Summer Camp Adventure Specialist

Position: Adventure Specialist

Classification: Seasonal

Reports to: Program Director

Position Summary:

The Adventure Specialist furthers the mission of Wanakee through the planning and delivery of Adventure Programming activities that are safe, fun, and appropriate to the campers’ age and abilities, including but not limited to team building and initiatives, low ropes, and high ropes. The Adventure Specialist will assist in the planning and management of general residential programming at the direction of the Directors. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver a fun adventure challenge program to campers. 
  • Write lesson plans that meet camp outcomes and the abilities of the campers.
  • Expand the camp’s activities with new games and initiatives.  
  • Develop new processing and debriefing tools. 
• Ensure that camp staff and campers know and follow safety and educational procedures in adventure challenges.  
  • Assist in the implementation of staff training for adventure challenge activities.  
  • Train other staff in their adventure challenge responsibilities including spotting.  
  • Ensure campers and staff follow safety procedures for adventure challenge activities.
• 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 worship, 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 adventure programming activities.  
• Experience in supervising others, especially peers, is desirable. 
• Current certification in challenge course operation or documented experience and training (or ability to earn certification).

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 hazards related to activities.
• 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.