2009 SEED Program at Camp Oh-Neh-Tah Staff Positions

OUR MISSION:

Girls Quest’s mission is to nurture girls from low-income families in New York to help them achieve their full potential and become active members of their communities by building academic and social competence.

Our girls come from at-risk environments to relish in the opportunity to participate in Girls Quest’s Summer Experiential Education and Development Program (SEED) at Camp Oh-Neh-Tah during one of our three two-week sessions. At SEED, our girls develop skills in team work and leadership that they will carry with them into adulthood. We challenge their abilities and help them to take positive risks daily through our unique programs. The SEED Program is designed to provide each girl with daily literacy-based enrichment activities as well as a wide variety of popular outdoor activities. Girls Quest offers great pay, a good atmosphere, and a fun work environment in a small camp setting. Housing is available for all staff on-site.

Our Girls value their experiences. We look for young women who have the desire to challenge themselves in working with girls in the out of doors. Daily life can be challenging in both environment and programmatic. We believe that our staff will fulfill their personal goals as well as our mission, program vision and most importantly, our girls' goals on a daily basis. Working at SEED is a hard job but one that you will remember for a lifetime. Personal changes, friendships and lasting memories of experiencing a summer at SEED will change your life.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR ALL STAFF

• Desire to work and live in the out of doors for 2 months during the summer.
• Maturity, good moral character, and integrity.
• An understanding of and liking of children; knowledge of behavioral issues a plus.
• An understanding and acceptance of the fundamental aims and objectives of Girls Quest in general and of the SEED Program specifically.
• Able to walk one mile over rough terrain in under 15 minutes without any assistance.
• A positive team player
• Willingness to learn from and make use of trainings in child psychology, conflict resolution, anti-bias/bullying, etc.

2009 Staff Training Schedule:

Support Staff: June 12th - June 30th
Administrative Staff: June 13th - June 30th
General Staff: June 19th - June 30th

2009 SEED Program Sessions

Session 1: July 1st - July 15th
Session 2: July 17th - July 31st
Session 3: August 2nd - August 16th

COUNSELORS

JOB DESCRIPTION: Oversee program activities and daily routines and give leadership and guidance for a cabin of girls(there are 10 girls and 2 counselors per cabin). Plan daily cabin activities, create and run club sessions in the afternoons, monitor girls well-being and act as a positive role model. Must be at least 18 years of age. Prefer at least one year of college or other related experience.

Responsibilities:

• Primary responsibility for the health and safety of each
  member of the cabin group.
• Interpret to and supervise the health and safety regulations for members of the cabin group.
• Supervise and/or assist with daily cabin activities, rest periods, meals, capers, etc.
• Guide the group in participation in cabin, division, and camp-wide activities.
• Work closely with the Unit Leader in coordinating activities.
• Hold cabin discussions each evening with girls.
• Prepare reports and evaluations as necessary.
• Work with your co-counsleor to provide fun, safe and engaing activities for your girls.
• Teach in a club activity daily.
• Attend and participate in all division and staff meetings.

Unit Leaders

JOB DESCRIPTION: Responsible for supervision and support of 6-8 counselors and 30-40 girls. Plan division activities, organize clubs, behavior management of girls and staff in division. Must be at least 21 years of age and have prior supervisory experience.

The Unit Leader is responsible for the coordination of division programs, including special evening programs and overnights. In addition, the UL will work with the division counselors to help create a cohesive staff-girl group. She will help handle division problems in the appropriate manner. The UL will inform the Cabin Life Director or Assistant Director of any problems or concerns with the division or request assistance if necessary. Planning is often on a short notice due to weather changes and girls interest. Therefore flexibility is important. The UL should work with the girls and staff to plan division activities.

General Responsibilities:

• Assist with the leadership of staff training.
• Supervise and support counseling staff, including preparation of evaluations.
• Plan and carry out division programs.
• Lead clubs
• Help to maintain spirit.
• Cabin coverage on counselors’ days off when needed

Specific Responsibilities:

Within the limits of approved policies, programs, budgets, and procedures the Unit Leader is responsible for the counseling staff as well as cabins programs, specials and girl behavior. Scheduling of counselors days off and time off.

• Know each girl as an individual.
• Create a meaningful experience for division campers and staff.
• Be ready to acknowledge accomplishment on the part of girls and staff.
• Keep staff members informed of progress and results of assigned work, division programs and all  activities.
• Discuss each counselor’s daily cabin plans and ensure planned activities provide variety, and are safe, fun, and suitable for the age group.
• Ensure that reports from counselors are accurately completed and on time. Ensure that your own paper work is handled in a like manner.
• Avoid dictatorial methods but be firm if necessary in your relationship with counselors and girls. Give guidance to counselors and give suggestions when needed. Avoid negative criticism whenever possible, especially in public.
• Develop and implement programs and plans for unit activities.
• Provide ample opportunity for each counselor to develop her leadership potential and initiative. Discuss with them their program suggestions and incorporate their ideas into the program.
• Provide sufficient leadership by establishing flexible caounselros time off
• Be On Duty in the evenings
• Be alert and aware of your cabins surroundings
• Be alert for faulty equipment within the division and eliminate hazards that might cause accidents, ensure that fire extinguishers are full at all times, report all maintenance needs to the camp Main Lodge
• Attend daily Administrative Staff Team meetings.
• Communicate with the Assistant Director any concerns regarding program, staff, or girls.
• Participate proactively in all events
  

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
We are looking for people who have significant youth work expereince who are viewed as strong leaders, positive role models and gives positive guidance, feedback and direction to their peers. Please contact Karen Nelson by email knelson@girlsquest.org for job openings and descriptions.

PROGRAM STAFF

JOB DESCRIPTION: Responsibilities include but not limited to: The ability to design, program for and implement one of the following: Literacy teachers, adventure-based activities (i.e.: Ropes), creative arts/music, ceramics, athletics, fashion/textiles, performing arts, ecology, outdoor education, outdoor living skills, and nutrition. Will also work with counselors and be part of the cabin life. Must hold or be able to obtain certifications in Archery, Ropes, etc. Some training is available prior to the beginning of camp start date.

WATERFRONT STAFF

JOB DESCRIPTION: Have current Lifeguard Certification or have adequate skills to obtain Lifeguard Certification and CPR for the Professional Rescuer. Responsibilities include lifeguarding and teaching basic and advanced swimming skills. Must be at least 18 years of age.

SUPPORT STAFF
JOB DESCRIPTION: These staff persons (see below) will interact with program staff during training and daily activities. Support staff is part of the daily life supporting transportation, food services as well as being the foundation. Support staff is encouraged to participate in special days and campfires. Support staff live within the program staff housing. There will be times when the support staff is asked to fill in for the counselors during the evenings, for example during counselor meetings.

Kitchen Assistants/Dishwashers: Must be at least 18 years of age. Basic knowledge of and/or desire to learn food service trade. Prior experience a big plus.

Driver: Must be at least 21 years old with a current driver’s license and clean driving record. Transporting staff on days off, errands and office duties as requested.

Housekeeping Staff: Responsible for cleaning showers, latrines, dining hall, and other communal buildings in camp. Must be at least 18 years of age.