Residential Program Staff - IDEA Camp Rio (26-27)

IDEA Public Schools • Brownsville, TX

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Camp RIO Residential Program Staff develops and delivers TEKS-based lessons in a fun and engaging way, embodying characteristics like leadership, stewardship, service, community, teamwork, and adventure. They are committed to both Outdoor Education and Adult programming, facilitating environmental and outdoor recreation activities and teambuilding programs. The staff member plans and prepares programs, serves as a host and liaison to participant groups, teaches classes, leads large group and evening activities, hosts meals, helps maintain program areas, cares for program animals, and provides high-quality experiences focused on Camp RIO and EAST Foundation core values. This position offers optional housing on property from mid-August through the end of May, with monthly pay during that period. Full benefits and paid time off are included. The role requires attendance at staff training from August 11th to 22nd (with weekends off) and a commitment to the full school year through the end of May.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to interact with all age levels (Camper ages will range between 1st grade through high school, and ability to work with adult groups is also required).
• Ability to work well with a team, as well as be counted on to complete individual tasks as necessary.
• Must have the physical ability to lead and participate in camp programs and activities which include, but are not limited to, hiking, climbing, belaying, team building initiatives, building campfires, physical games, and activities.
• Must have the ability to be outside in all weather conditions and on your feet for prolonged periods of time (up to 10 hours in a day).

Nice To Haves

• Some college preferred.
• Preferred experience working with school-age students.
• Preferred experience in outdoor working environment and studies in Education, Science, Outdoor Education, Recreation, or Physical Education.
• Able to obtain or become certified in First Aid/CPR and possibly Life Guarding.

Responsibilities

• Implement designated curriculum for every student group.
• Prepares for, teaches and/or facilitates environmental and outdoor recreation programs based on an established curriculum and safety guidelines.
• Maintains, inventories, and repairs class materials and equipment.
• Identifies and responds to participant behavioral issues in an appropriate manner, as needed.
• Assists in revising curriculum by actively pursuing new teaching techniques and activities to incorporate.
• Assist the Camp RIO groups and retreats manager with visiting groups.
• Prepares for and facilitates teambuilding programs based on established curriculum and safety guidelines.
• Serves as a host and liaison to program participant groups.
• Participates in staff training and meetings.
• Ensures Site and Facilities are in proper condition for guests.
• Assists in setup and cleanup for program activities.
• Participates in marketing programs and activities and community events as needed.
• Ensures the site is kept clean, organized, and free of litter.
• Performs inspections on teambuilding structures and equipment and communicates the need for repairs.
• Support the ongoing efforts of the EAST Foundation to promote responsible land stewardship.
• Integrate Land Stewardship concepts into existing curriculum models.
• Work collaboratively with the EAST Foundation staff to enhance their current programming at Behind the Gates.
• Live values of IDEA.
• Instill respect for the environment, self, and others.
• Reinforce IDEA’s mission of College for All Students.
• Participate in development and implementation of program activities within the mission and outcomes.
• Be a role model to campers and staff in both attitude and behavior.
• Openness to observation and critical feedback.
• Be on time to all scheduled trainings and work days.
• Excitement about working for a school system that is changing the status quo of education in Texas.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Optional housing on camp grounds.
• Occasional meals.
• Comprehensive benefits plan.
• Majority of the employee premium for the base medical plan covered.
• Subsidizing the majority of costs for a spouse/domestic partner and children.
• Paid Family Leave: Up to 8 weeks of paid leave for the birth or adoption of a child.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Up to 50% of tuition paid toward a qualifying degree program, up to $5,250 maximum per year.
• Employer-Paid Mental/Behavioral Health: 5 face-to-face counseling sessions within a year, unlimited 24/7 telephonic counseling, and other work-life services.
• Dental and vision plans.
• Disability insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Parenting benefits.
• Generous vacation time.
• Referral bonuses.
• Professional development.
• 403(b) plan.
• Relocation allowance may be offered.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED