Agassiz Village

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POSITION SUMMARY:  The Agassiz Village Social and Emotional Experiential Learning Instructor facilitates activities for youth ages 8-16. This role is responsible for planning an SEL curriculum, flow of each activity, set up and break down of the activities, facilitating students, and maintaining safety.  The SEL activities you facilitate should support camper growth in the following areas: critical thinking, perseverance, communication, social awareness and peer relationships, teamwork, and self-regulation. Campers will be assessed at the beginning and end of each session so you can track the success of the SEL program and use those outcomes to support campers and make necessary improvements to the program. The SEL coordinator will build the capacity of other camp staff members to understand and implement SEL in their work with campers, and they will oversee the collection and interpretation of assessment data such as camper feedback forms and counselor interviews. The ideal candidate will be skilled in SEL facilitation and working with a variety of students and ages. Instructors work closely with the Director of Youth Development and Experience to ensure a service vision for Agassiz Village Summer Camp Program. Class size varies but typically the instructor will have 12 students per hour several times throughout the day. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Formulate, plan, and lead safe, age appropriate, and enriching SEL activities.
2. Deliver progressive SEL program activities so youth are making strides toward growing their skills in the following areas: critical thinking, perseverance, communication, social awareness and peer relationships, teamwork, and self-regulation.
3. Implement SEL practices and establish new/unique ways of leveraging SEL in a camp setting.
4. Assist in facilitating staff training workshops.
5. Directly work with youth to help increase their social and emotional competencies.
6. Administer pre and post surveys for campers to measure their growth in SEL. Utilize this data to inform your SEL work with campers.
7. Act as an advocate for kids in all areas including youth development, safety, child abuse prevention, etc.
8. Take every opportunity to teach campers social and emotional skills such as relationship building, perseverance, self-reflection, goal setting and more as you encourage each camper to recognize what they are capable of through mentorship and daily conversations with youth.
9. Be creative in displaying and/or highlighting camper success, celebrating successes and achievements.
10. Evaluate the success of the SEL programs and the development of the campers’ abilities and skills.
11. Assist in the management and care of the physical facilities and equipment.
12. Participate enthusiastically in all camp activities, planning, and leading those as assigned including weekend and evening activities.
13. Participate as a member of the camp staff team to deliver and supervise evening programs, special events, overnight, and other all-camp activities and camp functions. ­
14. All other duties as may be assigned by the Director of Youth Development and Experience.
15. Submit orders for equipment and supplies when needed, with approval of supervisor, ensuring timely arrival of materials.
16. Complete daily camper logs thus keeping records on participant’s progress.
17. Follow the schedule, beginning and ending each activity on time.
18. Act in the capacity of a Cabin Counselor when not instructing, assisting counselors in their cabin, and at evening activities and mealtimes.
19. Rotate with other staff, monitoring village after lights out - “on duty.”
20. Perform an end of the season program evaluation and make recommendations for equipment, supplies, and program for following season.
21. Accept direction, feedback from supervisors, and follow through appropriately.
22. Act as a responsible member of the camp community both in and outside of the camp environment during periods of employment.
23. Participate in staff and other meetings, such as in-service training and staff development and orientation activities.

Qualifications:

• A suitable candidate must be a student in Social Work / Counseling / Sociology or Psychology and have previous experience working with children and/or young adults, preferably in a SEL program or setting.
• Comfortable working in an outdoor setting where campers and staff live and experience developing a positive community and active camp activities. Work hours may vary.
• Willing and able to work as part of a team.
• Understand at-risk youth.
• Excellent verbal communications skills.
• Ability to observe camper behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques. ­
• Must be able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury) and possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers.
• Willingness to live in a camp setting and work irregular hours delivering program in the facility available.
• Operate with daily exposure to the sun and heat and varying environmental conditions.

Who We’re Looking For:

We are looking to recruit a team of people whose strengths, skills, and backgrounds are as diverse as those of our campers. We are keen to have people join our team who are:

• Committed to consistent learning and growth.
• Team players, willing to help in all areas
• Organized
• Strong communicators
• Competent and creative problem solvers.
• Passionate
• Energetic and silly
• Kind and compassionate
• Flexible and able to adapt quickly
• Able to stay calm in high-pressure situations.
• Able to work LONG and challenging days

The Agassiz Village Health Center EMT works closely with the Camp Nurses to ensure effective daily operations of the Camp’s Health Center and health and wellness of Agassiz Village campers and staff. Health Center Staff also ensures compliance with state and federal laws and American Camp Association (ACA) standard requirements.

At the end of Camp season, the Health Center Staff conduct an efficient pack down of Health Center operations. The Camp Nurse and Health Center staff will provide the Camp Director with a formal report that includes an operations review with recommendations for the next Camp season.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Licensed in Maine as an EMS advanced EMT.
• Must be 21 or older and have a valid driver’s license.

• Possess current CPR certification that is renewed annually and current first aid certifications.
• Must have medication administration certification and injectable medication training.
• Ability to originate, update, and/or monitor health care, maintain records, and implement the health care plan.
• Desire to work and live in a camp community.
• Must have the ability to work in a fast-paced environment and be highly organized.
• Must have ability to work as a team member.
• Must commit to the entire Camp season including set up and pack down, unless agreed otherwise.
• Must demonstrate integrity, honesty and knowledge that promote the culture, values, and mission of Agassiz Village.

DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Ensure each staff member and camper has on file a health history and examination form, as required.
2. Set up system for health screening for arriving campers and staff, as well as a system for health screening for trips out-of-camp.
3. Conduct inventory of supplies and place orders when necessary, ensuring timely arrival of supplies.
4. Establish and follow appropriate medical routines including recordkeeping in the daily medical log, disposal of medical waste, managing and safeguarding medications, and utilizing approved standing orders.
5. Assist with coverage of the health center.
6. Post hours for daily medications and health call.
7. Responsible for driving sick patients to the local hospital and/or emergency room center and waiting with patients while they receive care.
8. Assist in making appointments and coordinating care and follow-up services, when necessary, with medical/dental personnel in the community, and contact parents/legal guardians of camp participants before and/or following any visits to the doctor, dentist, or a medical/treatment facility.
9. Check and restock first-aid kits.
10. Maintain camp accident/incident reports and as indicated, report such matters to the camp director and/or physician.
11. Monitor the health of all camp staff, providing nursing interventions and seeking physician and other health services, as indicated.
12. Monitor/evaluate camp procedures, facilities, and conditions and suggest improvements and modifications that would create more healthful conditions.
13. Live on-site for the duration of the camp period and provide licensed professional nursing services as needed by state, federal, and American Camp Association guidelines.
14. Inspect camper living areas, camp program and service areas for health and safety conditions and advising camp director on same.
15. Report all admissions to the infirmary to the camp director or designee.
16. Be always available for medical emergencies, including overnight.
17. Guide counselors regarding their responsibilities in noting and reporting illness, injury or unsafe practices and conditions that might contribute to camper and staff accidents.
18. Together with the Camp Nurse, Camp Director & Health Center Staff establish health service standards and performance measures, conduct internal quality management audits and reviews.
19. Supervise end of season program operations clean up and inventories.
20. Contribute to positive team environment by paying close attention to staff concerns, morale and performance issues and communicating them in a timely manner to the Camp Director.
21. Provide Camp Director with a formal report at the end of Camp season that includes evaluations of Health Center staff and an operations review with recommendations for the next Camp season.
22. Act as a responsible member of the camp community both in and outside of the camp environment during periods of employment.
23. Participate in staff and other meetings, such as in-service training and staff development and orientation activities.
24. Perform all other duties as may be assigned by the Camp Nurse/Camp Director or designee.

REPORTS TO:  Camp Nurse, Camp Director, or designee.

The Agassiz Village Cabin Counselor is responsible for ensuring overall camper well-being, keeping a cabin group of 12 campers (ages vary from 8-16) on schedule with activities, and leading camp activities.  A counselor’s work includes assisting with camper management during activities, in cabins, on sports fields, at the waterfront and in the dining hall. Counselors may lead daily activities, like crafts, outdoor games, musical performances, and may perform other responsibilities.  Counselors supervise and manage campers at all times, except during scheduled breaks.  Counselors participate in whole camp activities and special events such as talent shows, and camp competitions. Counselors also accompany youth on overnight trips to one of our islands. The Cabin Counselor is responsible for helping to implement Agassiz Village Social & Emotional Learning curriculum by setting a positive example for kids. Counselors set the tone of the cabin, create the cabin rules with youth, correct inappropriate behavior, and ensure personal grooming, cabin clean up, bedtime routines are happening. Counselors are the ambassadors of fun, while following all safety rules and regulations.   

