You are viewing a preview of this job. Log in or register to view more details about this job.

Drama and Dance Leader - Residential Summer Camp Counselor

Highbrook Lodge hires exceptional people to do exceptional work.
 
We are looking for qualified applicants to join our team for our 2020 summer season.
All of our current openings are seasonal (June 14-August 9) and residential – meaning you’ll live on site with us.
 
As a member of the Highbrook Lodge team, you will be instrumental in ensuring that our summer camp (located in Chardon, OH) is providing a safe and enjoyable experience to all. You’ll have fun, laugh, make friends, cultivate skills and learn while making a difference in the lives of our campers.
 
Applicants should be interested in:
  • Working with people who have vision loss or blindness, and other special needs
  • Working in a residential, outdoor and communal setting
  • Serving diverse individuals of all ages (0-99) and abilities
Applicants should be:
  • Emphatic, independent, and problem solvers
  • Team players and willing to be apart of a special, close-knit community
  • Invested in making a difference in the lives of others
  • Positive, tenacious, and fun-loving.
About Highbrook Lodge:
 
Highbrook Lodge has been providing quality summer camp experiences for young people, families, and adults for over 90 years. Since our foundation in 1928 by the Cleveland Sight Center, we’ve envisioned a future where those living with vision loss or blindness feel that they can always come together – summer after summer – to a tranquil and safe place that is bound by a diverse community, enthralling opportunities for play and fun, and an unwavering commitment to empowerment for all.
 
We aim to use our summer camp setting to empower our campers to foster meaningful relationships, increase levels of independence, take risks, and seek adventures within nature.
 
To achieve our mission, we host multiple day, weekend, and week-long sessions over the summer to meet the specific needs, ages, interests, and abilities of our campers. During these sessions we strive to offer many traditional summer camp activities – such as canoeing, archery, arts and crafts, and outdoor camping. Because many of our campers also have special needs in addition to their vision loss and blindness, we work hard to adapt all of our activity offerings so everyone one of our campers can have a safe, interesting, and memorable experience at Highbrook.
 
Our camp is located on a 60+ acre property in Chardon, Ohio -- close to Cleveland and Lake Erie. Highbrook Lodge has accessible facilities; a heated swimming pool; countless trails and sports fields; comfortable sleeping arrangements; and even an outdoor bowling lane! We are owned and operated by the Cleveland Sight Center.
 
This is truly a rewarding job that takes a lot of energy, creativity, flexibility, and patience.
 
Benefits for you:
Behind all of the fun, you’ll develop skills that future employers really want to see on your resume – like strong communication abilities, critical thinking and problem solving; interpersonal and leadership skills; collaboration and teamwork; and creativity.
You’ll also gain invaluable experience working with a diverse population of individuals. We provide internship opportunities, too.
You will be provided with room and board, too – meaning all housing, meals, laundry, and utilities will be covered. You’ll also receive professional development opportunities, certifications, letters of recommendation, and a paycheck!
 
Job Description:
 
Excursions & Special Events Leader / Cabin Counselor
ROOM/MEALS/PAY: Room, board and meals are included in addition to pay.
RESPONSIBLE TO:  Camp Manager, Assistant Camp Manager and Leadership Team
BASIC FUNCTION:  Responsible for the coordination of all field trips, camp outs, and special events for the 2020 summer camp program. This includes planning, implementing, and evaluating all off-campus activities and special programs that are appropriate to the age and ability level of the campers. Under the supervision of the camp Leadership Team, this leader is also responsible for the immediate safety, care, and well-being of the campers, families, and counselors assigned to them both on-campus and off.
 
In addition, this employee will live-in camper cabins for the duration of the summer and is responsible for carrying out cabin activities; facilitating rest hour and other cabin supervisory duties; assisting campers with daily living and personal care; assisting with cleaning; attending overnight camp-outs; and other duties as assigned.
 
