Sumer Camp Program Specialist- New Country Day Camp

The Educational Alliance Inc.•New York, NY

8h•Onsite

About The Position

New Country Day Camp is an open-tent community that celebrates and sustains joyful, outdoor summer experiences where all can thrive. We build meaningful connections with ourselves, each other, and the natural world around us through innovative programming that is rooted in Jewish tradition and guided by universal values. New Country Day Camp is an 8-week, outdoor summer camp for campers in kindergarten-8th grade. NCDC operates M-F, 8am-5pm, and provides transportation for staff and campers to and from our campgrounds on Staten Island via multiple locations throughout Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. We have an inclusive camp model, so all campers and staff with disabilities and atypical support needs are given the individual support they need to have a successful summer. NCDC is a part of the Educational Alliance, a 127-year-old New York institution, is a vibrant, dynamic organization serving New Yorkers from all walks of life. We serve everyone regardless of the language they speak, where they come from, or their socioeconomic status. We believe that everyone should have a chance to live a better life and that arts and culture, education, health and wellness, and social services can help lay that foundation. Program Specialists (Teachers) are responsible for creating and implementing high-quality programming for New Country Day Camp. Program Specialists are passionate about teaching their area of expertise in an engaging outdoor, educational setting. They teach multiple groups of K-8th grade campers daily, for 30-60-minute program blocks each. Opportunity for additional compensation is available to staff who are able to take on additional responsibilities as a Bus Captain. This position will be a part-time position during pre-camp (February through June) and full-time during the camp program (June through August).

Requirements

3+ years of experience working with elementary school-age children required
Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience required
Professional-level experience in the field of expertise (outdoor education, recreational programming, etc.)
Excellent organizational and oral communication skills
Ability to successfully interact with children and colleagues of diverse cultural and social backgrounds
Fast learner with ability to work independently and collaboratively

Nice To Haves

Previous experience as a supervisor or mentor preferred

Responsibilities

Incorporate NCDC values and seasonal themes rooted in Jewish sensibilities into programming
Submit lesson plans in pre-camp months to supervisor and consultants
Develop and execute 30-60 minute activities for groups of ~30 campers at a time =grouped by age and inclusive of varying needs and abilities
Develop and execute week-long, progressive, and comprehensive programs for afternoon elective time for 10-40 campers at a time - for campers in 4th -6th grades inclusive of varying needs and abilities
Assist in creating and implementing activities for Kindergarteners and 1st Graders for their independent playtime
Participate in and lead portions of weekly Shabbat celebrations
Be actively involved in the development and implementation of NCDC Maccabi Games (color war)
Develop rainy day and extreme heat alternate programming pre-camp and execute programming as needed over the summer
Supervise campers and staff on a camp bus, riding the bus to and from camp, interacting with caregivers at drop-off and pick-up, conducting camper check-in and check-out on camp’s attendance database
Be responsible for overall cleanliness and organization of program spaces and supplies
Work with Operations Manager and Program Coordinator to order supplies for program units, as well as maintaining an organized inventory and balanced budget
Assist campers and counselors in pool changing rooms, lunch service, and other non-program spaces as assigned
Exhibit and maintain strong time management capabilities
Actively participate in NCDC’s sustainability and waste management efforts
Submit weekly elective programming written/photo content to Communications team for shareable family content
Communicate/consult as needed with Division Supervisors and Support Supervisors regarding camper needs and concerns
Provide additional support for counselors and campers outside of lesson time as needed and assigned, particularly on days when it is rainy and/or counselors are absent
Ensure the proper storage of all program equipment so that it is maintained in good repair, removing any unsuitable program equipment from use immediately
Task manage staff when attending your program spaces and 1-2 Counselors-in-Training who are assigned to work as assistants in your program
Model professional behavior for campers and other staff at all times
Attend required days of orientation and training, camp, and staff meetings during the camp season
Proactively solve problems and motivate colleagues as difficult moments present themselves throughout the camp season; encourage flexibility and understanding as means to achieve common goals
Establish and promote a commitment to the values, mission, and vision of New Country Day Camp
Develop clear roles for counselors during programming, with special attention paid to afternoon programming during elective periods
Conduct daily check-ins with direct supervisee(s) and attend a weekly team meeting with supervisor, consultants, and colleagues. Be receptive to feedback and apply as needed.
Learn and implement NCDC’s approach to supervision and behavior management