Summer Staff Ponderosa Lodge Resource Lead
About The Position
The Ponderosa Lodge Resource Lead supports counselors and the operations team in helping campers who need additional resources thrive and safely participate in camp. This includes neurodivergent campers and campers with sensory, behavioral, physical, or other specialized support needs. The role provides individualized support, adapts activities, facilitates social interactions, and fosters an inclusive environment. The ideal candidate is patient, adaptable, and experienced in neurodiversity-affirming practices. The position is ministerial. The Resource Lead is expected to model Christian discipleship and support the spiritual growth of campers and staff through program activities and curriculum consistent with MHA’s mission, vision, and values. Ministerial staff are expected to demonstrate their Christian faith in their work, stewardship, relationships, and behavior; help cultivate MHA’s Christian community and programs; and attend gatherings that include prayer, worship, and Bible-centered teaching. This is an onsite community-living summer staff position at Ponderosa Lodge in Santa Cruz, California. It requires working both indoors and outdoors in varied weather and terrain, and participating in camp activities and leadership responsibilities during sessions and weekends. The role has no supervisory responsibilities.
Requirements
- Prior experience working with junior high and high school students.
- Must be CPR/First Aid certified before arriving at camp.
- Must be at least 18 years old due to the onsite community-living requirement.
- Ability to articulate the gospel of Jesus Christ as communicated in Scripture.
- Demonstrated personal, committed, and considered faith in Christ.
- Proven leadership experience and skills, with a strong background in ministry and leadership of junior high and high school campers.
- Attention to detail and follow-through, with creativity, flexibility, and the ability to adjust to program challenges.
- Ability to engage in a variety of outdoor activities.
- Adherence to MHA’s Mission, Vision, Values, and Commitment statements, as well as its dress code and professional grooming standards.
- Satisfactory completion of a background investigation and ability to provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States.
Nice To Haves
- Prior camp counseling experience.
- Experience in camping ministry, including service in roles such as counseling, program, or operations.
- Direct experience working with children or young adults with autism, ADHD, developmental disabilities, or other specialized support needs.
- Experience with neurodiversity-affirming practices.
Responsibilities
- Work alongside counselors and the operations team to support campers who need additional resources to thrive at camp.
- Facilitate counselor-camper relationships and assist counselors with difficult situations and decisions concerning campers when needed.
- Meet with the Ponderosa Lodge Counselor Coordinators daily as needed.
- Assist with programs, activities, and other duties assigned by the Director of Ponderosa Lodge.
- Support individualized participation, adapt activities, facilitate social interactions, and foster an inclusive camp environment.
- Model Christian discipleship and nurture the spiritual growth of campers and staff through program activities and curriculum consistent with MHA’s mission, vision, and values.
- Participate in the camp community leadership team and invest in staff during camp sessions and weekends.
- Serve campers and help create a positive camp experience.
- Attend staff gatherings that include prayer, worship, and Bible-centered teaching.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