Responsibilities and Key Functions:

1. Act as a role model in all aspects of camp and be expected to be fully and actively engaged with campers while on duty (including meals, cabin activities, program areas, special and all-camp events, etc.).
2. Wake campers on time each morning. Greet them positively and by name each day. Communicate proper attire for the day and activities. Follow shower schedule and put kids to bed on time.
3. Model positive and appropriate behavior including:
   1. a friendly, upbeat, and encouraging attitude
   2. a welcoming and inclusive manner towards others
   3. sportsmanship during competition
   4. helping campers negotiate peaceful and beneficial resolutions to conflict
4. Build strong positive relationships with your campers by participating in meals, evening programs, etc.
5. Take every opportunity to teach campers social and emotional skills such as relationship building, perseverance, self-reflection, goal setting and more as you encourage each camper to recognize what they are capable of through mentorship and daily conversations with youth.
6. Implement daily Social & Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum components: conduct self-reflection session with campers, assist campers with completing self-assessment forms as scheduled, ensure SEL self-assessment forms are turned in on time, and complete daily camper’s behavior logs.
7. Plan and execute specific cabin group activities each day as scheduled and carry out daily cabin and village clean up.
8. Respect the daily schedule of camp and ensure their campers are on time and attend scheduled activities.
9. Promote and encourage program participation and positive behavior (i.e., sound judgment, calm problem solving, enthusiasm, appropriate use of language, silence during announcements, etc.).
10. Enforce good manners during meals such as serving, passing, and eating of food as well as observe habits and diets of campers and report any health issues to the Health Center or Village Leader.
11. Role model and enforce good daily personal hygiene, especially regarding washing hands before every meal, daily brushing of teeth and regular showers.
12. Be sensitive to the camper’s individual needs, manage the behavior of their campers, especially regarding physical, emotional, or verbal abuse of others.
13. Provide feedback to the Village Leader and fill out camper logs daily and submit them to the Village Leader.
14. Work together as a team with the other counselors in and out of your cabin and village, creating a trustworthy, fun, and enjoyable environment.
15. Ensure that all health regulations are followed: appropriate and diligent use of sunscreen and bug spray; addressing conditions like sniffles, coughing, rashes, sores, blisters, and head (or other) scratching; and getting enough rest, proper eating, and drinking plenty of water.
16. Help the campers with daily self-maintenance tasks (i.e., helping campers prepare for swimming, etc.).
17. Supervise and assist in daily cabin activities, rest period, meals, bedtime preparation, etc.
18. Work closely with the Village Leader in coordinating cabin/village activities.
19. Report maintenance needs to the Village Leader.
20. Rotate with other staff, monitoring bunk after lights out - “on duty.”
21. Be responsible for session ending cabin clean-up as well as ensuring all camper personal belongings get home at the end of the session.
22. Accept direction, feedback from supervisors, and follow through appropriately.
23. Act as a responsible member of the camp community both in and outside of the camp environment during periods of employment.
24. Participate in staff and other meetings, such as in-service training and staff development and orientation activities.
25. Perform all other duties as assigned.
26.  

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• 18 years of age or older;
• In good physical condition;
• Experience in work and/or play interaction with children;
• Understand at-risk youth;
• Excellent verbal communications skills;
• Commit to the entire summer season;
• Strong interest in motivating campers to effective action;
• Be able to work as a team member;
• Demonstrate integrity, honesty and knowledge that promote the culture, values, and mission of Agassiz Village.
• Possess the following qualities: patience, compassion, fairness, listening skills, and the ability to relate to children.

This position requires a consistently high energy level, an extremely elevated level of visual awareness, humor, creativity, the ability to recognize unhappiness and nurture children accordingly, and the desire to be a positive influence on the lives of children

Who We’re Looking For:

We are looking to recruit a team of people whose strengths, skills, and backgrounds are as diverse as those of our campers. We are keen to have people join our team who are:

• Committed to consistent learning and growth.
• Team players, willing to help in all areas
• Organized
• Strong communicators
• Competent and creative problem solvers.
• Passionate
• Energetic and silly
• Kind and compassionate
• Flexible and able to adapt quickly
• Able to stay calm in high-pressure situations.
• Able to work LONG and challenging days

Contract Dates: June 21, 2024 – August 9, 2024. This position is required to live on site at 71 Agassiz Village Ln. Poland, ME 04274

Salary: $2,000 for the full length of the contract.  Included with your salary:

• Accommodation is provided for the full contract. You will be living with the assistant village leader and the social and emotional intern.
• Food is provided for the full contract.

