Arts & Crafts Specialist

Description

NOW HIRING FOR SUMMER 2025! Few environments are as special as camp. YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin has over 100 years of camping experience and is located on beautiful Barlow Lake in Middleville, Michigan. Our beautiful, natural setting provides an excellent opportunity for all who visit. We are committed to providing a camp experience rich in tradition centered on our core values, with a Christian emphasis, and allowing all who participate to gain 21st century skills, independence and life long memories.

OUR CULTURE

Guiding Principles describe our behaviors to support our organization’s work throughout its life in all circumstances, irrespective of changes in goals, strategies, and leadership. Our Guiding Principles are as follows: We CULTIVATE-We grow staff and volunteer leaders who will be stewards of the Y mission, resources, and opportunities. We OWN-We think long-term and act on behalf of the organization, beyond our own team. We WELCOME-We are inclusive of all people and all communities. We SERVE-We provide timely and excellent service to members, volunteers, community, and each other. We LEARN-We are never done learning and always seek to improve. We are curious about new possibilities and act to explore them. We UNITE-We work together to achieve big goals and speak as one voice. We RESPECT-We treat others with kindness and speak positively about other people in all situations. We PLAY-We celebrate, appreciate, and have fun!

POSITION SUMMARY

The Arts & Crafts Specialist provides direct supervision of a group of up to 10 children in a summer camp outdoor setting. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: direct supervision of campers in either the Day Camp or Overnight Camp setting, leading activities focusing on values and 21st century life skills each day, fully participate within the guidelines of all YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin programs, and provides a quality experience to children and parents focused on YMCA core values: caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and inclusion.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Identify and meet camper needs

• Learn the likes/dislikes of each participant
• Be a positive role model for all campers and fellow staff
• Recognize and respond to opportunities for problem solving in the group
• Develop opportunities for interaction between campers and staff
• Provide opportunities for the group so that each individual experiences success during camp
• Provide opportunities for discussion of individual or group problems or concerns
• Help each participant meet the goals established by the camp for camper development
• May be required to teach and lead activities based on certification or skill level in that area (lifeguarding, boating, adventure, skating)

Carry out camp programs

• Guide cabin or trail groups in participating in arts & crafts
• Carry out established roles for supervising camper health
• Carry out established roles in enforcing camp safety regulations
• Trained in basic first aid and CPR
• Supervise aspects of the campers’ day, including morning reveille, cabin clean-up, camptivities, activities, meal times, rest hour, evening activities, getting ready for bed, and after-hours duties as assigned where necessary
• Instruct campers in emergency procedures such as fire drills, evacuating the cabin, etc.
• Help campers plan their participation in unit-wide or camp-wide programs, special events, and activities
• Lead or assist in leading skills-based activities with a focus on values and life skills, as assigned

Administrative

• Prepare for and actively participate in staff training, meetings, and supervisory conferences if appropriate.
• Set a good example for campers and others including cleanliness, punctuality, sharing clean-up and chores, sportsmanship, and table manners.
• Follow camp rules and policies on prohibited actions such as but not limited to smoking, use of alcoholic beverages, and the use of drugs, and cellular phones
• Encourage respect for personal property, camp equipment, and facilities.
• Manage personal time off in accordance with camp policy.
• Keep updated documentation on camper/staff situations in documentation booklet.
• Maintain good public relations with campers’ parents during opening and closing day activities and any parent functions on camp.
• Submit all required reports on time.
• These are not the only duties to be performed. Some duties may be reassigned and other duties may be assigned as required.

Performs any other functions necessary for the smooth and efficient operation of the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids.

COMPENSATION

• This position is required to live on site, housing is provided. Applicants should expect to serve as evening coverage in Overnight Camp cabins. Meals are provided Sunday - Friday. Staff are allowed to remain on site during the weekends throughout their seasonal employment if they choose. Scheduled time off will be granted each day.
• $65.00 - $70.00 per day; Seasonal; Non-Exempt

BENEFITS:

• Free YMCA Individual Membership
• 12% retirement contribution upon eligibility, learn more here.
• 403(b) retirement savings account
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Access to the Employee Assistance Program and resources for you and your family
• Community Discounts, and more!

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 18 years of age and high school graduate or equivalent.
• Documented experience working with children.
• Desire and ability to work with children outdoors.
• Ability to relate to one’s peer group.
• Ability to accept supervision and guidance.
• Ability to assist and/or teach an activity.
• Ability to teach and role model the Core Values of the YMCA and use of 21st century life skills
• Good character and ability to adapt to camp setting; enthusiasm, sense of humor, patience, and self-control.
• Lifeguard certification and/or adventure and land skills certification preferred
• Ability to administer basic CPR, First Aid, and basic health care to all guests of Camp Manitou-Lin.
• First aid and CPR certifications required (Training available at Camp Manitou-Lin)

Ideal candidates must

• Engage participants in character and collaborative leadership development.
• Have a healthy personal philosophy.
• Maintain a positive self-identity and be resourceful.
• Relate effectively to diverse groups of people.
• Possess knowledge of group skills and a willingness to work closely with peers and campers.
• Show a proven ability to work with youth, and a desire to positively influence their development.
• Be adaptable and open to new experiences
• Enjoy hard work and long, but fulfilling hours, and seek personal development.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) required
• First Aid Certification required
• Blood Borne Pathogen training
• State of Michigan criminal background clearance (ICHAT)

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Salary : $65 - $70