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.