Cabin Leader
Cabin Leaders (summer camp counselors) are seasonal youth development professionals who co-lead a cabin group of 6 to 8 campers in either Boys Camp or Girls Camp and are active leaders in daily activities. Cabin Leaders work directly with youth and help them discover their best selves.
This role will include one to two weeks of paid staff training, followed by two three-week camp sessions.
Essential Functions
- Lead and mentor a cabin group for each camp session, living in community with campers as they adjust to camp life and help them achieve their personal best.
- Teach Interest Groups, organize and plan small group conversations, and lead or participate in Night’s Doings when assigned.
- Use positive behavior reinforcement and human relations skills with campers and other staff members.
- Promptly discuss any difficult situations that arise in camper or staff relationships, discipline, and other areas of concern with the Coordinator and Director
- Establish personal and professional goals for the summer and work toward those goals
- Complete all job functions, including requested records, written reports, and end-of-summer letters to camper families, and other duties as assigned.
General Functions
- Encourage leadership development, healthy community living, Best Self practices and balanced Four-Fold growth according to the philosophy of AYF by instruction and example.
- 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.
- Fully participate in and be present at all community activities and staff training
Required Skills
- Strong emotional and mental health. Must be adaptable and exhibit good judgement to determine what is in best interest of the campers in their care.
- Effective communication with youth participants and adult staff across a wide range of identities and backgrounds. Ability to foster positive relationships.
- Ability to understand, promote, actively include, and work effectively with diverse perspectives and identities
- 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
Education, Experience, or Certifications
- Must be 18 or older and one year post-high school graduation experience
- Previous experience working with children, adolescents and/or young adults required
- Strong teaching/facilitating and leadership skills preferred
- Current certification in CPR and First Aid (training available for accepted applicants)
Benefits
- Weekly pay: $600
- Referral Bonus: $200 paid for each hired employee the applicant refers
- Cabin leaders will receive one day off for every six days worked.
Questions? Contact the Miniwanca team at [email protected].
What should I know before applying?
Our Cabin Leaders...
• Love working with kids and being outside.
• Are enthusiastic about growing and inspiring campers to grow.
• See themselves as positive role models for the youth of Miniwanca.
What can I expect if I am hired?
• Our base weekly pay for first-year leaders is $600, with additional bonuses available based on relevant experience and certification.
• All food, housing is provided while you work at Miniwanca.
• You will receive free tuition for Wilderness First Responder, CPR, and Lifeguard courses offered at Miniwanca.
Frequently Asked Questions
Leaders will learn all about the mission, philosophy and values of the American Youth Foundation. They will learn how to work with campers, how to teach activities, and will work to build our positive community. By the end of staff training, Cabin Leaders will be prepared to guide their group through positive experiences, teach Interest Groups, and more.
Leaders will begin and end their day with their cabin and their assigned co-leaders, helping the campers prepare for the day and later for bed. In the morning, leaders will travel with their campers to a flag-raising ceremony, and eat all their meals at a table with their cabin. During the morning and afternoon, Leaders will teach three to four activities for campers that align with their interests and abilities (Interest Groups), will facilitate a rest hour for their cabin, and will engage with campers during Free Time. After dinner, Leaders will engage with the entire camp during a night time activity and will participate in an Evening Reflection. After helping the campers prepare for bed, Leaders will lead their cabin in an activity to close out the day.
Cabin Leaders are expected to sleep in the cabins with the campers. We have a range of cabins, some more remote and rustic than others. All cabins have trail access to bathroom facilities.
Cabin Leaders will get one day off for every six days worked.