Girl Scouts Residential Ropes Course Counselor

Position Title:                    Ropes Course Counselor - Overnight Camp       

Reports To:                         Ropes Course Director  

Department:                      Camp/Property/Outdoor 

Status:                                  Exempt 

Location:                             Summer Resident Camp – Seven Hills/Timbercrest 

Ropes Course Counselor - Camp Seven Hills, Holland, NY

JOB DESCRIPTION

ABOUT GIRL SCOUTS:

Are you mission-driven, looking to work in a dynamic team environment, and influence the lives of girls? If so, take the time to check out Girl Scouts of Western New York.

Since 1912, Girl Scouts has empowered girls to develop the skills and the voice to become successful and productive citizens. Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.

If you’d like to be part of this exciting, empowering, and valuable experience, we encourage you to apply.  We look forward to hearing from you!

POSITION SUMMARY:

To assist in the implementing of safe and effective usage of the ropes course elements and equipment.  Actual salary will be based on applicant’s experience

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:                     

• Must attend, participate in and successfully demonstrate required skills during pre-season mandatory ropes course facilitator training in June (date and location to be determined)
• Develops professional goals for the summer that will help support and meet GSWNY’s mission and camp goals.  
• Follow GSUSA, ACCT, ACA and NYSDOH standards and regulations.
• Teach games, initiative and introductory activities to participants.
• Teach participants about each element, including proper use and safety procedures.
• Assist in developing and implementing a progression of activities for campers who have registered for ropes course programs.
• Provide campers with attainable challenges on the ropes course.
• Reports any accidents/incidents to supervisor or health supervisor.
• Ensures the proper use and care of all equipment, including recording in ropes log book.
• Lead by example.
• Emphasize safety.
• Conduct daily inspections of equipment for safety, cleanliness and good repair.
• Assist in maintaining daily records of equipment in the Ropes Course Equipment Log.
• Participates in all aspects of camp including pre-camp, open house and post camp.
• When not acting as Ropes Course Counselor will live in tent/cabin unit as Unit Counselor and will assist in all unit activities.  (female staff only)
• Attend staff meetings when scheduled/necessary.
• Apply behavior management techniques to conflicts with children when necessary.
• Report suspected child abuse to supervisor immediately.
• Required to stay on the property during hours of operation (Sunday 10:00 to Friday 8:00pm)
• Accepts others duties as necessary by the ropes course director and or camp director. 

Additional Requirements:               

• Ability to handle sensitive information and maintain confidentiality;
• Strong analytical skills and problem-solving abilities;
• Ability to project a high level of professionalism at all times;
• Ability to articulate organizational mission and its importance with passion and conviction, and in a manner that resonates with the listener;
• Commitment to diversity and ability to interact with diverse populations;
• Strong time management skills with ability to work independently and effectively prioritize duties and tasks.
• Capacity to manage stress effectively and work well under pressure;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate clearly;
• Proven capability to work in a collaborative, service-focused environment;
• Capacity to work well with others in a congenial and effective manner;
• Ability to effectively manage and foster relationships with council staff, volunteers within the camp community;
• Subscribe to the principles of the Girl Scout Movement and become a registered member of GSUSA;
• Successfully pass the required background checks at hire and thereafter;
• Maintain reliable transportation to and from home and work;
• If travel is required, must possess a valid driver’s license, meet minimum state auto insurance requirements, and meet the insurance carrier’s requirements for coverage.
• Assist the campers in emergency situations.
• Lift 35 pounds.
• Possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of campers.
• Demonstrate enthusiasm, sense of humor, patience, self-control and ability to adapt well to changing situations.
• Participate in structured and unstructured activities.
• Accept and follow directions both in verbal and written form.

Hours & Travel:

• Required to stay on the property during hours of operation (Sunday 10:00am to Friday 8:00pm)
• Must be willing to work in an outdoor setting and in inclement weather.

Experience & Qualifications:         

• Willingness to abide by the policies and practices of the Girl Scouts of Western New York Inc.
• Minimum age:  18 (per New York State Health Department)
• Attend and pass the required ropes course training prior to pre-camp.
• Demonstrate mastery of skills listed on the Challenge Course Checklist.
• Certified Sex Offender Registry and Criminal Background Checks will be completed for personnel file.
• Demonstrate the ability to guide/supervise other adults.
• Desire and ability to work with and relate to children and peers in an outdoor environment.
• Current certification in Responding to Emergencies and CPR or individual is willing to complete certification course during designated training day.
• Prior camp experience and/or interest in the Girl Scout Camping program.
• Willingness to place the needs of girls and camp above personal desires.
• Good health and stamina necessary to work in the camp setting.
• The acceptance of irregular work hours.
• The acceptance and understanding that employment is at a resident (overnight) camp.

GIRL SCOUT MEMBERSHIP:

All Employees of Girl Scouts must maintain an active, annual membership in Girl Scouts of Western New York.  This membership must be renewed annually, and all newly hired employees are expected to enroll with GSWNY within the first 30 days of their employment.

BENEFITS:

 [SEASONAL EMPLOYEES]

Girl Scouts of Western New York seasonal camps are subject to the Federal and New York State exemption laws under Section 13(a)(3) of the Fair Labor Standards Act.  Seasonal staff working at camp may be paid in accordance with this exemption.  Seasonal employees are not eligible for company-sponsored group benefits.  

GSWNY is also very grateful to have many partnerships offering special deals and incentives at local businesses to GSWNY employees throughout Western New York.

HOW TO APPLY:
 Interested parties should submit their resume and application by visiting the Girl Scouts of Western New York application system website at: [ATS LINK].

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL:

Girl Scouts of Western New York celebrates diversity in all forms and is committed to creating an inclusive, collaborative and supportive environment for all.  All employment decisions are based qualifications, merit, performance and the needs of the organization.  As an equal opportunity employer, GSWNY does not discriminate on the basis of any qualified applicant’s race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status or any other groups or persons protected by federal, state or local law.