Summer Day Camp Program Lead 2024

4 - 6 positions

Primary Purpose:

This position brings life to Summer Day Camp and contributes to the quality of experience a camper receives at camp.  Each week of camp is centered around a theme in which Program Leads will create, develop, and implement theme activities for campers K-6th grade.  A variety of theme activities such as skits, challenges, crafts, games, and special events will be planned. 

Program Leads serve as a member of the camp leadership team.  Prior to camp they will report to the Community Education Coordinator.  Once camp begins, their direct report will be to the Site Director.

Education/Certification:

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must have a high school diploma

Special Knowledge / Skills

• Ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to lead and give direction to others
• Ability to work and collaborate effectively and professionally with a team
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle
• Ability to safely operate 15 passenger van
• Ability to lead staff trainings related to your responsibilities
• Organized and can manage time well
• Working knowledge and ability to use Google platform (drive, docs, spreadsheets, etc) and email
• Working knowledge and ability to use virtual meeting platforms such as ZOOM or Google Meet

Experience:

• Experience working with school-age children in an after school or summer program

Training

• Must be First Aid and CPR certified (can be trained by SDC).
• Must participate in the Child Abuse Awareness training
• Must attend leadership team retreat, staff applicant interview day, staff retreat for camp training, planning and any other designated staff training/development.

Responsibilities (but not limited to):

• Be knowledgeable about and adhere to proper procedures and expectations set forth by the Texas Health and Human Services / Department of Family Protective Services, the Summer Day Camp handbook, and the school district employee handbook.
• Must be committed, caring, and understanding; they must be aware that they are to be positive role models for the campers and staff.
• Portraying a professional and positive attitude and using leadership qualities effectively.
• Have the ability to effectively PREPARE, ENERGETICALLY LEAD, and ACTIVELY participate in activities of small and large groups.
• Will dress up in character and perform in daily skits, songs, chants related to camp and camp themes.
• The ability to laugh at oneself.
• Is willing to get messy with food items, paint, water, shaving cream, etc.
• Actively supports and provides feedback to staff during thematic activities.
• Take initiative to solve problems, clean up, or take charge when needed.
• Prepping, sorting, cleaning, and storing of supplies and equipment related to thematic programming or group games.
• Able to adapt and be flexible when needed.
• Redirecting campers appropriately if needed.
• Maintains all building facilities, camp supplies, and equipment with care and pride. Reports any hazards to the Site Director.
• Provide feedback to directors addressing staff concerns and successes.
• Provide feedback to the site director for staff evaluations.
• Attend weekly staff and leadership meetings. Lead their portion of meetings relating to thematic activities.

Programming/Planning Responsibilities

• Able to weekly dedicate several hours of planning and meeting with leadership and directors in the months leading up to camp starting.
• Plan, coordinate, and implement innovative thematic activities, roundups, and group games.
• Generate and submit supply requests via Google Spreadsheets
• Assist leadership team in planning and implementing staff training and events prior to camp.
• Meet assigned deadlines.

Working Conditions:

• This is a physically demanding position.
  • Ability to be on their feet for long periods of time
  • Ability to run and play in physically active games
  • Ability to safely lift and carry heavy equipment and supplies
  • Ability to stoop and bend
• Maintain emotional control and professionalism under stress.