POSITION DESCRIPTION: ACTIVITY SPECIALIST (ACTIVITY LEADER), for seasonal summer camp
Description: This term implies that the position requires a special skill or ability. This title is used to describe a person who leads a defined activity. Activities include, but are not limited to: Sports, games, waterfront, ranged activities, arts and crafts, performance arts, nature, cooking, S.T.E.M.* Salary commensurate with experience.
Reports to: Camp Activities Director
Position Purpose: To further the mission of the camp through the development and delivery of activities that are safe, fun, and appropriate to the campers’ ages and abilities.
Qualifications: (Minimum Education and Experience)
- Must be 16 years of age and currently enrolled in high school or a high school graduate.
- Must be able to obtain or become certified in First Aid/CPR.
- Unrestricted driver’s license.
- Must complete mandatory health history record and examination (application will not be considered complete until submitted).
- Ability to interact with all age levels.
- Documented training and experience in the activity area. Must provide reference or documentation of experience and skill in the activity.
- Specialized certification if required for the activity by ACA or LARA e.g. Swim Instructor or Lifeguard, Riding Specialist (Equestrian), Aquatic Specialist (Watercraft guard, instructor or supervisor), Archery Instructor, Adventure/Challenge Course Specialist.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Latvian language proficiency suitable for work with campers ages 6-18, exceptions may be made in extenuating circumstances.
- Ability to relate to youth and adults in a positive manner.
- Demonstrate familiarity and skill in designated camp program areas.
Essential Job Functions:
- Direct, supervise, and organize campers in the activity in order to meet the intended camper outcomes.
- Ensure campers are properly supervised at all times.
- Be aware of and implement safety guidelines.
- Apply basic youth development principles in working with campers through communication, relationship development, and respect for diversity, involvement and empowerment of youth.
- Participate in the development and implementation of program activities for campers within the mission and outcomes.
- Responsible for leading and teaching of the activities.
- Actively participate in coordination of the activity with other program areas as assigned.
- Provide for the progression of activity within the framework of individual and group interests and abilities.
- Maintain high standards of health and safety in the activity.
- Be alert to campers needs and assist them with personal and/or health problems as they relate to the activity, and discuss with health services director/camp nurse or resident camp director when appropriate.
- Be alert to equipment and facilities to ensure utilization, proper care, and maintenance is adhered to
- Report repairs needed promptly by completing the Job Request Form.
- Be a role model to campers and staff in your attitude, behavior and dress.
- Follow and uphold all safety and security rules and procedures as outlined in the Summer Employee manual.
- Practices and follow procedures including sanitation, schedule, and sportsmanship.
Other Job Duties:
- Assist in the management and care of the physical facilities and equipment in their activity area/workshop. Maintain the equipment, ensure the security of the equipment and supplies, including keeping a clear inventory and planning for replacement of supplies in a timely manner.
- Conduct a daily check of the area and equipment for safety, cleanliness, and good repair.
- Participate enthusiastically in all camp activities, planning, and leading those as assigned.
- Participate as a member of the camp staff team to deliver and supervise evening programs, special events, other all-camp activities and camp functions.
- Activity Specialists often have direct relationships with the counseling staff and may actually serve as a counselor with a camper group when not on duty in their activity area.
- Assist in other program areas and take on other roles such as camper supervision, maintenance staff, or other positions if not scheduled for the full day.
- Communicate with the maintenance staff in regard to the care of the facility and equipment.
- Contribute to verbal and written evaluations of campers and peers as requested.
Teamwork and communication:
Activity specialists will generally have daily interaction with camp counselors, program directors, other specialists and staff. (See previous section)
Equipment Used:
Activity specialists may be asked to use fire protection equipment, washers and dryers, and specialty program equipment. In some cases they may be asked to drive camp vehicles including golf carts.
Physical requirements:
- Must possess the strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers.
- Must have the physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid.
- Must be able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury).
- Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to the activity.
*Possible activities:
Ranged activities: Archery, Rifle Range, Crossbows
Sports and games: Soccer, basketball, volleyball, field hockey, tennis, golf, disc golf, cheerleading, gymnastics and tumbling, table tennis, novus, chess, zolītis
Waterfront: fishing, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing
Arts and crafts: Painting, Pottery & Ceramics, Photography, Filming & video making Tie dye, Batik, Leather work, Sewing, Jewelry making & Latvian jewelry making, woodworking, knitting & crochet, silk screening, fabric painting, candle making, soap making, puppet making, beading, origami, flower pressing
Performing Arts: Drama, Stagecraft, Magic, Juggling, Charades, Puppetry, Contemporary dance, Line dancing, Latvian folk dancing, Latvian choir, Singing, Music Ensembles, Film Making, Guitar, Percussion, Koklēšana
Nature: Environmental education, Gardening, Exploring, Orienteering, Geocaching, Trail Hiking, Nature Studies, Nature Art, Outdoor Living Skills, Astronomy
Cooking: Latvian cuisine, Solar Oven Cooking, Open Fire Cooking
S.T.E.M. More and more camp programs are including S.T.E.M. activities.
These are specific to the Latvian tradition.
