Sleepaway Camp Unit Leader

Description

Position Summary: 

Are you passionate about leading, organizing, and creating amazing experiences for youth? Join us as a Unit Leader at summer sleepaway camp and take charge in bringing camp programming to life! As a Unit Leader, you'll be at the forefront of our camp experience, guiding and leading campers and staff to ensure an incredibly fun and educational group camping experience. You’ll serve as a leader to our Unit Counselors, ensuring their continuous growth and success, and as the head of your assigned camp program and camper group each week. Your role will be all about shaping an environment that fosters growth, friendships, skills, and memories.  

Embrace a flexible role: Camp life can be pretty spontaneous. Additional and sometimes unexpected tasks are always arising, and adapting to these challenges is crucial to the smooth functioning of camp on a day-to-day basis. In this position, we’re looking for someone who is excited to tackle whatever comes our way, taking on additional responsibilities as requested and also of their own initiative according to their unique skillset and capabilities. 

Time Commitment:  

This is a seasonal role that requires living on-site for the duration of the appointment. 

June 4-6 - In-office pre-camp training; commute daily to council office in Baltimore, MD 

June 8-20 - At-camp pre-camp training; live at camp throughout this period in Conowingo, MD 

June 22-August 8 = Camper Sessions  

August 10-12 = All Staff Clean-up 

Staff will also have two hours of scheduled time off daily, as well as the opportunity for some nights off with a designated curfew, and at least one day off per week (usually Saturday). 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Live in a unit with campers throughout each week and serve as a leader for an assigned group of campers and unit counselors. 
• Follow and maintain a daily schedule with promptness and flexibility when unexpected changes occur. 
• Lead innovative activities and collaborate with all staff  
• Prepare regular reports and feedback on Unit Counselor performance with the goal of continuous improvement and submit to the Program and Staff Manager and/or Camp Director. 
• Maintain necessary program and activity equipment, such as walkie talkies, first aid kits, digital cameras, sports equipment, etc. 
• Contribute to the upkeep of campgrounds, nurturing a sense of community and shared responsibility for the camp's environment. 
• Participate in all aspects of camp life including staff meetings, daily activities, all camp activities, kapers, cookouts, etc. as assigned or scheduled, working cooperatively with all camp staff. 
• Learn, understand, and practice risk assessment and management throughout camp; ensure unit and campers are safe and follow accepted procedures at all times.  
• Ensure all group paperwork is done in a timely and complete manner. 
• Oversee successful unit activities through allowing girl decision making and promoting accountability; conduct behavior observation, assess appropriateness, and apply appropriate behavior management techniques. 
• Support camp opening and closing procedures and assist in various daily camp activities. 
• Champion the values and vision of the Girl Scouts program, fostering a supportive community and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.  
• Adapt swiftly to ever-changing situations, from helping campers overcome fears to handling unexpected weather shifts. Embrace challenges with a positive attitude, thriving in a fast-paced, adaptable work environment.  
• Uphold the highest standards of safety and quality, adhering to Volunteer Essentials, Maryland Youth Camp Regulations, and American Camp Association accreditation, contributing to a safe and enriching experience for all campers. 
• Attend and engage in regular staff meetings, comprehensive pre-camp training sessions, and post-camp clean-up, fostering personal and professional growth within a supportive team environment. 
• Participate in weekly all-camp activities, themes, and opening and closing day activities while upholding the utmost safety and efficiency for the girls and staff. 

Camp Staff Requirements: 

At our summer sleepaway camp, we're on a mission to make each moment memorable, safe, and enjoyable for both campers and staff. As a team member, you play a crucial role in fostering an environment where everyone thrives. Here's what we value and expect from every staff member: 

Embrace the Camp Life 

Live on-site throughout pre-camp and opening camp activities, camper sessions, and during closing camp duties, unless otherwise discussed and approved by the Camp Director prior to camp season start. Camp is a rustic environment. Your living quarters may change week to week, and could include tents, cabins, yurts, and other structures with no electricity or running water (although other group buildings do have these amenities). You will regularly need to utilize latrines (essentially an outhouse) and standalone washstands throughout your time at camp. You’ll also encounter other challenges like rapidly changing weather, limited personal space and time, and any number of critters and crawlies, all of which you’ll need to overcome during your time at camp. Please consider your ability to be able to comfortably adapt to this environment before applying. 

Be an Inspirational Role Model 

Uphold the Girl Scout Promise and Law in your interactions with campers and fellow staff. Lead by example by demonstrating respect, appreciation, and acceptance, ensuring every individual feels valued and included. Embody the spirit of our community by embracing and living by our camp rules and policies and always strive to foster an inclusive and supportive atmosphere. 

Flexibility & Adaptability  

Embrace spontaneity in programming, ensuring minimal disruption to the camp experience during unforeseen changes to scheduling and day-to-day procedures. Encourage promptness and efficiency among campers and staff, contributing to a smooth-running schedule. 

Open Communication and Collaboration 

Maintain open and honest communication with supervisors, seeking guidance when needed and addressing concerns promptly. Participate enthusiastically in pre-camp preparations, weekly clean-ups, and post-camp duties as assigned, contributing to a shared sense of ownership and teamwork. 

Health and Safety 

Actively monitor and maintain hygiene standards for campers and yourself, working in collaboration with the Camp Nurse to address health needs. Report maintenance requirements and incidents promptly via the appropriate channels to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for all. Complete mandated reporter training and submit reports as required. Take responsibility for the cleanliness of shared spaces, fostering a culture of ownership and accountability; remember to always See It, Own It, Do It. Maintain an alcohol and drug-free environment, ensuring a safe and positive atmosphere for everyone. 

Requirements

Skills, Education and/or Relevant Experience: 

• Incumbent must be 21 years or older. 
• Must have college experience in a relevant field, experience as a Girl Scout troop leader, teacher, camp counselor, or recreation leader, or similar experience. 
• Must have the ability to supervise and guide campers and adults and knowledge of the needs and abilities of girls of various age levels. 
• Must have the ability to plan and organize program activities and follow a daily schedule with promptness and flexibility when unexpected changes occur. 
• Must possess current First Aid and CPR certification, or be willing and able to successfully complete training prior to arrival of campers (paid for and arranged by GSCM during pre-camp training).  
• Must possess excellent interpersonal skills and enjoy the opportunity to successfully interact with individuals and groups of diverse backgrounds.  
• Must possess excellent verbal communication skills with both children and adults.   
• Must possess the strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers during a 6-day workweek and during 14+ hour days.  
• Must have the visual, auditory, and physical ability to quickly identify and appropriately respond to environmental and other hazards related to activities and emergencies at camp, as well as generally uphold all safety standards.  
• Must have a valid driver’s license, with clear driving record, proof of insurability and willingness to drive a 15-passenger van and/or minivan. 
• Preferred: lifeguard, ropes (high, low), archery, rock wall, slingshot, and/or canoeing/kayaking certification, or be willing and able to successfully complete training in these areas during staff training.   
• Preferred: youth camp medication administration certification, or be willing and able to successfully complete training during staff training. 
• Must be able to pass a background and fingerprint check, as well as a drug screening prior to starting employment and beginning summer residency at camp. 

Join our team and be part of a transformative experience that goes beyond the ordinary. Embrace teamwork, personal growth, and the joy of creating lasting memories for campers and staff alike at GSCM’s sleepaway camp!