The Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) is looking for an enthusiastic and experienced Camp & Youth Engagement Coordinator to advance the organization’s mission of supporting a life-long passion for science through education, research, and first-hand exploration of the sky, land, and sea of Nantucket Island.
The Camp & Youth Engagement Coordinator at the Maria Mitchell Association will be an integral part of our team, serving as the secondary point of contact for our Discovery Camp program, as well as planning, coordinating and facilitating educational summer camp programs in addition to youth engagement programs.
The Camp & Youth Engagement Coordinator is a key member of the programs and education team, responsible for serving as the secondary point of contact for our Discovery Camp program as well as planning, coordinating and facilitating educational summer camp programs in addition to youth engagement programs. This role requires a dynamic individual with excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build meaningful relationships with campers, families, and the community at large. They will also provide waterfront supervision and serve as the primary lifeguard during waterfront activities.
Duties also include staff training, daily operations management, supervision, and instructional support. This position offers a unique opportunity to foster and maintain relationships with campers, families and the community at large as well as develop and continue community and youth engagement after-school and special programs.
Discovery Camp Program Administration :
- Serve as a part of the leadership team with the Education and Youth Engagement Manager, assisting in supervision, intern support, and on the ground assistance throughout the summer.
- Serve as the co-supervisor to the Discovery Camp team, schedule staff, and plan field trip assignments that are fun, educational, and safe outdoor experiences for children.
- Co-plan and co-facilitate a 2- week education intern training with support from returning interns and Education and Youth Engagement Manager
- Spearhead creation of weekly sign-in sheets, print and review health forms, and prepare instructor clipboards each camp week.
- Review daily and weekly schedules, as needed, and print copies for staff clipboards.
- Lead morning meeting when needed and check in campers each morning at camp drop0 off.
- Arrive promptly at pick up to perform camper checkout from day programs.
- Build rapport with parents and guardians and report incidents as necessary.
- Serve as the primary lifeguard during snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, and water-related programs.
- Ensure staff are following rules and regulations on the waterfront and in the field.
- Inventory equipment needed for programs and ensure proper equipment use by instructors.
- Fill in as an emergency instructor and lead other educational programs as needed.
- Attend all required meetings and participate in department and other clean ups including the end of the summer cleaning.
- Identify emerging needs and assist the Education and Youth Engagement Manager in developing plans to respond to incidents as necessary.
- Assist parents and guardians with program registration and related administrative duties.
- Stay up to date on compliance with State and Local regulations for camp programs.
- Provide location schedules for staff each week to use for schedule creation.
- Visit program sites around the island to check in on and support interns and campers.
- Co-facilitate maintenance of Education vehicles by ensuring that they are cleaned and washed regularly, gas is filled, and all required inspections and oil changes are complete.
- Inspect vehicle fleet regularly for damages and file damage reports with administrative office as needed.
Youth Engagement Programs Coordination : ****
- Assist with 5th grade public and private classrooms to facilitate the 5th Grade Trees in the Community Program.
- Schedule and facilitate after-school program sessions, for the school year cycle.
- Mentor youth volunteers through after-school program sessions.
- Assist and facilitate school break special programs.
- Work in the Museum during scheduled hours, and learn animal husbandry, program facilitation, and museum operations.
- Help with animal care as needed.
- Ensure classroom and museum space are always clean and ready for public viewing.
- Help with other organizational tasks as needed.
- Serve as an ambassador for the MMA by promoting the organization within the Nantucket community and participating in volunteer activities that support partner organizations and foster community support.
Qualifications: ****
- Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university and at least 2 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Age 22 or older with a valid driver’s license of at least 4 years, and ability to drive organizational vehicles around Nantucket Island.
- Previous supervisory or management experience.
- Experience in youth programming and lesson plan development in a camp or other outdoor educational environment.
- Strong organizational skills and experience with detail-oriented tasks required
- Can multi-task and efficiently perform required duties.
- Enjoy working in a fast-paced environment and have the ability to move, stand, and walk frequently, with or without accommodation.
- Has a fun, outgoing personality and is willing to work outside in inclement weather and occasionally at night and on weekends.
- Desire to jump into new opportunities with a can-do attitude.
- Preferred background in environmental education or natural sciences.
- Possess demonstrated proof of experience leading camp programs for children in outdoor activities including kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, etc.
- Conflict resolution and emergency response and management experience.
- Willingness to learn about Nantucket ecosystems, species diversity, basic astronomy, current STEAM programs, and island-based scientific research.
- Excellent group communication, writing, and computer skills.
- Lifeguard, CPR, and First Aid certified for at least 2 years.
- Ability to stay into the fall/early winter/longer, while not required, is advantageous.