Summer Camp Activity Specialist

Position: Activity Specialist

Classification: Seasonal

Reports to: Program Director

Position Summary:

The Activity Specialist ensures that all programs have the necessary resources to provide a high quality camp experience. The Activity Specialist will further the mission of Wanakee through the planning and delivery of programming that is safe, fun, and appropriate to the camper’s age and abilities. The Activity Specialist manages the physical spaces where arts and crafts programming occurs and ensures that these spaces are stocked and usable.

Key Responsibilities:

• Direct and supervise arts and crafts programming.
  • Plan and lead 1-3 age appropriate arts and crafts activity blocks per site each week. 
  • Set up craft areas (yurt and astrodome) prior to camper arrival. 
  • Teach and monitor proper use of equipment. 
  • Maintain craft areas (yurt and astrodome) for organization, safety, and functionality. 
  • Keep inventory of craft supplies and order additional materials as needed. 
•  Organize special programming.
  • Plan and lead at least 1 all-camp evening program per week.
  • Plan age appropriate rainy day activities for sites as needed. 
  • Work with the program director to assign appropriate rainy day spaces to groups of campers based on program needs. 
  • Ensure sites have the necessary materials to provide enriching rainy day programming.
• Serve as a point of contact for camp programs as needed.
  • Plan and lead daily activities for small sites who do not have a volunteer director.
  • Support counseling staff with group dynamics and behavior management.
• Support counseling staff by role modeling high levels of engagement with campers.
  • Regularly attend site campfires and sit with sites during meals.  
  • Offer real time feedback to counselors to support growth and development.  
  • Support and lead all-camp activities, including but not limited to celebration, morning watch, games, and special events.
• Support in Program Administration. 
  •  Assist Directors with tasks such as: program planning/ scheduling, staff/volunteer training and support, camper registration (including preparation of site lists).

Other Job Duties:

• Participate enthusiastically in all camp activities, planning and leading as needed.
• Participate as a member of the camp staff team to deliver and supervise evening programs, special events, overnight, and other all-camp activities and camp functions.
• Other duties as assigned by the Directors which may include assisting in other areas of camp.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Must be able to obtain First Aid/CPR certification (course offered to staff during training).
• Must be at least 18 years old. Age 21 preferred.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check.
• Background in education, outdoor education, youth development, or youth ministry desired.
• Experience in a summer camp setting. Training and experience in a variety of program activities offered at the camp, particularly arts and crafts activities.  
• Experience in supervising others, especially peers, is desirable. 
• Current certification in lifeguarding (or ability to earn certification) preferred.
• Current certification in challenge course operation, documented experience and training, and/or ability to earn certifications preferred.

Physical Aspects of the Position:

• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.
• Ability to observe camper/staff behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques.
• Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to the activity. 
• Physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid. Must be able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury) and possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers.
• Some physical requirements of this position could be endurance including climbing, standing, swimming, some bending, stooping, and stretching. Requires eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity. Requires normal range of hearing and eyesight to record, prepare, and communicate appropriate camper activities/programs and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs. Willingness to live in a camp setting and work irregular hours delivering programs in the facility available. Operate with daily exposure to the sun and heat and varying environmental conditions.

Compensation and Benefits:

Starting Salary: $3,600 (Note: For international staff, this amount may be adjusted for applicable visa or agency fees.)

Room and board provided for the duration of the seasonal contract. 

Bonuses available for obtaining and using lifeguard and/or ropes certification during the summer.

About Wanakee: 

Wanakee is a traditional Christian summer camp and year-round retreat center, owned and operated by the New England Conference of the United Methodist Church. Our camp and retreat programming focuses on building loving relationships and communities of radical acceptance. Find us at www.wanakee.org or on most social media outlets @wanakeenh.