About the camp
Bear Creek Aquatic Camp is a traditional overnight summer camp owned and operated by Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana. Located south of Benton, Kentucky, this 183-acre camp has 2.3 miles of shoreline on beautiful Kentucky Lake. Bear Creek offers campers a variety of aquatic sports including sailing, kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing, and swimming. Our program hosts 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.
About the role
We are seeking an enthusiastic Unit Leader to provide the ultimate summer camp experience for our campers. The Unit Leader plans and leads programs for a unit of Girl Scouts, typically composed of a group of 4 to 20 campers of similar ages. The Unit Leader leads a team consisting of one or two Assistant Unit Leaders, who may be paid or volunteer staff, to provide program, care, and supervision for campers round-the-clock. The Unit Leader should be responsible, attentive, and the ultimate champion of fun! The ideal candidate will have experience supervising children and other adults. They will be invested in developing a camp culture that nourishes the health, personal growth, and skill-development of campers, staff, and volunteers. *Lifeguard certification or the ability to achieve certification during staff training is strongly preferred.
Benefits
As a member of the camp staff, you will play a vital role in creating a fun and safe environment for campers while enjoying the perks of room, board, and most meals during the camp season. With many traditional camp amenities provided on-site, you'll immerse yourself in the camp experience, building lasting connections with both campers and fellow staff. This position offers a unique opportunity to foster personal growth while enjoying a vibrant community atmosphere.
Compensation
The salary for the Unit Leader (Bear Creek Aquatic Camp) position is $4,000 for the entire seasonal contract.
Staff training will be held May 27 - June 6, with additional training and set-up time for some staff from May 23 - May 25.
Key Responsibilities
• Support and supervise Assistant Unit Leaders in all capacities, 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 regarding unit and camper status and needs.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and professionalism when handling sensitive information regarding business affairs, programs, campers, or staff members.
• Interact daily with campers and work to provide a safe and consistent environment.
• Understand and know staff and campers-help them to respect the diversity of others and appreciate. differences and similarities so that campers get the most out of their stay at camp.
• Communicate to provide clear, necessary instruction to participants of all ages and skill levels.
• Constantly supervise campers to make sure their emotional and physical needs are met.
• Other duties as assigned.
WORKING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENT
• Non-traditional work hours are expected. When campers are on site, the Unit Leader is on call.
Typically, the Unit Leader has intermittent downtime throughout the day.
• Unit Leaders typically sleep with other staff in the unit separate (but near) camper bunks with restrooms a short walk away. Most camp activities happen outdoors.
• Daily exposure to various weather conditions, plants, and animals.
• Walk/hike several miles daily, at various grades, elevations, and on uneven terrain.
• Daily boating, swimming, and life guarding on Kentucky Lake.
MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS
EDUCATION
• Must be certified (or willing and prepared to become certified during staff training) in First Aid, CPR, AED, Waterfront Life guarding, and Youth Mental Health First Aid.
• Other outdoor skills, art, programming, or environmental education experience are a plus.
EXPERIENCE
• Minimum of 6 months to 1 year of childcare or camp experience preferred.
• Minimum of 6 months to 1 year of customer service preferred.
• 1 year of higher education or employment preferred.
SPECIFIC SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS
• 18+ years of age
• Meet state, federal, and ACA requirements for summer camp employment.
• Strong communication, written, and public speaking skills.
• Ability to function as a camp staff team member and work effectively with peers.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Adaptable and flexible within a fast-paced working environment.
• Must understand, establish and comply with boundaries of campers and fellow staff.
• Possess mental and physical endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers.
• Provide exemplary customer service.
• Identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to camper supervision.
• Ability to endure prolonged standing, bending, walking, hiking, sun exposure, heat, and other weather conditions.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new situations, surroundings, and circumstances quickly and effectively.
• Ability to go without electronic devices for several hours or days at a time while on duty (excluding medically necessary devices).
• Strong comfort level and swimming skills in lake water.
POSITION COMPETENCIES
• Effectively address and resolve conflicts with individuals in a professional and respectful manner.
• Complete a background check and provide other forms and details.
• Promote a culture of open communication and mutual respect.
• Respond to emergency situations and utilize First Aid, CPR, AED, Lifeguard Certification.
COUNCIL COMPETENCIES
• Ensure diversity and pluralism are embraced and incorporated into the work of the council.
• Support the Girl Scout mission, vision, and values of Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana and live by the Girl Scout Promise and Law.
• Complete a background check.
ORGANIZATION REQUIREMENTS
• Complete a Health History and physical exam prior to camp.
• Must complete courses and be certified in American Red Cross Life guarding, First Aid, CPR, & AED, Youth Mental Health First Aid prior to start of the first camp session.
• Effectively manage financial and physical resources.
• Exhibit effective communication skills and provide exemplary customer service to both internal and external customers.
• Report incidents of abuse or potential abuse involving campers to the appropriate authorities.
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