2009 SEED Program at Camp Oh-Neh-Tah Staff Positions
OUR MISSION:
Girls Quest’s mission is to nurture girls from low-income families in New York to help them achieve their full potential and become active members of their communities by building academic and social competence.
Our girls come from at-risk environments to relish in the opportunity to participate in Girls Quest’s Summer Experiential Education and Development Program (SEED) at Camp Oh-Neh-Tah during one of our three two-week sessions. At SEED, our girls develop skills in team work and leadership that they will carry with them into adulthood. We challenge their abilities and help them to take positive risks daily through our unique programs. The SEED Program is designed to provide each girl with daily literacy-based enrichment activities as well as a wide variety of popular outdoor activities. Girls Quest offers great pay, a good atmosphere, and a fun work environment in a small camp setting. Housing is available for all staff on-site.
Our Girls value their experiences. We look for young women who have the desire to challenge themselves in working with girls in the out of doors. Daily life can be challenging in both environment and programmatic. We believe that our staff will fulfill their personal goals as well as our mission, program vision and most importantly, our girls' goals on a daily basis. Working at SEED is a hard job but one that you will remember for a lifetime. Personal changes, friendships and lasting memories of experiencing a summer at SEED will change your life.
- Desire to work and live in the out of doors for 2 months during the summer.
- Maturity, good moral character, and integrity.
- An understanding of and liking of children; knowledge of behavioral issues a plus.
- An understanding and acceptance of the fundamental aims and objectives of Girls Quest in general and of the SEED Program specifically.
- Able to walk one mile over rough terrain in under 15 minutes without any assistance.
- A positive team player
- Willingness to learn from and make use of trainings in child psychology, conflict resolution, anti-bias/bullying, etc.
Support Staff: June 12th - June 30th
Administrative Staff: June 13th - June 30th
General Staff: June 19th - June 30th
Session 1: July 1st - July 15th
Session 2: July 17th - July 31st
Session 3: August 2nd - August 16th
JOB DESCRIPTION: Oversee program activities and daily routines and give leadership and guidance for a cabin of girls(there are 10 girls and 2 counselors per cabin). Plan daily cabin activities, create and run club sessions in the afternoons, monitor girls well-being and act as a positive role model. Must be at least 18 years of age. Prefer at least one year of college or other related experience.
Responsibilities:
Primary responsibility for the health and safety of each
member of the cabin group.
Interpret to and supervise the health and safety regulations for members of the cabin group.
Supervise and/or assist with daily cabin activities, rest periods, meals, capers, etc.
Guide the group in participation in cabin, division, and camp-wide activities.
Work closely with the Unit Leader in coordinating activities.
Hold cabin discussions each evening with girls.
Prepare reports and evaluations as necessary.
Work with your co-counsleor to provide fun, safe and engaing activities for your girls.
Teach in a club activity daily.
Attend and participate in all division and staff meetings.
THE POSITION: Girls Quest invites applications for the position of Teen Leadership (TL) Program Coordinator for its six week summer component located at its camp facility in the Catskills Mountain. The TL Program Coordinator will implement the summer engagement with approximately 30 young girls ages 15-17. The girls are grouped in three cohorts of TL1, TL2, and TL3s. The TL2 and TL3 are engaged in the summer program for six weeks. The TL1s arrive during the second session of the program and stay for four weeks.
General Responsibilities:
To work with the Teen Leaders providing learning opportunities to build and strengthen their leadership skills, developing social and peer counseling relationships, facilitation skills, and enhancing their literacy and communication skills.
Specific Responsibilities:
Responsible for scheduling and overseeing a group of approximately 30 girls for six weeks during the summer.
Create a team of up and coming leaders and to work together to problem solve, take on leadership roles, and set goals.
Assist in establishing and implementing goals for each Teen Leader. Meet with each girl weekly to review their progress, challenges and provide guidance.
Ensure that all girls adhere to their weekly schedules and are on time.
Build a mentoring relationship amongst the Teen Leaders and identified staff through programmed activity, supervise and evaluate their time together.
Responsible for planning, organizing, and scheduling of off site activities, including enrichment activities, special events and other program activities to make their stay as productive and engaging as possible.
Discipline and provide structure for the girls as needed.
Meet with the Program and Cabin Life Director daily for check-ins.
Meet with the Program Director/Manager weekly to review their schedule for the week.
Be a role model and mentor to girls and fellow staff demonstrating yourself as a truthful, hardworking adult with a healthy lifestyle in the community.
