Unit Leader (Bear Creek Aquatic Camp)

Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana•Benton, KY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Unit Leader plans and leads programs for a unit of Girl Scouts, typically a group of 4 to 20 campers of similar ages. They lead one or two Assistant Unit Leaders, who may be paid or volunteer staff, in providing programming, care, and round-the-clock supervision. The role calls for someone responsible and attentive who helps create a fun camp experience and a culture that supports the health, personal growth, and skill development of campers, staff, and volunteers. Experience supervising children and adults is desired. Lifeguard certification, or the ability to obtain it during staff training, is strongly preferred. Bear Creek Aquatic Camp is a traditional overnight summer camp operated by Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana, located south of Benton, Kentucky, on 183 acres with 2.3 miles of Kentucky Lake shoreline. Camp activities include sailing, kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing, and swimming. The camp serves Girl Scouts entering grades 4 through 12, with up to 70 campers per session. Programs are run by paid camp staff and Girl Scout volunteers. The Unit Leader works non-traditional hours and is on call while campers are on site, with intermittent downtime typically available during the day. Most activities take place outdoors, and the role involves daily boating, swimming, and lifeguarding on Kentucky Lake. Unit Leaders generally sleep with other staff in the unit, separate from but near camper bunks, with restrooms a short walk away. The position requires walking or hiking several miles daily over varied and uneven terrain and exposure to weather, plants, and animals. The salary is $3,411 for the entire summer season. Room, board, and most meals are provided during the camp season.

Requirements

Be at least 18 years of age.
Meet state, federal, and ACA requirements for summer camp employment.
Have completed one year of higher education or relevant work experience.
Be certified, or prepared to become certified during staff training, in First Aid, CPR, AED, waterfront lifeguarding, and Youth Mental Health First Aid.
Complete American Red Cross Lifeguarding, First Aid, CPR, AED, and Youth Mental Health First Aid courses and certifications before the first camp session.
Complete a background check and provide other required forms and details.
Complete a health history and physical exam before camp.
Have strong comfort and swimming skills in lake water.
Have strong communication, writing, and public speaking skills.
Be able to work effectively with peers as a member of a camp staff team.
Be able to perform basic arithmetic using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
Be adaptable and flexible in a fast-paced work environment.
Understand, establish, and comply with boundaries for campers and fellow staff.
Have the mental and physical endurance needed to maintain constant supervision of campers.
Provide exemplary customer service.
Be willing to learn and adapt quickly to new situations, surroundings, and circumstances.
Be able to go without electronic devices for several hours or days while on duty, excluding medically necessary devices.
Support the Girl Scout mission, vision, and values of Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana and live by the Girl Scout Promise and Law.
Embrace and incorporate diversity and pluralism into the work of the council.
Exhibit effective communication and provide exemplary customer service to internal and external customers.

Nice To Haves

Lifeguard certification, or the ability to obtain certification during staff training, is strongly preferred.
Six months to one year of childcare or camp experience is preferred.
Six months to one year of customer service experience is preferred.
One year of higher education or employment is preferred.
Experience with other outdoor skills, art, programming, or environmental education is a plus.

Responsibilities

Support and supervise Assistant Unit Leaders, including scheduling and leading programs and routines, managing camper behavior, delegating tasks, and managing appropriate workloads and time off.
Recognize and respond to opportunities for problem-solving in a group setting.
Maintain communication with the Camp Director about unit and camper status and needs.
Maintain confidentiality and professionalism when handling sensitive information about business affairs, programs, campers, or staff.
Interact daily with campers and help provide a safe and consistent environment.
Help campers respect others’ diversity and appreciate differences and similarities.
Communicate clear, necessary instructions to participants of all ages and skill levels.
Constantly supervise campers to ensure their emotional and physical needs are met.
Respond to emergency situations and use First Aid, CPR, AED, and lifeguarding skills.
Identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to camper supervision.
Report incidents of abuse or potential abuse involving campers to the appropriate authorities.
Effectively manage financial and physical resources.
Perform other duties as assigned.