Designated Supervisor: Camp Director/Director of Camper Care

This position is open to applicants currently pursuing a Bachelors or Masters in Behavioral/Wellness Health, Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or a M.E.S.H. related field. The Youth Advocate role is critical in supporting the behavioral, mental, social and wellness health of campers ages 8-17 throughout their time at our overnight summer camp. They are responsible for establishing strong, positive relationships with the youth at camp, as well as serve as a resource for other seasonal program staff. This is a residential position, requiring full-time residence at Agassiz Village’s camp from June 19 to August 9, 2024. Free room and board are provided as well as a stipend.

Job Requirements and Responsibilities:

• Youth advocates are assigned to a cabin section and work under our LCSW licensed Director of Camper Care and help establish and maintain healthy and appropriate relationships with youth, focusing on safety, support, interaction, and engagement.
• Utilize strengths-based counseling with youth around issues such as homesickness, peer conflict, family issues, and mental health issues.
• Anticipate and mitigate situations of difficult youth behavior.
• Review cabin counselor notes twice daily identifying issues that may be developing and addressing those issues before they become more challenging.
• Facilitate training for seasonal program staff.
• Provide ongoing guidance and coaching to seasonal staff on how to appropriately respond to youth needs and behaviors.
• Identify youth needs through discussion and observation then respond using the appropriate intervention.
• Obtain personal care items and other resources for youth as needed.
• Communicate with families to discuss their child’s successes and challenges while at camp, when necessary.
• Consult with the Director of Camper Care and Camp Nurse regarding youth issues and/or disclosures; complete necessary documentation related to youth issues and/or disclosures.
• Work one-on-one with campers who are having trouble participating in the program.
• Be present throughout the day interacting with children during meal times, activities and rest periods helping to build a positive climate by ensuring youth feel welcomed, are warmly greeted, are valued and target the development of SEL skills.
• Embed SEL instruction within regular activities, such as pausing a basketball lesson to teach strategies about how to persist through frustration, or enacting instructional strategies during regular activities that explicitly support SEL skill development, such as talking to children about how to work productively with one another in a group assignment.
• Instruct stand-alone SEL lessons that explicitly targets SEL topics, such as relationship skills or identifying one’s emotions. These lessons can include the use of SEL lesson plans and pacing guides.

• Help Cabin counselors to set the culture of camp by identifying cabin rules and expectations on how we treat each other and camp with respect, care and dignity.
• Provide group support in the cabin setting including assisting with facilitating group conversations to help prevent bullying or other forms of negative behavior or aggression. 
• Intervene if campers are experiencing significant behavioral challenges.
• Help campers and staff resolve conflicts appropriately.
• Provide support and guidance to staff as they deal with camper’s behavior problems.
• Be available to step into situations that may arise during the camp and provide necessary assistance to the camper prior to allowing the camper to return to activities.
• Assist in consulting and guiding staff to monitor the overall emotional and social wellbeing of the community.
• Provide emotional support to staff and help aid in mediating staff conflicts and help monitor staff morale.
• Keep Director of Camper Care informed of all situations and issues as they arise and provide daily updates through informal conversation and formal documentation.
• As a mandated reporter, assist Director of Camper Care with appropriate calls to social services.

Qualifications:

• Student pursuing a Bachelors or Masters in Behavioral/Wellness Health, Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or a M.E.S.H. related field.

• Comfortable working in an outdoor setting where campers and staff live and experience developing a positive community and active camp activities. Work hours may vary.
• Willing and able to work as part of a team.
• Understand at-risk youth.
• Excellent verbal communications skills.
• Possess the following qualities: patience, compassion, fairness, listening skills, and the ability to relate to children.

Contract Dates: June 20, 2024 – August 9, 2024. This position is required to live on site at 71 Agassiz Village Ln. Poland, ME 04274

Salary Range: $400 summer stipend. Accommodations and meals are provided for the full contract.

REPORTS TO:  Director of Camper Care (licensed social worker)