Keep accurate records and submit a final report at the end of the season.
Follow all policies as provided in the Personnel Policies for seasonal staff.
Be supportive and pro active with any other tasks asked of you to perform during the season.
Qualifications:
A minimum of one year related work experience and demonstrate ability to work effectively with the female teen population ages 15-17 in the field of youth development and must be 21 years of age or older.
Desire to work and live in the out doors for 2 months during the summer.
Energetic and outgoing personality, mediation, facilitation and listening skills.
Strong organization and leadership skills.
Strong communication skills (verbal and written)
Sensitivity and experience working with ethnically diverse adn underserved girls.
Ability to build strong, lasting relationships with youth and the Girls Quest staff.
Previous supervisory experience.
Strong attention to detail and ability to deliver quality professional work.
Valid driver's license.
Be a proactive team player.
An understanding and acceptance of the fundamental aims and objectives of Girls Quest in general and of the Teen Leadership Program specifically.
Willingness to learn from and make use of trainings in child psychology, conflict resolution, anti-bias/bullying, etc.
Potential extended employment at the Girls Quest office for full-time position.
UNIT LEADERS:
JOB DESCRIPTION: Responsible for supervision and support of 6-8 counselors and 30-40 girls. Plan division activities, organize clubs, behavior management of girls and staff in division. Must be at least 21 years of age and have prior supervisory experience.
The Unit Leader is responsible for the coordination of division programs, including special evening programs and overnights. In addition, the UL will work with the division counselors to help create a cohesive staff-girl group. She will help handle division problems in the appropriate manner. The UL will inform the Cabin Life Director or Assistant Director of any problems or concerns with the division or request assistance if necessary. Planning is often on a short notice due to weather changes and girls interest. Therefore flexibility is important. The UL should work with the girls and staff to plan division activities.
General Responsibilities:
Assist with the leadership of staff training.
Supervise and support counseling staff, including preparation of evaluations.
Plan and carry out division programs.
Lead clubs
Help to maintain spirit.
Cabin coverage on counselors’ days off when needed
Specific Responsibilities:
Within the limits of approved policies, programs, budgets, and procedures the Unit Leader is responsible for the counseling staff as well as cabins programs, specials and girl behavior. Scheduling of counselors days off and time off.
Know each girl as an individual.
Create a meaningful experience for division campers and staff.
Be ready to acknowledge accomplishment on the part of girls and staff.
Keep staff members informed of progress and results of assigned work, division programs and all activities.
Discuss each counselor’s daily cabin plans and ensure planned activities provide variety, and are safe, fun, and suitable for the age group.
Ensure that reports from counselors are accurately completed and on time. Ensure that your own paper work is handled in a like manner.
Avoid dictatorial methods but be firm if necessary in your relationship with counselors and girls. Give guidance to counselors and give suggestions when needed. Avoid negative criticism whenever possible, especially in public.
Develop and implement programs and plans for unit activities.
Provide ample opportunity for each counselor to develop her leadership potential and initiative. Discuss with them their program suggestions and incorporate their ideas into the program.
Provide sufficient leadership by establishing flexible caounselros time off
Be On Duty in the evenings
Be alert and aware of your cabins surroundings
Be alert for faulty equipment within the division and eliminate hazards that might cause accidents, ensure that fire extinguishers are full at all times, report all maintenance needs to the camp Main Lodge
Attend daily Administrative Staff Team meetings.
Communicate with the Assistant Director any concerns regarding program, staff, or girls.
Participate pro-actively in all events
JOB DESCRIPTION: Responsibilities include but not limited to: The ability to design, program for and implement one of the following: Literacy teachers, adventure-based activities (i.e.: Ropes), creative arts/music, ceramics, athletics, fashion/textiles, performing arts, ecology, outdoor education, outdoor living skills, and nutrition. Will also work with counselors and be part of the cabin life. Must hold or be able to obtain certifications in Archery, Ropes, etc. Some training is available prior to the beginning of camp start date.
JOB DESCRIPTION: Have current Lifeguard Certification or have adequate skills to obtain Lifeguard Certification and CPR for the Professional Rescuer. Responsibilities include lifeguarding and teaching basic and advanced swimming skills. Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must be at least 18 years of age. Basic knowledge of and/or desire to learn food service trade. Prior experience a big plus.
Must be at least 21 years old with a current driver’s license and clean driving record. Transporting staff on days off, errands and office duties as requested.
Responsible for cleaning showers, latrines, dining hall, and other communal buildings in camp. Must be at least 18 years of age.
