“CAMP LEADER” JOB ANNOUNCEMENT for KIDS for the BAY's Aquatic Science Adventure Summer Camp

“CAMP LEADER” JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
for KIDS for the BAY's
Aquatic Science Adventure Summer Camp


Position Title: Camp Leader
Dates of Position: June 7, 2010 – August 3, 2010 (week of July 5 – July 9 off)
Position Hours: Estimated work hours are 41-44 hours per week between 8am and 5pm;
shorter hours during training week June 7 – 11
Compensation: $4,000 stipend upon completion of position terms (payable in installments)


Organizational Background

KIDS for the BAY (KftB) inspires environmental consciousness in children and cultivates a love of learning. We turn children on to science through hands-on investigations of the natural world. Our programs empower elementary school-aged children to take action to help solve environmental problems in their communities. To learn more about our mission and our award-winning programs, please visit our website at www.kidsforthebay.org .


Camp Leader Position Description

Help make KIDS for the BAY’s Aquatic Science Adventure Camp an exciting and enriching experience for 5-10 year olds! The Camp Leader (CL) will work side by side with another Camp Leader (Camp Co-Leader) and a Camp Intern (CI) each day of camp. The Camp Co-Leader will be a permanent KftB staff member. The CL will prepare materials and equipment for each day of camp, co-lead each day of camp, and manage and ensure the safety of all campers. The majority of work will take place at the outdoor camp sites (around the Berkeley area), but camp staff will also complete some work at the KftB office in Berkeley.

The Camp Leader will gain invaluable experience in teaching 5-10 year olds in the outdoors and coordinating and managing a camp program and also learn best practices in environmental education. The CL will receive guidance, support, and direction from the Summer Camp Program Manager throughout the summer, and will receive support and direction from the Camp Co-Leader on a day-to-day basis during each week of camp. This position is an excellent career development opportunity for anyone seeking to gain experience in teaching, education, working with youth, and outdoor and environmental education.



Aquatic Science Adventure Summer Camp Overview

KftB is in its tenth year of delivering a fun-filled summer of hands-on science in the outdoors, studying the local environment of the San Francisco Bay Area through thoughtful investigation and scientific adventure. Our camp sessions are one week long, between the hours of 9am to 4pm, and take place at various creek and bay habitats around the Berkeley area, including Lake Anza, Jewel Lake, Strawberry Creek, and the Berkeley Marina. KftB runs concurrent camp sessions for 5-7 year olds and 8-10 year olds.

Our professional and experienced KIDS for the BAY staff create a safe learning community for all campers. A maximum of 16 children are enrolled per session. The camp ratio is one staff per eight children (one staff per six children during weeks when the Camp Intern is present). Each week of camp is led and managed by two Camp Leaders; some weeks will also have a Camp Intern.

Camp Leader Responsibilities

• Prepare for the camp program during the training week and learn the camp activities during the first session of camp
• Learn camp curricula, prepare teaching outlines, and practice presenting selected camp activities during training week in preparation for leading activities during camp
• Lead hands-on nature, art, science, and play activities each week of camp along with the Camp Co-Leader
• Greet camp parents/families, check in/out campers each day of camp, and communicate with parents about their child’s camp experience
• Supervise campers during snack, lunch, and free play times
• Participate in the overall management of camp equipment and in preparing activities, materials, and equipment for each day of camp
• Maintain a safe, respectful, positive camp environment, while attending to the individual needs of the campers
• Provide guidance, leadership, and support to Camp Intern
• Assist the Summer Camp Manager with parent communication before camp and preparing printed materials (e.g. sign-in sheets, evaluation forms) and for all camp weeks
• Assist the Summer Camp Manager in inventorying camp equipment and materials and ordering/gathering new supplies as needed
• Participate in end-of-camp clean-up and evaluation
• Contribute to the Camp Log to record daily highlights, camper quotes, and constructive feedback on activities

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Completion of at least two years of an undergraduate degree, preferably in education, environmental studies, science, or a related field
• At least one year of experience teaching environmental, science, and/or outdoor education to elementary school aged youth
• Desire and ability to work in the outdoors with youth
• Ability to walk and hike along trails while carrying light equipment
• Commitment to KIDS for the BAY’s mission and to multicultural environmental education
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills
• Ability and desire to be a positive role model to campers and Camp Intern
• Ability to take and follow direction from the Summer Camp Manager and the Camp Co-Leader
• Ability to interact and communicate with camp parents/families in a positive, upbeat manner
• Open to learning from and working with a team of camp staff
• Ability to take initiative and take the lead, even in unfamiliar situations
• Upbeat, positive, mature attitude and respectful communication approach
• Valid CPR/First Aid certification (camp training week will include certification course)

Desired Qualifications and Experience

• Knowledge of local creek, bay, and marine habitats and ecology
• Experience working in a youth camp setting
• A reliable car to go to/from various camp sites and transport camp equipment
• Any musical ability or other relevant talents (e.g. storytelling, arts and crafts) to contribute to the camp a plus

Position Terms

The Camp Leader position is a full-time temporary position, beginning on June 7, 2010 and ending on August 3, 2010. The position does not include any health benefits or paid vacation time. The CL will be paid a stipend of $4,000 upon completion of the position terms. Stipend payments can be made in installments.

Upon being offered the Camp Leader position, the candidate will be required to complete a background check through the State of California Department of Justice. KftB reserves the right to revoke the position offer due to the results of the background check. All information obtained from the background check is for hiring purposes only and remains confidential.

The Camp Leader will be required to sign a waiver acknowledging informed consent and releasing KftB of any liability in case of injury or accident relating to the position with KftB.


Application Procedures

Application Deadline: Open until filled. Apply early, interviews will be held as applications are received.

** Your application package must include the following:
• a cover letter and your resume
• a list of 3 references with relationship to you and current contact information
• 2 letters of recommendation

To apply, send your application package to the address below. No e-mails or faxes please.

KIDS for the BAY
Attn: Sheela Shankar, Associate Director
1771 Alcatraz Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94703

KIDS for the BAY values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.