Bear Leader
Job Title: Bear Program Leader (Teen Leadership Program)
Season: Summer Camp
Reports to: Summer Camp Director
Teen Leadership Program Overview: The Bears
The Bear program (all our groups have animal names, and Bears just finished 9th grade) is integrated with the rest of camp while still fostering their own autonomy and rhythms. Bears develop skills in camping, outdoor cooking, leadership, mentorship, and more.
The Bears live in rustic dwellings and their daily routine provides more opportunities for them to take responsibility for each other and themselves. As Big Bears, they engage in mentorship with the younger camper group throughout each session. The Bears take on service leadership roles at camp and in the community, working on stewardship projects, engaging with local organizations, and planning and leading all-camp festivities. Bears embark on several adventures throughout camp: a backpacking and canoeing trip, off-site community engagement opportunities, and day-trip outings planned and led by the group leaders.
By the end of the session, the Bears have culminated their Main Camp experience as camper-leaders, and are ready to take the next adventurous step (next year: Falcons!)
General Responsibilities:
- Mentor and supervise, alongside your co-leader, a group of 8-16 teenagers throughout the 7 weeks of summer camp.
- Uphold the camp’s mission and values as defined in the staff handbook
- Facilitate or assist with various camp activities, both for your cabin group but occasionally for other groups or the whole camp
- Coordinate all aspects of daily schedule for the Bears during program
- Prepare program logistics, from scheduling to activities
- Co-facilitate a multi-day backpacking trip, as well as day outings
- Drive a 14-passenger van
- Supervise and facilitate use of backpacking equipment
- Teach and supervise basic camp cooking
- Ensure safety and well-being of campers
- Bring positivity, professionalism, and empathy to all interactions with campers, staff, and families
- Complete all necessary paperwork (incident reports, camper reports, trip reports)
Qualifications:
- At least 21 years of age
- CPR and Lifeguard certifications (Lifeguard training is provided at Camp Glen Brook free of charge)
- Experience with and enthusiasm for working with teens
- Experience with outdoor settings and camping
- Strong work ethic and sense of initiative
- Clean driving record
- Desire to impart respect and stewardship of the environment
- Demonstrated leading ability
- WFA (minimum requirement) or WFR (preferred)
Requirements:
- Care deeply for the development and well being of young people.
- Must pass a criminal background check.
Salary:
$3,360-$3,840 based on experience and qualifications, plus room and board.