PURPOSE: To support The United Methodist Camping Ministry by administering, engaging, and impacting summer camp opportunities and year-round programs, increasing the use of facilities through outreach to potential groups, as well as to plan, coordinate and implement a school aged based outdoor education program/curriculum, and assisting in the overall operation of the camp.
RESPONSIBLE TO: Site Director
RESPONSIBILITIES: Responsible for overall direction, administration, and coordination of outdoor education and second season events (program, meal service, hospitality/housekeeping, maintenance) offered by Camp Indianola. This includes administrative tasks related to planning, implementation and supervision of all outdoor education programs, and marketing and promoting summer camp programs.
Work with the site director and office administrator to plan and coordinate summer camp programming, help supervise summer site staff and coordinate with deans/volunteers, and engage in marketing and promoting summer camp to area United Methodist congregations. This may involve in-person visits to congregations.
Program Quality Control:
- Establish expectations and oversee the following program related areas:
- Theme, curriculum, theology, philosophy, and program goals
- Staff attitudes, camper behavior, Christian atmosphere, activities, etc.
- Scheduling, specific activities, summer site staff effectiveness, and camper/guest outcomes
- Risk management, camper, and summer site staff safety (physical, emotional, spiritual)
- Interpret the above expectations to all summer site staff and summer camp volunteers
- Prior to camp event
- During each event as needed
- After each event if needed to reinforce learning for future events
- Evaluate all programs through a variety of methods and implement changes that are identified
Program Development: Coordinate program needs such as.
- Organizing and scheduling of multiple program events
- Insuring acquisition of supplies needed for specific activities
- Identifying staffing needs for each camp and/or activity
- Coordinating transportation needs if applicable
- Organizing and implementing program related support services, including food service, maintenance, housekeeping, camp host ministries, program related administration, etc.
- Organizing logistics of special activities such as field trips off site
Program Recruitment: Attract campers and staff to the camping and retreat programs.
- Develop and implement programs or worship service at different churches to recruit campers and staff
- Attend camping fairs, recruitment fairs, and other organized activities
- Develop and implement other avenues of promotion including site visits, school visits, open houses, advertising, social media engagement
- Utilize volunteers to represent Camp Indianola in attracting perspective campers
- Work alongside the site director and office administrator to coordinate periodic communication (phone, email, social media, bulletin insert, direct mailing) with campers, pastors, and camp supporters to keep them informed of camp activities
- Develop and update program items on the Camp Indianola website and social media sites
COORDINATE AND IMPLEMENT THE PROMOTION OF THE CAMP PROGRAMS
- Represent Camp Indianola with community organizations
- Maintain website
- Help maintain regular presence on various social media sites
- Develop and print fliers, newsletters, signs, brochures, and other promotional items related to outdoor education and summer camp programming
- Greet and help any person who comes into camp
PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT
Paid program/summer site staff
- Assist the site director in recruiting, hiring, training, and evaluation of summer site staff
- Terminate staff in consultation with site director
Volunteer Program Staff Coordination
- Recruit volunteers needed to implement program
- Provide orientation and training opportunities prior to camp and immediately before camp begins
- Terminate in necessary circumstances, in consultation with site director
ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
- Help coordinate check-in process for all Camp Indianola programs
- Prepare budget for all aspects of program, marketing, and promotion, and manage these resources in accordance with the budget and financial policies and procedures
- Assist with Camp Store for program camps: Money collection, inventory control, staffing store, refund balances at end of event
- Document inappropriate behavior, disclosure of abuse, or related instances by a camper or summer site staff and report to site director
- Create reports for the Site Advisory Team meetings regarding outdoor education and summer camp programming
OTHER
- Share with site director in the responsibility of completing needed tasks to insure proper functioning of camp facilities and programs
- Assist in greeting and hosting guest groups as needed
- Attend and actively participate in staff meetings
- Represent the camp at outside activities as needed
- Assist in meal preparation
- Assist in housekeeping
- Assist in maintenance
- Other duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: Minimum 2 summers experience working with children in a camp or similar setting.
Skills/Abilities: Previous experience supervising and training staff. Experience working in a camp setting. Flexible in all aspects of job responsibility; working knowledge of camp operations helpful; supportive of The United Methodist Church.
RELATIONSHIPS AND KEY CONTACTS
- Works closely with the Site Director and Office Administrator.
- Works closely with summer site staff, volunteers, and contractors.
ESSENTIAL FUNTIONS
Skill to:
- Effectively relate with children and youth in a positive and supportive manner
- Effectively and tactfully communicate in both oral and written forms to include the effective presentation of information to school-age children, youth, and parents in both large and small groups
- Flexibility to work in changing conditions and time schedules
- Be proficient with a range of computer programs
- Efficiently administer and complete multiple tasks simultaneously
- Understand and apply pertinent personnel policies, laws, rules, and regulations
- Supportive attitude towards The United Methodist Church
Knowledge of:
- Effective and appropriate instructional strategies and supervision of children and adults in a camp setting
- Engaging and fun recreational activities with children, youth, and adults
- Computer software and web-based programs
- Challenge course elements, equipment, benefits, and implementation into camp programming
Physical Ability to Meet the Following Requirements:
- Traverse stairs, and uneven terrain that will include gravel, dirt, and mud
- Live and work in a setting with variable weather conditions
- Kayak up to four hours in a day
- Ability to meet physically demanding tasks
- Climb staples on a tree up to 50 feet above the ground to set up the high challenge course
- Lift 75 pounds off the ground
- Climb an eight-foot ladder holding 20 pounds of weight
- Ability to be on your feet for long periods of time
Work Environment:
- Year-round indoor and outdoor work ranging from, but not limited to, the office, the facilities, dining hall kitchen, woods, and waterfront.
- Work place involves exposure to children, youth, and vulnerable populations
- Uphold standards, policies, and procedures of camping program
Environmental Exposure:
- Temperature and conditions may vary considerably depending on the site, time of day, and weather
- Will be exposed to toxic substances in cleaning up after art activities, such as water-based paints, glue, and other art supplies
- May be exposed to dust, pollen, smoke, cobwebs, dirt, bats, rodents, and rodent droppings
- Will be exposed to potentially hazardous cleaning substances
Mental and Emotional Requirements:
- Ability to make independent decisions, provide own direction, and respond to immediate needs
- Ability to take direction from site director and discuss plans with other staff, volunteers, and guests
- Ability to interact cheerfully and positively with supervisors, co-workers, guests, and campers
- Ability to do any job with an attitude of servanthood for Christ’s ministry
TIME COMMITMENT: 1/2 time, year-round employment. This position requires a great deal of time and energy where certain responsibilities may require long hours on specific days. Travel may be required on weekends in the fall, winter, and spring to represent the camp.
LENGTH OF TERM:
1+ years
Recent college graduates encouraged to apply
COMPENSATION: $26,000 per year. $400 a month health insurance stipend. Reimbursement for travel (mileage) related to camp business. Living on site is a requirement for this position. Furnished one bedroom apartment with utilities (water, electric, Wi-Fi).
Application Deadline: Open until filled.
Application Instructions: Send resume to director@campindianola.org