and possible tornadoes, and to walk extensively around camp.
• Willingness to model respect, positivity, kindness, patience, honesty, inclusion, accountability, and emotional self-regulation.
• Willingness to listen, learn from, and cooperate with others and embrace a simple living environment while staying at camp.
• Ability to work long hours throughout the day and week, with possible overnight response to camper needs or emergencies; staff receive personal break time each day.
• Ability to complete the full term of the camp agreement.
• Ability to demonstrate courtesy, respect, and professionalism toward coworkers, volunteers, and others encountered through the role.
• Upon employment, must register as an adult member in the Girl Scout organization and subscribe to the Girl Scout Promise and Law.
• Regular, consistent, reliable, punctual, and predictable attendance, including 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; U.S. driver license preferred.
• Must abstain while on camp property or on duty from tobacco products, herbal intoxicants, vaping and electronic cigarettes, alcohol, illegal drugs, firearms, and fireworks, and must not return to camp under the influence of such substances.
• Must abstain from explicit or harmful language, volatile expressions of emotion, romantic or sexual activity on camp, clothing featuring alcohol, drugs, or harmful topics or language, discussing private adult issues with campers, and using a cell phone while on duty.

Nice To Haves

• Experience serving youth in a work or volunteer setting.
• Experience attending summer camp or going camping.
• Valid U.S. driver license and meeting GSNETX driving record and automobile insurance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and host daily camp life and operations, including singing steps, meals, trading post and mail, evening activities, and activity signups.
• Engage the camp community through high-energy, positive interactions.
• Champion a positive, inclusive, caring, safe, and fun camp environment and promote the Girl Scout Promise and Law.
• Lead and participate in camp program activities and administration, including meals, activities, rest, free time, kapers, staff trainings and meetings, planning, preparation, and cleanup.
• Assist with staff training and mentoring and work closely with camp administrative staff.
• Support camper care and support.
• Assist with coordinating responses to emergencies.
• Provide weekend operational support as needed, including cultural events for international staff.
• Facilitate positive group relationships and address conflicts constructively and equitably.
• Advocate for camper and staff confidence, responsibility, challenge seeking, teamwork, learning, goal setting, relationship skills, coping strategies, and personal and group success.
• Adhere to the camp schedule and help others uphold schedules.
• Assist with care of campsite facilities, equipment, and supplies, managing resources wisely.
• Practice and uphold camp safety standards and emergency procedures.
• Work independently and as part of a team to meet program and operational needs and implement solutions to problems.
• Participate in staff trainings and meetings as requested.
• Collaborate closely with the Head of Counselors in coordinating and supporting daily camp life.
• Serve as a positive role model for youth in language, dress, inclusion, behavior, and attitude.

Benefits

• Meals when camp is in session.
• Housing, if applicable.
• Paid training and certifications, if applicable.
• Invaluable work experience that prepares staff for future careers.
• Opportunity to develop personal and professional skills in an outdoor environment and make an impact through mentorship, helpfulness, and inspiration.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Manager