Outdoor Adventure Specialist (Seasonal)

YMCA of Central Massachusetts•Worcester, MA

21d•$19

About The Position

The Curriculum Specialist-Outdoor Adventure at the Greendale Family Branch YMCA is responsible for building, implementing, and leading the Outdoor Adventure curriculum at summer camp. Outdoor Adventure will include archery, fishing, fire-building and nature exploration. This role ensures a supportive, positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals, promotes the potential of all youth, and provides a high-quality experience for campers and their families. This is a summer seasonal position with a start date of June 15th going through August 23rd. Shifts will be Monday-Friday beginning at 8:30am and ending at 4:30pm.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent; coursework and/or credits in art, education, or similarly relevant field.
Experience in several artistic mediums required.
Meets minimum age standards as established by state law and/or the Y.
CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications required.
Child Abuse Prevention training required within 30 days of hire.
Previous experience working with children in a camp setting preferred.
Previous experience working with diverse populations.
Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.
Commitment to inclusion and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Nice To Haves

Experience in curriculum building and project implementation in a childcare setting preferred.

Responsibilities

Work with Camp Directors before camp opening to set up camp program areas and the program for campers.
Attend and participate in all staff trainings and meetings.
Develops and implements a comprehensive Outdoor Adventure curriculum, including but not limited to fishing, archery, fire-building and nature exploration.
Become certified in Archery for summer camps through an external training program, planned and paid for by the Greendale YMCA. You will be compensated for your time spent on this training.
Know the safety protocols required to perform certain risky activities such as archery and fire-building and ensure the safety of all children during such activities.
Furthermore, understands our campus safety guidelines and which areas are appropriate and not appropriate for activity.
Facilitates daily Outdoor Adventure instruction and activities, ensuring they are engaging, developmentally appropriate, and culturally relevant.
Increases campers’ knowledge of the outdoors and survival skills.
Uses our outdoor spaces creatively and safely while creating a traditional adventurous “summer camp” atmosphere.
Creates a positive rapport and shared interest with all youth; models relationship-building skills in all interactions.
Is responsible for curriculum (substitute plan) in case of absence, whether sudden or planned.
Be flexible and show willingness to work with all age groups.
Commit to working at least 8 weeks of camp. If you need time-off, it MUST be approved prior to hiring.
Must be able to work at least 8:30AM-4:30PM every day of the week.
Maintain camp area in an orderly fashion and keep free of trash and garbage.
Know the whereabouts of all campers in the group at all times.
Observe and enforce all safety regulations.
Learn the likes and dislikes of each participant in the assigned group.
Recognize and respond to opportunities for problem solving in the group.
Develop opportunities for interaction between campers and staff.
Provide opportunities for the group so that each individual experiences success during camp.
Provide opportunities for discussion of individual or group problems or concerns.
Work in tandem with our directors and Integration Specialists to ensure each camper has the opportunity to excel.
Instruct campers in emergency procedures such as fire drills, missing child drill, etc.
Help campers plan their participation in camp-wide programs and special events.
Set a good example for campers/others including cleanliness, punctuality, sharing, clean up, chores and sportsmanship.
Encourage respect for personal property, camp equipment and facilities.
Maintain good public relations with camper’s parents/guardians.
Fill out injury and incident reports correctly and thoroughly for all cases of camper misbehavior and injury.
Fill out injury report form for self and let supervisor know immediately if injured on job.
Administer first-aid and CPR as necessary.
Evaluate the current season and make suggestions for the following season.
Assist in storing all materials and supplies at the end of day, week, and season.
Support the mission of the YMCA of Central Massachusetts.
Follows all policies, procedures, and standards as established by the law or the Y (e.g., safety and emergency procedures, behavior guidance strategies, child abuse prevention policies); makes ADA accommodations where appropriate; maintains program site, equipment, and required program records.
Performs other duties as assigned.