Program Specialist-AmeriCorps Outdoor Living Skills

Job Summary:

The Program Specialist is responsible for developing and implementing the Adventure Based Learning Program during summer camp. The Adventure Based program involves a high and low ropes course. This is a seasonal position.

Please note that this posting is an AmeriCorps position. Compensation for AmeriCorps positions are non-negotiable and consists of a fixed-amount living allowance and education award which vary based on the term of service. For more information about AmeriCorps service at Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, including living allowance and education award amounts please visit www.bgcmilwaukee.org/AmeriCorps.

Responsibilities:

• When on duty as program staff, account for the location of all youth for which you have direct responsibility.
• Only use discipline techniques approved by the Camp Whitcomb/ Mason Behavior Management Plan and trainings.
• Seek immediate medical help for any sick or injured youth.
• Report medical emergencies as designated by the Camp Whitcomb/ Mason Emergency Action Plan.
• Attend all meals and sit with youth during meals.
• Act as a positive role model while at the pool, waterfront, archery range or other high risk program area.  Only use techniques which are safe and appropriate.  Provide careful supervision of youth during these times.  
• Develop ropes and challenge course programs which utilize low and high element challenges.   
• Assure all programming is developmentally appropriate for the age group you are working with.
• Assure all youth taking part in the Ropes and Challenge Course are using equipment sized for their height and weight when participating in high element challenges.  
• Utilize a wide range of resources available to you, including but not limited to backpacks, portable stoves, campfires scars, tents, outdoor rock wall, low elements, games and initiatives equipment, matches, wood, rain gear, canoes, PFD’s, paddles, bows, arrows, waders and ropes.  
• Facilitate programs with an experiential education style while utilizing a natural and logical progression for learning outdoor living skills and environmental education activities.   
• Assure that your area of responsibility is clean, free of food, and orderly.
• Hand in maintenance request forms any time you notice areas or items in need of repairs.
• Assist with the set up and take down of camp, which may include pre-camp cleaning and landscaping.
• Assure the Ropes and Challenge Course is maintained, quarterly check of Ropes Course is done, and equipment is checked for safety before and after each group.  
• Must participate in required trainings by the Club, County, State, and/or funder.

Education Requirements:

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Some college, major in Education or Recreation preferred. 

Experience Requirements:

• One year of full-time experience working with youth from diverse backgrounds.
• At least 18 years of age with one year of college or life experience.

Skills:

• Ability to obtain ABEE certification for Rope Course facilitation.
• Ability to organize and plan activities for children ages 7-14. 
• Ability to communicate and work with groups participating (age and skill levels) and provide necessary instruction to campers and staff.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills.  
• Excellent organizational, communication and team building skills.
• Strong background in education. 
• Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to the activity.
• Physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid. Must be able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury) and possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers.

 Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Some physical requirements of this position could be endurance including prolonged standing, some bending, stooping, walking long distances, hiking, climbing, and stretching; requires eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity to manipulate outdoor equipment and camp activities; requires normal range of hearing and eyesight to record, prepare, and communicate appropriate camper activities/programs and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs; willing to live in a camp setting and work irregular hours with limited or simple equipment and facilities; and with daily exposure to the sun, heat, and animals such as bugs, snakes, bats, etc.

Environment:

The service environment characteristics described here are representative of those a member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Please note that this posting is an AmeriCorps position. Compensation for AmeriCorps positions are non-negotiable and consists of a fixed-amount living allowance and education award which vary based on the term of service. For more information about AmeriCorps service at Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, including living allowance and education award amounts please visit www.bgcmilwaukee.org/AmeriCorps.