Summer Programs Staff (Summer 2024)

Friends Academy Summer Programs offers a wide variety of day camps to continue our commitment to our students and the community. Our campers are 3-14 years of age, and we offer half-day and full-day programs. Morning session is from 9am-12pm, there is a lunch break for those who are in full day programs, and afternoon sessions are from 1-3pm. We also offer “surround care” – should families need to drop off their children earlier or pick up later. All staff need to be available to fill in occasionally during the summer for the before-care or after-care portion of our day. Staff may also be asked to take a shift during our “HangOut Zone,” which is a half day of camper care – for campers who are registered for half day programs, but need a full day of care.

Positions

• Specialty Camp Leaders: Seeking current educators who are comfortable establishing their own curriculum for one or more of our Creative Camps, Enrichment Camps, Computer Camps, Cooking Camps, or Sports Camps. Additionally, we are looking for naturalists and outdoor enthusiasts who can foster enthusiasm for the outdoors during overnight camping experiences.
• Core Camp Lead Instructors: Seeking current or aspiring educators, experienced student teachers, or seasoned camp counselors to lead one of our Core Camps (Little Friends: ages 3-4, Summer Friends: grades K-1 and 2-3, Adventure Friends: grades 4-5 and 6-7, and Outdoor Explorers: grades 8). Lead Instructors will be responsible for designing and facilitating dynamic, fun, and safe summer camp programming organized around weekly themes and pre-planned field trips. Instructors will establish a nurturing and supportive camp environment that also challenges campers to try new activities, form friendships, and explore their surroundings. This is ideally an 8 week commitment for the Summer Program season (June 24-August 16), but we also have opportunities for shorter commitments. Must have a season of previous experience in a camp or teaching setting.
• Co-Lead/Assistant Instructors: Seeking energetic and responsible young adults to assist in all aspects of our summer camp programming. This position is responsible for supporting Lead Instructors in providing a safe and enriching camp experience.. This is a great opportunity to learn from seasoned camp and education professionals and gain hands-on experience working with children. This is ideally an 8 week commitment for the Summer Program season (June 24-August 16), but we also have opportunities for shorter commitments. Must have experience working with children.
• Counselors-in-training: Younger high-school students looking for meaningful community service opportunities and a chance to be a role model to younger campers.

Requirements

• Experience working in educational spaces preferred
• Current Lifeguard training preferred (Adventure or Survival Camps)
• Must be fingerprinted and pass CORI & SORI background check
• Fill out all HR paperwork, medical forms, and review curriculum
• Proof of vaccinations and current physical
• Attend staff training and/or meet for one-on-one training with Program Director prior to the start of camp

Responsibilities

• Uphold the Friends Academy mission and values and learn and uphold Summer Programs protocols as stated in Staff Handbook
• Help ensure camp schedule runs smoothly (camper drop-off and pick up, transitions to activity spaces, interactions with health center staff, etc.)
• All staff are asked to conduct daily check-ins with assistant director and provide support as needed
• Hold responsibility for physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of participants. This includes developing healthy and appropriate relationships with participants, assisting activity staff with inspection of spaces for hazards, helping all students and staff follow the appropriate safety protocols, managing risk and maintaining the safety of participants, and providing direct supervision of participants as assigned
• Be an active member of the Friends Academy community (e.g. participate in camp set up and take down, and fill in where needed)
• Present and communicate professionally with participants and their families, colleagues, and the public
• Have an understanding of the camp overview (be aware of activity scheduling and locations, assist with hangout zone, lunch bunch, and surround care when asked)
• Work as a team to ensure all special events run smoothly (e.g. field trips, guest instructors, etc.)
• Occasionally lead/co-lead an overnight camping trip on the 65-acre Friends Academy campus
• As a lead or co-lead of Core camps: Develop and maintain a teaching mastery of the following skills: outdoor living skills, team-building facilitation, games and free play, themed activities, forest and ecology curriculum, gardening and food systems; while maintaining a positive and fun learning environment.
• Help campers engage with the activities of the day, interact in a healthy way with one another, and be a positive part of a larger community.
• Complete all necessary paperwork (i.e. incident reports, camper reports, trip reports)
• Instill joy and enthusiasm into the daily life of camp

Compensation: Ranges from $15-$25/hour, depending on experience and level of commitment.

To Apply: Interested candidates should send a cover letter, resume, contact information, and three references to Lesley Heyl, External Programs Director. The materials should clearly indicate the candidate’s qualifications for and interest in this work, articulate why Friends Academy resonates with them as an educator, and demonstrate a track record of increasing responsibility throughout previous employment.