Overnight Camp Gardening and Sustainability Counselor

Overnight Camp Gardening and Sustainability Counselor

Gardening and Sustainability Counselor at Camp DREAM is an Ameri Corps position, responsible for creating a supportive, safe, and fun environment for campers with shared life experiences to explore and express their identities, experience happiness, and establish healthy relationships with their peers. In addition to the responsibilities of a cabin counselor, garden and sustainability counselors are also responsible for maintaining Camp’s homestead area, which includes a garden, greenhouse, and animal areas.

Camp Counselors live in a cabin with campers and help to run camp activity areas during the day. The Camp Counselor is responsible for knowing the whereabouts of each camper under their supervision at all times while on duty and serves as a mentor for youth, helping to nurture the self‑esteem, confidence and core values of every camper. Ameri Corps members are expected to work 10 day sessions, with one 30 hour period off;

as well as 3 days off between sessions.

June 7 - August 13

The DREAM Program is committed to dismantling systems of oppression that affect our youth and families. This organizational commitment means that members should join this space with an intention of learning, unlearning, and diving into ways that your involvement will directly contribute to DREAM’s mission of reducing the Opportunity Gap while also supporting the dismantling of other systemic inequities. We seek members who contribute to The DREAM Program’s diverse community, as having different perspectives, identities, and skills are what allow us to excel in our service.

DREAM seeks members who are ready to engage in and foster an inclusive environment, and who strive to deliver culturally appropriate and relevant programming to the youth we serve. Incoming members and staff should understand that we serve marginalized communities, which means that it is imperative that diversity, equity, and inclusion are infused into every aspect of our work as an organization.

• Attend scheduled meetings and training events, including pre-camp training sessions.
• Share a living/sleeping space with 8-10 campers and 1-2 counselors.
• Care for all Camp animals which may include goats, chickens, and ducks.
• Create a garden environment ready for programming and experiential education.
• Adhere to and ensure enforcement of camp rules and communicate them positively and effectively to participants.
• Supervise assigned cabin campers during meals, clean‑up time, rest hour, evening activities, and overnight, ensuring their safety and supporting their success, with the support of co-counselor(s) or, oftentimes, solo, during the co-counselor’s off time.
• Escort campers to dining areas, cabins, recreational activities, and camp events; assist with the set‑up and clean‑up of recreational events, equipment, and program activities.
• Regularly communicate with co-counselor(s) and the leadership team about the status of the campers, including incidents that might require intervention or further monitoring and areas requiring additional personal support. Communicate with leadership staff regarding potential hazards, concerns, or incidents that may need follow‑up based on individual circumstances.
• Facilitate morning activities as a leader or assistant in one of the following areas:
  Garden, Arts & Crafts, Performing Arts, Biking, Archery, Ropes, or Field. Plan and facilitate Camp’s “Nature” activity every afternoon.
• Adhere to and ensure enforcement of camp rules and communicate them positively and effectively to participants.
• Get to know campers and develop positive, healthy relationships. Maintain appropriate boundaries with campers and follow camp policies regarding disclosure, confidentiality, and social media involvement.
• Interact with and observe campers. Immediately report all injuries and illnesses, regardless of severity, to leadership staff after the nurses have taken control of the situation.
• Know the scheduled service and rest times. Report to service on time as scheduled.
• Abstain from the use of personal electronic devices, such as tablets or cell phones,…