Village Leader

Cabin Leaders (summer camp counselors) in co-leadership pairs or trios lead a village (cabin group) of 10-12 campers and are active leaders in daily activities. Summer 2023 will include two weeks of paid staff training followed by six weeks of camp.

General Responsibilities

• Encourage leadership development, healthy community living, and AYF mission and values driven practices.
• Protect the safety and health of campers by adhering to community expectations and following all policies and procedures outlined in the Staff Handbook, including our alcohol-, drug-, and tobacco-free camp policy and AYF COVID-19 Staff Eligibility and Expectations.
• Be a positive Role Model
• Instruction in some skilled program activities
• Fully participate in and be present at all community activities
• Instruct campers in safety and health regulations, policies and procedures of camp and behavior.
• Be a risk manager.
• Be familiar with and apply the Four-Fold philosophy and Best Self practices to leadership, instruction and modeling while in camp.
• Actively participate in staff training activities

Specific Responsibilities

• Leadership and guidance of a village of approximately 12 campers, single gender identifying or co-ed.
• Provide 24-hour supervision and mentoring to campers in assigned group in a cabin setting. Live with and eat meals with a cabin group, helping each camper to adjust to camp life and to achieve his/her personal best.
• Teach interest groups, organize, and plan small group conversations, and lead or participate in Night’s Doings when assigned.
• Set a high standard of respect for self, others, and the space though promptness, language, attitude, and participation
• Use positive behavior reinforcement and human relations skills with campers and other staff members
• Discuss with the Coordinator and Director any difficult situations that arise in camper or staff relationships, discipline, and other areas of concern to the camp.
• Complete all requested records and written reports, including end-of-summer letters to camper families
• Establish personal and professional goals for the summer and work towards those goals
• Complete all job functions and other duties as assigned

Necessary Skills for Success

• Be able to maintain focus for extended periods while assessing risks and supervising campers
• Ability to respond to, teach and manage the behaviors of the campers in their care
• Able to effectively manage their emotions to remain focused on what is in the best interest of the campers in their care in a variety of situations.
• Effective communication with youth participants and adult staff across a wide range of identities and backgrounds. Ability to foster positive relationships
• Ability to respond to and direct campers and/or staff in an emergency
• Ability to understand, promote, actively include, and work effectively with diverse perspectives and identities
• Ability to maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment for campers
• Thorough understanding of critical issues shaping the lives of young people in the U.S., especially racial and gender equity, inclusivity, justice, ethics, and cultural competency

Work Environment

• Position location is in Center Tuftonboro, New Hampshire at the Merrowvista campus. Position required to work onsite during summer.
• The Merrowvista site necessitates the capacity to move through rugged terrain.
• All meals and housing provided during training and program

Preferred Qualifications:

• Must be 18 or older and one year post-high school graduation experience
• Strong teaching/facilitating and leadership skills preferred
• Previous experience working with children, adolescents and/or young adults required
• Current certification in CPR and First Aid (training available for accepted candidates)

Benefits 

• Weekly pay: $600
• Cabin Leaders will receive one day off for every six days worked

Questions? Please contact the Merrowvista team at merrowvistacamps@ayf.com.