Camper Care Specialist

Camper Care Summary

The Camper Care Specialist at Camp DREAM is an Ameri Corps position, responsible for supporting the mental, social, and emotional wellbeing of campers and staff throughout the day. The Camper Care Specialist lives in a tent with other staff. The Camper Care Specialist 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.

Camper Care Specialists do not run activities, but rather float around and are “on-call” to help out with behavior escalations, staff questions, and support youth who are utilizing the rest space. 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 1 - August 13

• Attend scheduled meetings and training events, including pre-camp training sessions.
  • Camper Care Specialists are expected to lead 1-2 training sessions during pre-camp, typically around behavior intervention, mandated reporting, and incident reports
• Assist and coach counselors in using trauma informed behavior intervention techniques. When coaching is not an option, take over as head interventionist during a behavior escalation or mental health crisis.
• Create safety plans with youth who express feeling unsafe at home or school.
• Help counselors file with DCF when a report is required.
• Coordinate with DCF, families, schools, counselors, and other people in a youth’s support system to help them receive the support they need.
• Provide coverage for Behavior Intervention Counselors during their breaks. This entails providing 1:1 support for a camper during activities, meals, or rest time.
• When providing behavior intervention, the Camper Care Specialist may be solely responsible for 1-5 youth for a short time if the counselor is needed elsewhere.

As a Camper Care Specialist, you will function as part of the Leadership Team (LT), attending LT meetings each morning to coordinate with other members of the team and discuss the upcoming day. As a member of the LT, responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

• You will be viewed as a leader among the team of Ameri Corps members and will be responsible for cultivating an effective, positive environment at Camp DREAM.
• Adhere to and ensure enforcement of camp rules and communicate them positively and effectively to participants.
• Lead staff meetings and a Co/Re Group (group of counselors who check in weekly about how the session is going)
• Rotate through nighttime on-call, typically 1-2 times per session
• Plan and run evening activities
• Cover for other Leadership Team members on their days off
• Help counselors problem solve, coach counselors through difficult situations and conversations
• (Optional for those who have a driver’s license) Pick up/drop off counselors and campers in either a personal vehicle or the Camp vans
• 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 the Camp Director 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, during on-duty hours. These devices may be used during time off.
• Perform additional functions or assume additional responsibilities throughout the facility as needed or as requested by the Camp Director and other leadership staff.

*** Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. As part of the Camp community, especially the Leadership Team, it is likely that the needs of camp will require you to do things that are not on this list. If you have specific questions about this, please email us or ask for clarification in your interview.

Camp DREAM is a joyfully rambunctious camp! We are a rustic forest environment with minimal electricity…