Starting date: August 19th, 2024
Ending date: November 24th, 2024
Salary: $590 per 40 hour week. Plus room & board.
A hands-on, field position that directly involves teaching and leading groups of students in outdoor, environmental, recreational and challenge course activities; as well as hosting, supervising and coordinating the delivery of programs with excellent customer service to schools and groups while they are at Camp Mason. Instructors should expect long yet extremely rewarding days that may include weekends and/or evenings for night hikes and special programs. Instructors will have two days off for every five days worked. Instructors will work with schools and groups throughout the fall season, with the possibility of returning to work for additional seasons.
Essential Functions of all Instructors: Plan and teach classes to groups of children, young people and adults; supervise outdoor recreation activities for schools and youth groups visiting camp; maintain specialized outdoor education equipment; assist with cleaning and preparation of camp facilities; assist with special programs and events; help maintain key hiking trails; lead night hike and campfire programs; assist with curriculum development and planning.
Essential Functions of Senior Instructors: In addition to the responsibilities of all Instructors, a Senior Outdoor Education Instructor will:
1. Host schools/groups. Hosts provide excellent customer service by working with group leaders during their stay at Camp Mason to assist with any questions, issues, or schedule changes that may arise. Hosts are also responsible for large group management by providing orientation and general direction to the group throughout their trip.
2. Coordinate staff scheduling of activities for each assigned group, and act as a liaison between the group and Camp Mason staff (kitchen, maintenance, housekeeping, etc.)
3. When on duty, host will organize and coordinate meals for groups. Hosts arrive at the Dining Hall at least 15 minutes prior to scheduled meals to assist in any last minute set up, greet the group, provide orientation to Dining Hall procedures, and oversee the cleanup process. The host must be available to groups in the Dining Hall during meals to provide any necessary assistance.
4. Solve Problems - from minor to major - a light bulb or blown fuse and clogged toilet, to the need to call an ambulance or fire department. The host helps groups solve their own problems (when asked or encouraged) and acts as an immediate liaison on behalf of Camp Mason.
5. Inspect the facility before the arrival of each group, to ensure the facility is fully prepared, clean, in good repair, etc.
6. Shut down each building, check for damage and vandalism, and secure it for the down time upon each group’s departure. In situations where the group has failed to leave the facility as clean as it should be for the next group, the host must remedy the situation accordingly before closing it.
7. Provide leadership to fellow Outdoor Education Instructors by assisting with staff training, communicating schedule changes, and being a resource for staff who have questions about curriculum, program equipment, etc.
8. Be expected to help with camp improvement including but not limited to assisting the maintenance crew, specific camp improvement projects, building and setting up of nature and interpretive displays, trail maintenance, cabin cleaning, and taking care of and improving program and activity areas when camp does not have any groups on site.
9. Work to improve Camp Mason facilities, services, and programs. Senior Instructors will pay attention to quality control and seek new ways to better serve and please the groups that visit Camp Mason.
10. Assist and work with Law Enforcement to resolve any essential critical problems as needed in special emergency situations.
11. Will represent YMCA Camp Mason as the on-site director, and is expected to carry out all YMCA policies, directives, rules, and regulations. Senior Instructors are to do the same in regard to interpreting this function to user groups, their leadership, and their campers. They also insure that all laws, rules and regulations, and YMCA policies are being adhered to and enforced and shall immediately consult with a Director in the event a situation cannot be immediately remedied.
12. Carry out all other tasks assigned for the good of YMCA Camp Mason.
Requirements: Must be hard working, flexible, and have a willingness to learn new skills. Must be able to work outside in all weather conditions; speak in front of a group; capable of supervising children; able to lead a group of peers; and be able to live and work in a diverse and inclusive environment. Must have attention to detail and be capable of working independently and as part of a team.
Preferred Qualifications: Degree or major in Education, Recreation, or relevant experience; passionate for working outdoors with youth, teens, and adults; comfortable outdoors and familiar with outdoor recreation and natural sciences. Lifeguarding a plus. The ideal candidate will have experience in Outdoor Education, facilitation, high and low challenge courses or related experiences as well as previous experience in a leadership role. CPR and First Aid certification or willing to obtain (training provided).
Benefits: Meals/food provided when the Dining Hall is in operation. On camp housing is a shared. Access to a kitchen, laundry, and wifi. Paid training and professional development opportunities. Use of the facility when not in use by guests.
Application Procedure: Please send cover letter and resume to Sara Davis at [email protected]