Outdoor Program Specialist

Position Purpose:
To further the mission of Camp Fires Camp El Tesoro through the development and delivery of nature or environmental activities that are safe, fun, and appropriate to the campers' age and abilities and reflect the camps commitment to stewardship of the natural environment.

Minimum Qualification for any position at Camp El Tesoro:

A genuine interest in working/living with and teaching children in outdoor environment

Ability to accept supervision and guidance

Ability to handle the pressures that are associated with living with coworkers, and children

Enthusiasm, sense of humor, patience and self control

Good character, integrity, and adaptability

Participate in pre-camp staff training. Become familiar with and implement camp policies, procedures, and philosophy as stated in the Summer Camp Staff Manual

Current CPR and First Aid certifications

 

Qualifications

               Minimum age 22 years

               Bachelors degree preferred in nature related field or two years experience facilitating outdoor programs

Essential Job Functions:

1.  Develop and deliver a nature or environmental program that is appropriate for the age and ability of the campers and utilizes the camp's natural environment

­  Write lesson plans that meet camp outcomes and the abilities of the campers and encompass environmental studies with topics such as Collecting Fossils on Fall Creek, Finding My Way, Birds, Animal Habitats, Tracks and Signs, Tree ID, Grasses, wildflowers, Insects, and additional studies as developed.

­  Implement a variety of age and ability appropriate activities in the above stated environmental studies.

­  Evaluate the success of the nature or environmental program.

2.  Ensure that camp staff and campers know and follow safety and educational procedures.

­  Assist in the implementation of staff training for nature or environmental studies.

­  Train other staff in their responsibilities in their nature or environmental studies.

­  Ensure campers and staff follow safety procedures.

3.  Assist in the management and care of the physical facilities and equipment in the nature or environmental program area

­  Maintain the nature or environmental equipment including Curriculum Storage Areas, facilities areas used during Outdoor Education Season, books, brochures, materials and supplies.

­  Be responsible for observing hazards or enhancements in the natural environment and alerting other appropriate staff.

­  Ensure that the nature of environmental equipment and supplies are inventoried and steps are taken to replace them in a timely manner.

­  Conduct a daily check of the area and equipment for safety, cleanliness and good repair.

4.  Assist in overall implementation of camp programs

­  Assist Program director with planning and facilitating Opening and Closing Campfire.

­  Participate enthusiastically in all-camp activities, planning, and leading those as assigned.

­  Participate as a member of the camp staff team to deliver and supervise evening programs, special events, overnights, and other all camp activities and camp functions.

­ Assist in the planning of any special events

Other Job Duties:

­  Provide unit coverage when assigned

­  Assist in weekly set up and clean up of camp

­  Assist in end of season all camp clean up

­  Adhere to Camp Fire First Texas policies and procedures

­  Participate as needed as Camp Host and facilitator for camp's Rental and Family Camping events as needed.

­  Other duties as assigned

Working Relationships:

­  Directly reports to Program Director

­  Works closely with all programming staff

­  Supports cabin counselors

Physical Aspects of Position:

­  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.

­  Ability to observe staff behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate management techniques.

­  Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to the activity.

­  Ability to communicate and work with groups participating (age and skill levels) and provide necessary instruction to campers and staff.

­  Ability to live in camp setting and work irregular hours delivering programs.

­  Endurance including standing, some bending, stooping and stretching.

­  Ability to work in the sun and heat, and varying environmental conditions.

­  Ability to observe camper behavior, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques.

­  Ability to lift 50 pounds.