Job Description
TEEN PROGRAM SPECIALIST
Since its founding in 1877, The Fresh Air Fund, a not-for-profit youth development organization, has provided free life-changing summer experiences in the outdoors to more than 1.8 million children from New York City’s underserved communities. Young people also participate in year-round leadership, career exploration and educational programs. For more information, visit www.FreshAir.org.
Position Summary
Teen Program Specialists work in the Teen Leadership Program. The Teen Leadership Program is for ages 13-17 and focuses on creating a supportive environment where youth can focus on their personal development and future goals. Through writing workshops, poetry slams, team building and leadership workshops, participants become more independent and self-confident. The Teen Leadership Curriculum is centered upon SEL, cultural diversity and personal development. Teen Program Specialists take on the dual role of general counselor in the bunk and facilitate the Teen Leadership curriculum.
Teen Program Specialists will report to either the Village Leader or Teen Program Director.
Responsibilities
Facilitate a minimum of two workshops per session based on the Teen Leadership Program curriculum.
Participate in workshops facilitated by coworkers serving as a role model for youth participation and support.
Assume the responsibilities of General Counselor role as well as Workshop Facilitator.
Provide 24-hour-a-day direct supervision, leadership and guidance to twelve campers with assigned co-counselors. This includes supervising the group in between and during the daily program, planning cabin activities, eating meals with campers and behavior management.
Assume responsibility for the safety and well-being of campers.
Live in a cabin with 6-12 campers and co-counselors for the full duration of each camp session. Time off during each encampment will be arranged by a supervisor.
Understand that the position involves living in cabins with little to no privacy and eating all meals with campers in a large, noisy dining room.
Understand that campers come first, and decisions should be made in the best interest of campers.
Address stressful situations appropriately in a fast-paced, interactive environment.
Be an active member of the camp community by participating in all camp programming including camp-wide events, overnights, hikes, swimming, activities and village meetings. This includes but is not limited to: going on hikes in the woods on camp property and going in the water during swimming activities. At times, lifting heavy objects may be necessary.
Write daily reports and a final evaluation for each camper to help evaluate their needs, goals and progress during their camp experience.
Strive to work in a cooperative manner with fellow staff to achieve the goals of the program.
Explain and enforce the policies, traditions, and rules of camp.
Invest time with campers to meet their needs, challenge their capabilities and serve as a role model during their time at camp.
Take ownership of the use and care of camp equipment and facilities.
Be totally familiar with emergency procedures and follow them when necessary.
Additional responsibilities as needed and assigned.
Qualifications
Must be at least 18 years of age by the start of camp.
At least three years of college or equivalent is preferred. College graduates are strongly preferred.
Should have extensive experience as a general counselor or staff member in a residential camp setting. Prior supervisory experience is required.
Must be able to supervise in a fair and diplomatic manner.
Passionate about working with children.
Interested in working and living in the outdoors for the summer.
Emotionally mature with a willingness to work as a team player.
Flexible and willing to accept challenges and step outside comfort zone.
Able to maintain a positive attitude.
Driver’s license preferred.
Available for the entire duration of the summer program.