Group Leader

STATEMENT OF THE AGENCY:

Commonpoint is a non-profit, multi-service agency with flagship sites in Little Neck, Bayside, Forest Hills, East Elmhurst, and Jamaica, with 80 additional sites throughout the community that provide a diverse array of programs and services to over 85,000 individuals. The mission is to sustain and enhance the quality of family and individual life for all members of our community, regardless of religion, ethnic or cultural background, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual preference, age, or disability, within a pervasive and inclusive environment that facilitates individual growth, meets individual needs and builds community. We accomplish this mission through various social, educational, and recreational services that reach community members of all ages and backgrounds.

Camp Background:

Island Quest Day Camp joins the agencies of Commonpoint, Friedberg JCC, Suffolk Y JCC, & Gural JCC to present an innovative day camp located in Wheatley Heights at the Henry Kaufmann Campgrounds. Island Quest Day Camp is open to ages 4-15 and will provide a unique opportunity for campers as they find their quest through seek, innovate and compete program areas.

Camp Dates:

• 2025 Season: June 30-August 22
• Monday to Friday: 8:00 am to 4:30/5:00 pm-And available by phone until 6:30pm
• Available for all pre-season staff trainings, including:
  • May 18
  • June 1
  • June 8
  • June 22
  • June 29
  • And a Group Leader meeting in May TBD
  • And First Aid/CPR Training and Safety Training (Dates TBD)
• Available all the “late stay nights”
• Must be able to attend every day of camp

Position Purpose:

The Group Leader handles a group of approximately 30 children in a Unit and the senior and junior counselors in that unit (and potentially an Assistant Group Leader assigned to that Group). The Group Leader is responsible for making sure counselors are following along to all their daily responsibilities, that both counselors and campers are safe and accounted for, ensuring the social and emotional wellbeing of campers and counselors, and the schedule and quest activities are followed accurately and efficiently, and all problems/issues are brought to the correct personnel. The Group Leader is responsible for guiding campers and staff in their personal growth and daily living skills in a camp day and reporting any concerns to their Assistant Director assigned to their Unit. The Group Leader is responsible for building connections with campers and modeling for the counselors the correct ways to interact with them and creating a positive community for the whole Group.

Essential Job Functions Pre-Camp:

• Staff Trainings
• Attend Planning Meetings & program development
• CPR/First Aid Training (as needed)
• Assist with staff and camper paperwork
• Make “Welcome Parent” phone calls before start of camp
• Additional responsibilities on an as needed basis decided by Leadership team

Essential Job Functions Camp 365:

• Group Leaders will attend off -season events such as recruitment events and parent/camper engagement events both virtually and/or in-person such as the May 4th Welcome to Summer Event.

Essential Job Functions During Camp:

• Assist in the direction, supervision, and organization of campers and staff in their group, within activities and throughout the camp in order to meet the intended camper outcomes
• Responsible for following and enforcing all guidelines, set forth in the Island Quest Day Camp manual
• Apply basic youth development principles in working with campers through communication, relationship development, and respect for diversity, involvement and empowerment of youth
• Assure campers and staff are properly supervised at all times and are in correct ratio
• Be aware of and implement safety guidelines with campers and staff
• Assume direct leadership of an individual group, when necessary
• Participate in the development and implementation of program activities for campers and staff within the mission and the culture of the camp
• Actively participate in all program areas as assigned
• Provide for the progression of activities within the framework of individual and group interests and abilities
• Assist in program areas as needed
• Maintain high standards of health and safety in all activities for campers and staff
• Generate and maintain a binder with DOH required documents for each camper in your group
• Provide the daily care of each camper within your supervision including recognition of personal health needs
• Ensure that campers receive their medications as directed by Assistant Director of your Unit
• Be alert to campers needs and assist them with personal and/or health problems, and discuss with the Unit Assistant Director and/or Camp Directors when appropriate
• Be alert to equipment and facilities to ensure utilization, proper care, and maintenance is adhered to; report repairs needed promptly to the Senior Manager of Operations
• Be a role model to campers and staff in your attitude and behavior
• Follow and uphold all safety and security rules and procedures
• Ensure all Counselors in your Group receive a 30 minute break during each workday

Relationships:

Group Leaders generally have regular relationships with Program Specialists, Assistant Director of Divisions, Maintenance Staff, Aquatic Staff and Camp Directors. It is helpful to identify the expectations of those relationships and communication between these groups of staff members.

Minimum Qualifications & Requirements

• Ability to interact with all age levels
• At least 1-3 years of supervisory experience
• Understand the development needs of youth
• Able to lead and construct staff for a successful summer with campers
• Ability to relate and communicate to youth and adults in a positive manner
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing needs
• Approach every interaction from a strengths-based perspective
• Commitment to work collaboratively with others to create a safe and supportive camp environment
• Bachelor's degree in education or a similar field preferred
• Energetic, enthusiastic and demonstrate a desire to get your hands dirty and have fun!

Commonpoint is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

To Apply: Please submit a cover letter and résumé, as a Word or PDF document only, to Michael Donnelly at michael@islandquestdaycamp.org. Please indicate “Group Leader” in the subject line. Due to the high volume of applicants, only qualified candidates will be contacted.