Program Specialist Comstock

Job Summary: 

This position requires the development and implementation of an age-appropriate curriculum for instruction of all aspects of the program specialty area assigned for all campers. Specialists provide daily supervision of campers in assigned cabin unit and play an active role during unit time, meals and all camp activities. Work as a team with their co-counselors to ensure a fun and safe environment 

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities: (Additional duties may be assigned) 

• Implement the approved curriculum on a weekly basis in assigned area 

• Assist with the development & implementation of special events 

• Develop & implement weekly plans for assigned activities and electives 

• Develop a set of skills that campers will be learning at this specialty area in order to recognize camper’s accomplishments and distribute camper awards. 

• Assist with weekly camp clean up, including sweeping, mopping, sanitizing, trash pick-up, etc. 

• Adhere to all protocols required by NYS Department of Health, Girl Scouts Safety Activity Checkpoints, and American Camp Association Standards. 

• Serve in the unit counselor role outside of the special activities; counselor duties are as follows: 

• Interact with campers’ parents in a consistently positive and welcoming manner, utilizing strong customer service skills and maintaining good rapport. 

• Welcome campers to their session in a positive, inviting, outgoing and inclusive manner. 

• Assist with check-in and check-out procedures. 

• Assist with keeping cabin or tent unit and assigned bathroom area clean throughout each session. 

• Assist in the direction, supervision, and organization of campers in their living unit, which includes campers, meals, flag, all-camp activities, all camp activities, hygiene maintenance, rest time and bedtime. 

• Apply basic principles of youth development, connect with the campers and appreciate each camper as their own unique individual, and work with campers to create positive and meaningful relationships utilizing communication, respect and empowerment. 

• Work with the campers and co-unit counselors to create a community living environment that is cohesive, positive and uplifting. 

• Act as a role model for campers and fellow staff utilizing positive affect and strong leadership skills, and by taking an active role in the camp community, participating enthusiastically in all aspects. 

• Maintain campers’ overall health and safety while at camp, ensuring campers receive medication as needed, alerting the Camp Director and Health Supervisor of any issues, and ensuring each campers’ personal health and hygiene needs are met. 

• Maintain a working knowledge of general camp safety and hazards, regularly employing the use of risk management tactics and constantly ensuring camper safety. 

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

The Specialist does not supervise employees but does supervise campers. 

Minimum Qualification Standards: 

• Be at least 18 years of age. 

• Believe in the Girl Scout mission. 

• Have training and/or experience working with children in an outdoor setting preferred, but not necessary. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:   

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 

• Strong organizational skills including the ability to manage multiple projects and details simultaneously. 

• Possess good character, integrity, patience, sense of humor, enthusiasm, a high level of flexibility, and willingness to be a part of the camp community. 

• Ability to work productively in a fast paced, stressful environment. 

• Skills related to program planning and implementation, such as: time management, creativity, flexibility, public speaking skills, organization, and strong interpersonal skills. 

Physical and Mental Requirements: 

Light mental and visual attention is required for performing work where there is some variety, but actions taken, and decisions made are limited to a few possibilities. Work requires some coordination with others.  

Physical Exertion: 

• Exerts up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently or constantly to move objects. 

• Walking on uneven terrain, up and down hills for distances up to ½ mile 

• Endurance to meet emergency needs 

• Ability (and willingness) to live in a camp setting and work irregular hours 

Environmental Conditions: 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that may be encountered while performing the essential functions of this position. 

The employee is subject to inside and/or outside environmental conditions, noise, outdoor elements such as rain, wind, sun, heat, and animals such as bugs, snakes, bats, etc.