POSITION DESCRIPTION: CAMP ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR, for seasonal summer camp 

Summer Camp Activities Director – Full time during summer season, part time responsibilities year round. Salary commensurate with experience.

Description: 

Latvian Center Garezers is seeking an experienced Full Time Summer Camp Activities Director for an exciting opportunity to bring their vision to our summer camp. As the Camp Activities Director, you will be the go-to person for all things related to camp activities with the goal of creating a memorable and meaningful camp experience for our campers. Activities include, but are not limited to: sports, games, waterfront, range activities, arts and crafts, performance arts, nature, cooking, S.T.E.M.*

Reports to: Executive Director year round and coordinates with Program Directors during the summer season.

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’ age and abilities. Coordinate schedules, oversee maintenance of activity areas and enable smooth operation of all of the seasonal camp activities.

As the facilitator of fun, the Summer Camp Activities Director will ensure safety and age-appropriate summer activities. This position will oversee the vision, budget, and operations of summer camp activities programs for all our programs (GBN, GSS and GVV), including but not limited to, program creation, administration, coordination, and supervision of all functions. The Director provides leadership and direction for activities to the activities specialists and counselors staff and is responsible for all activity operations. This is a unique opportunity for the right candidate who enjoys infusing their own creativity and is looking to have real ownership over their camp offerings.

Qualifications: (Minimum Education and Experience) 

• Must be 21 years of age and a high school graduate with some college education.
• Must be able to obtain or become certified in First Aid/CPR.
• Must have an 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 supervisory and leadership experience.
• Documented training and experience in at least one activity area. Must provide reference or documentation of experience and skill in that 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.
• Ability to effectively supervise and lead.
• Demonstrate familiarity and skill in several camp program areas.

Essential Job Functions: 

• Develop vision and strategies for summer camp activities offerings by assessing available facilities and determining strategic opportunities.
• Design, implement, and deliver innovative camp activities that meet the needs and interests of the camp’s target populations (GBN, GSS, GVV) and ensure their delivery in a safe manner.
• Develop and manage the budget for all activities within oversight (in consultation with Garezer’s executive director), including managing staff salaries and supply costs to create the most efficient programs possible.
• Maintain a positive team atmosphere with the camp activity specialists.
• Maintain fiscal records for summer camp activities program, including summer budget and fundraising efforts.
• Attend weekly administration meetings and program staff meetings as requested. Participate in year-round planning sessions with the program directors (GBN, GSS,GVV) and the education committee.
• Recruiting, hiring, scheduling and supervision of camp activity specialists.
• Determining supply and equipment needs and assist in ordering/purchasing.
• Support and supervise camp activity specialists in organizing, implementing, decision-making and trouble-shooting.
• Oversee camp activity scheduling.
• Oversee the completion of any necessary documentation related to camp activities. i.e. summer staff contracts, certifications, permits, etc.
• Ensure that all program facilities and athletic fields/areas portray a clean, welcoming environment with specific attention to details.
• Oversee or assist camp activity specialists in camper placement within appropriate groups.
• Address prevention efforts, discipline strategies, and crisis management issues related to campers as outlined in Program Manuals.
• Works with Executive Director to address staff member performance as outlined in the Employee Handbook,
• Conduct verbal and written evaluations of activity specialists.
• Other duties as assigned.

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 director must be familiar with the safe and appropriate use of any equipment used in any of the summer season’s activities. May be called upon to use fire protection equipment, washers and dryers, and specialty program equipment. In some cases may be asked to drive camp vehicles including golf carts.

Physical requirements: 

• Must possess the strength and endurance required to maintain a schedule of supervision of activity specialists and campers.
• Must have the physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid.
• Must be able to assist campers and specialists in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury).
• Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to the activities.

*Possible activities may include, but not limited to:

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.