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  1. Work with individuals of all ages with disabilities in an outdoor setting.
  2. Actively participate, assist or lead all-camp activities, evening programs, campfire programming (camp songs, skits), and camp-outs as directed.
  3. Train and supervise trip leaders and assistants as directed.
  4. Maintain and follow the daily, robust camp schedule; including attendance at all meals.
  5. Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing, including: preparing reports and evaluations; reading instructions, manuals, and camper information; and participating in staff meetings.
  6. Assist campers (60-300 lbs.) with two-person transfers from a wheelchair to a bed, chair and/or toilet.
  7. Assist campers with personal activities of daily living (toileting, bathing, eating, mobility, dressing, etc.) during assigned cabin time, meals, and overnight as needed.
  8. Lift and carry equipment, supplies and/or camper luggage weighing 50lbs over 30 yards.
  9. Assist campers in the water during swim activities (ability to swim is not essential but is preferred).
  10. Maintain confidentiality of information received about campers.
  11. Honor curfews, schedules, policies, and procedures of Highbrook Lodge.
  12. Help maintain a healthy camp environment through daily camp clean up including sweeping, vacuuming, emptying trash, cleaning toilets, sinks, showers, etc.…
  13. Have the mobility and capacity to independently orientate oneself around campgrounds; possess the ability to provide own signature.
  14. Assist with the coordination of all staff and camper activity schedules (trip assignments and special events).
  15. Drive agency vehicles as needed – must be 21 years or older.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:
  1. Plan, coordinate, and lead off-campus activities, camp outs, and special programs that are appropriate to the age and ability level of the campers. 
  2. Supervise all other trip leaders and trip assistants during off-campus activities; follow all off-campus protocols; and ensure the entire group is representing Cleveland Sight Center and Highbrook Lodge in the best light while in public areas.
  3. Ensure that the appropriate medications, health information, and medical supplies accompany all groups leaving campus;
  4. Coordinate with the Kitchen to ensure that during all trips off-campus trips that the packed lunches meet the specific dietary needs and restrictions of each camper. Ensure that the appropriate food is prepared and packed before departure.
  5. Assist with the coordination and implementation of all overnight camp-outs, including sleeping outdoors in tents and cooking over a fire, in conjunction with the Nature Leader.
  6. Prepare program plans, written reports, awards, summaries, incident reports, and evaluations of programs and campers.
  7. Conduct vehicle safety checks, manage inventory and supplies needed for off-campus activities and special programs, and be accountable for maintaining accurate petty-cash records.
  8. Coordinate with outside vendors for special events, including managing logistics; relationships; and documentation.
  9. Coordinate and collaborate with the Leadership team to plan and implement special events, including program design; supply management; and counselor assignments.
  10. Train and debrief staff so they may effectively assist on field trips and with special events.
  11. Ensure staff and campers know, and follow, all safety procedures related to program area.
  12. Supervise campers in the pool or at a waterfront by being in the water with them as directed by the Lifeguard on duty.
  13. Communicate camper information to Supervisors and/or Camp Nurse.
  14. Ensure that camp supplies and equipment are in good-working order. Inform Camp Manager if new supplies or equipment is needed.
  15. Assist staff in maintaining a safe, healthy and clean environment, including helping in cleaning.
  16. Other duties that will be assigned that are within the scope and responsibility of the position.
Required Skills and Experience:
Minimum 21 years of age
  1. Education: 1-4 years of undergraduate college/university experience, preferably with coursework emphasis in recreation, human services, rehabilitation, health, education, or special education; or equivalent in previous camp experience. Either have, or have the ability to obtain, First Aid, CPR and AED certification, Blood borne Pathogens certification, Anaphylaxis and Epinephrine Auto-Injector certification, Archery Instructor Certification, and other certifications as directed.
  2. Experience: Demonstration of previous camping experience. Prior experience leading programming to groups is preferred. Prior experience with children, adults, seniors, and special needs populations. Prior experience in a leadership or supervisory role desired.
  3. Skills: Demonstrated skill and experience in camp-related program activities (i.e., music, crafts, nature, sports and rec, outdoor living). Maturity, patience, integrity, self-starter, and good judgment and social skills in working with people. Must have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record. Computer proficiency required, including proficiency in using all Microsoft/Google products, email, Internet, social media platforms and more.
  4. General: Be able to work May-August and live at camp from June-August with minimal time off.
  5. Physical: Works long irregular hours, physical ability to ambulate, push a wheelchair, walk long distances, sit for long periods, lift, hike, drive a vehicle, participate in sports, games, and activities, ability to carry out emergency needs and/or procedures. Exposure to cleaning agents and medical sharps (epinephrine auto injectors).
  6. Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screen and an FBI finger print check.