Camp Program Director & Recreation Specialist_E-ALM_711-Camp Department--Overnight

Camp Program Director/Recreation Specialist-E_Camp-Overnight-711

The Salvation Army, an internationally recognized non-profit, faith-based organization, has a temporary job opening for a Camp Program Director/Recreation Specialist for Camp Hidden Lake in Lexington, Mississippi.

Job Summary:

Supervises, plans, schedules, and monitors the planning and delivery of program activities and events. Assists in the management of the overall camp operation at the direction of the Camp Director. Supervises all programs conducted at the camp through subordinate specialists for various programs such as aquatic/lakefront activities, nature, arts & crafts, horseback riding, bicycling, archery, outdoor skills/camping, challenge course and audio/visual. Designs and delivers program activities that are safe, fun, and appropriate to the camper’s age and abilities. Plans, coordinates, and leads all recreational sports (softball, baseball, soccer, field hockey, lacrosse, etc.) at camp. Trains other camp staff to lead, chaperone and monitor recreation activities. Ensure safety of campers and staff while participating in field, or other sporting activities and ensures a positive experience for campers. 

Essential Functions:

Supervises and monitors the day-to-day operations of the camp including the various programs conducted at the camp to include waterfront activities, nature, arts & crafts, horseback riding, bicycling, archery, outdoor skills/camping, challenge course and audio/visual; ensures that programs run smoothly and in compliance with established procedures. Performs all duties in accordance with prescribed regulatory compliance guidelines as well as American Camp Association (ACA) accreditation standards. Coordinates the weekly schedule of events with Camp Head Counselors and ensures that it is conducive to a pleasant experience for the campers. Supervises program specialists; instructs and trains program specialists in the proper methods and procedures for conducting sessions; monitors session plans for compliance with established program policies and procedures. Plans, develops, coordinates, implements, and evaluates camp programs based on changing needs of campers; develops programs or assists leaders in developing programs to target the enrolled campers. Counsels staff and campers in conflict resolution; keeps the Camp Director abreast of conflicts affecting daily operations. Develops, implements, trains, and enforces program and safety policies and procedures; prepares and updates procedure manual; leads campers and staff in emergency situations. Assists with program staff meeting. Assists in ACA training of staff and ACA paperwork. Builds and maintains effective working relationships with campers, staff and other key personnel to facilitate a smooth camp operation. Ensures campers and staff follows safety procedures in all program areas. Oversees daily checks of area and equipment for safety, cleanliness, and good repair. Provides recommendations and concerns to Camp Director regarding program specialists’ performance. Prepares statistical and other routine reports on a regular basis; provides the same to the Camp Director on a predetermined schedule. Works with the Camp Director in planning, coordinating and supervising activities related to programming. Acts as liaison to weekly program staff to assist with their program needs. Maintains clear and positive written and verbal communication with all camp staff. Participates enthusiastically as a member of the camp staff team to deliver and supervise evening programs, special events, overnights and other all-camp activities and camp functions. Sits with camper tables during meals and serve as a table monitor when needed. Keeps personal living quarters neat, clean and ready for inspection. Be available to participate and assist with camp programs and activities as directed by the Camp Director. Provides leadership and serves as a mentor to camp staff. Leads staff meetings as assigned by the Camp Director.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of the principles and practices of youth and children’s activities program development and administration. Knowledge of the principles and practices of child and youth behavior and development. Knowledge of the principles and practices of facility management. Knowledge of fundamentals, rules, and regulations of field sports. Knowledge of the principles and practices of good sportsmanship. Ability to ensure the safety of recreation participants. Ability to plan, develop, facilitate, lead, and supervise sporting events and activities. Ability to work with children outdoors in various conditions. Ability to build and maintain effective mentor and professional relationships with children and youth. Ability to communicate effectively with campers and camp staff. Ability to motivate, lead, supervise, and evaluate subordinate personnel. Ability to develop, implement, and enforce program policies and procedures. Ability to develop program plans and goals based on camp needs. Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize work to accomplish work in compliance with quality standards and deadlines. Ability to communicate and work with groups participating (age and skill levels) and provide necessary instruction to campers and staff. Ability to observe camper and 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. Ability to meet attendance requirements. Ability to read, write, and communicate the English language.

Education and Experience

Two years progressively responsible experience administering and developing youth programs, and two years of experience leading sports or recreation activities preferred,

 or

any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Licenses and Certifications

CPR and First Aid Certification

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Some physical requirements of the Camp Program Director/Recreation Specialist position could be endurance including climbing, standing, some bending, stooping, and stretching. Eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity to manipulate equipment and activities are required. Requires normal range of hearing and eyesight to record, prepare, and communicate appropriate camper activities/programs and the ability to lift to 50 lbs. Have a willingness to live in a camp setting and work irregular hours delivering a program in the facility available. Operate with daily exposure to the sun and heat and varying environmental conditions.

Additional Information

Camp Staff Orientation will be held 06/14/2024 – 06/16/2024 and participation is required.

The 2023 Summer Camp program will be held 06/17/2024 – 07/20/2024. If you are unable to work the entire program session, please let us know on your application.

Compensation: $450/week

All employees recognize that The Salvation Army is a church and agree that they will do nothing as an employee of The Salvation Army to undermine its religious mission.

To apply, please select the “Apply Now” icon at the bottom of this posting.

Application Submittal Period: January 1, 2024- May 16, 2024. Hire as we go.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against based on disability.

Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled