Position Purpose

To prepare and coordinate the Rites of Passage Program for participants to develop strong character, positive self-esteem, and critical leadership skills to enable and empower them to make significant and positive contributions to their own lives and communities.

To perform administrative functions and ensure that all logistical requirements of the program are met on time and within the standards prescribed by Camp Dogwood and the American Camping Association (ACA).

Essential Job Functions

Administrative Responsibilities

• Assist the Director of Summer Programs in the management of the ROP budget when camp is in session
• Submit program supply requests to the Director of Summer Programs at least one session in advance
• Purchase supplies and equipment during the camp session as requested by the Director of Summer Programs, and submit receipts and photocopies for petty cash reconciliation
• Facilitate activities including writing exercise on Letters to Future Self, and banquet letters for ROP participants
• Collect all camper and staff evaluation forms, and submit the final report and evaluation of the ROP program to the Director of Summer Programs

Deliver ROP Trip Leader Pre-Camp Training

• Ensure training lesson plans are prepared and implemented that meet Rites of Passage Program outcomes according to timetable
• Demonstrate and train Trip Leaders on leading basic team building, outdoor living, and survival skills
• Lead Trip Leaders on an overnight training hike at Shenandoah National Park
• Provide guidelines and demonstrate pull out, usage, cleaning, and storage of all ROP equipment according to Camp Dogwood standards
• Ensure Trip Leaders follow safety and emergency procedures and policies whether on or off-site.
• Observe and evaluate Trip Leaders in terms of aptitude and skills required for leadership of the ROP program
• Evaluate the success of the training program and recommend the modification of curricula if necessary

Coordinate and implement Rites of Passage Program

• Ensure Trip leaders are properly implementing the ROP curriculum.
• Ensure that Trip Leaders and campers know and follow safety and emergency procedures during the program, whether on or off-site
• Create Trip Leaders’ scheduled time off and provide corresponding coverage during these times at the ROP Site.
• Responsible for driving the drop-off and pick-up vehicle during the ROP training hike at Graves Mill Trail and to Shenandoah National Park for the backpacking trip.
• Coordinate with the STEP Coordinator regarding STEP participation and schedule during the execution of Feats of Strength.
• Lead Feats of Strength to ensure that campers possess the skills necessary for a safe and successful backpacking trip before leaving Camp Dogwood

Provide direction and supervision of all logistical requirements of the backpacking trip

• Ensure that all transportation schedules are confirmed with the bus provider
• Ensure all backcountry permits and campsites are confirmed before the start of each session
• Ensure that satellite phone is received and tested before the backpacking trip, and returned promptly as soon as the group arrives back from Shenandoah
• Finalize three (3) copies of the itinerary of the day hike and backpacking trip including emergency contacts and procedures; have all copies signed by the Director of Summer Programs, and distribute them according to the following:
  • One (1) copy to the Director of Summer Programs
  • One (1) copy to the ROP Trip Leader in charge
  • One (1) copy in the ROP Emergency Vehicle folder
• Evaluate the success of the program and recommend the modification of curricula if necessary
• Maintain high standards of health and safety
• Ensure that Trip Leaders are managing the participants’ daily care including personal health and hygiene needs.
• Oversee that Trip Leaders are ensuring that participants are taking their medications as directed by the Camp Nurse and Health Care Manager(s).
• Be alert to campers and staff needs and assist them with personal and/or health problems, and discuss with Camp Nurse, and/or Director of Summer Programs when appropriate.
• Provide first aid and/or CPR if needed.
• Ensure emergency vehicle has sufficient fuel, parked at the designated area at the ROP site, and is in good running condition to serve as the emergency shelter and vehicle when participants are at base camp.

Monitor and evaluate ROP participants and staff

• Provide feedback and guidance to Trip Leaders
• Regularly observe and monitor the Trip Leaders and the group’s progress
• Ensure that parent letters and camper evaluations are sent within one week of the camper’s departure in close collaboration with the ROP Trip Leaders

Provide recommendations and concerns to the Director of Summer Programs regarding their performance

• Supervise, observe, and evaluate ROP Trip Leaders, including submission of formal observation and evaluation forms with timely and appropriate feedback regarding their performance.
• Document and/or ensure that Trip Leaders are documenting significant ROP activities via video and photographs, and uploading photos and videos to the portable hard drive as well as including some of the photos in the parent letters at the end of the session.

All Day Hikes & Overnight Camping

• Ensure that there is dry wood available for the cookouts and overnights

• Ensure that counselors on duty prepare and pull out the essential gear and equipment for their all-day hikes and overnight camping activities on time and that they load it properly on the truck.

• Ensure that the kitchen has the pack-out list the day before departure and has the necessary food and water supply ready before breakfast on the day of departure

• Promptly drop off essential equipment, food, and water supply at the designated areas before use; and pick-up overnight camping equipment the day after an activity

Assist in the management and care of the physical facilities and equipment in all program areas

• Oversee daily checks of area and equipment for safety, cleanliness, and good repair
• Ensure utilization, proper care, and maintenance of equipment and facilities is adhered to; and report repairs needed promptly to the Director of Summer Programs
• Ensure that the ROP site and other designated site at camp are kept free of hazards and debris
• Demonstrate appropriate attitude and behavior.
• Follow and uphold all safety and security rules and procedures.
• Set a good example to campers and staff regarding general camp procedures and practices including sanitation; leave no trace ethics and sportsmanship.

Maintain clean and sanitary camp property

• Ensure that the Trip Leaders maintain tents and outdoor areas to Camp Dogwood standards.
• Ensure the proper cleaning, drying, and storage of base camp and expedition tents, sleeping pads, sleeping bags, cookware, dishware, and other essential ROP equipment by campers and Trip Leaders
• Wash all used sleeping bags at laundry facility after every ROP and camper overnight session during Decathlon day
• Ensure that food safety standards are maintained at all times.

Other Job Duties

• Attend administrative staff meetings
• Maintain clear and positive written and verbal communication with all camp staff
• Participate enthusiastically in all camp activities, providing support and guidance to those assigned as leaders
• Provide ongoing program ideas to activity staff.v

• Must be at least 25 years of age
• Must have demonstrated experience in leading or coordinating outdoor or wilderness adventure trips.
• Must be currently certified or be able to obtain certification in Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder.
• Ability to interact with all age levels.
• Ability to work cooperatively.
• Comfort living and working in a wilderness environment.
• Previous experience in a similar setting is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Training and experience in leadership development for young adults

• Desire and ability to work with young adults in a natural environment

• Ability to relate to youth and adults in a positive manner

• Demonstrate knowledge and skill in outdoor programs

Physical Aspects of the Position

• Ability to communicate and work with groups participating (age and skill levels) and provide necessary instruction to campers and staff.

• Ability to observe participant 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 the strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers.

• Ability to live at Camp Dogwood during the term of employment

Some physical requirements of a Rites Of Passage position require endurance, including prolonged standing, some bending, stooping, walking long distances, hiking, climbing, and stretching; requires eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity to manipulate outdoor equipment and lead camp activities; requires a normal range of hearing and eyesight to record, prepare, and communicate appropriate directions for camper activities/programs; and the ability to lift to 50 lbs.; willing to live in a primitive camp setting and work irregular hours within the limited conditions of the facility available; and with daily exposure to the sun, heat, varying weather conditions, and animals such as bugs, snakes, bats, etc.

The AnBryce Foundation is a philanthropic organization that promotes social change by building a community of global citizens through education, career, cultural, and leadership opportunities to under-resourced young people.