Camp Merrowvista

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Facilitator Dates
March 20 to June 10, 2023 (final dates pending and summer employment opportunities are available)

Additional Compensation

• Optional college internship credit
• $180 health insurance premium is available
• Housing provided (meals provided when there is a program)

Philosophy of the Facilitator Program

Facilitators will work directly with youth and facilitate experiential education programs for participants of different ages, abilities, genders, races, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Facilitators will have an immersive living experience by sharing a home and workplace with their fellow facilitators.

The American Youth Foundation is committed to the professional advancement of our facilitators. This program is meant to provide rich learning experiences as an effective educator in our dynamic and intentional outdoor programming. We seek to inspire our facilitators to discover and develop their personal best and create an environment where they can explore their own gifts and learn skills as competent leaders in their careers.

Ideal Applicants
We are looking for caring, energetic, experienced people invested in working with youth and committed to fostering growth in themselves and others. Our team is the strongest comprised of passionate, creative, and adventurous people. Applicants do not need to have previous experience as on-site job training is provided.

Applicants must:

• Be 21 and have one year of higher education or equivalent experience
• Have experience working in experiential education
• Be able to lead a two-mile hike in the mountains and lift over 25 pounds
• Be first aid and CPR-certified
• Ideally, have a driver’s license and clean driving record

Responsibilities:

• When facilitating a program: leading experiential, environmental, and recreational group activities, leading discussions, managing safety, and learning on ropes courses
• When supporting a program: supporting program objectives by preparing program spaces for use, hanging climbing ropes, delivering materials to facilitators, leading, or supporting program activities
• Non-program responsibilities: program area preparation and closure, possible independent and collaborative projects to advance AYF, staff development workshops, off-site development opportunities, regional conferences
• When coordinating a program: pre-program communications, creating schedules, prep lists, and briefings, managing fellow staff, and leading post-program debriefs

Recognizing the full value of all, the American Youth Foundation affords equal opportunity for employment and
program participation to all individuals on the basis of merit and/or eligibility without regard to race, color, sex,
pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, familial status, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability,
age, military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the
individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities,
and skills required for this position.

Trip Leader Dates
June 8 through Aug. 13

General Overview
Outdoor Adventure Trip Leaders (called Four Trails Leaders) work with a co-leader to support a cabin group of 10 to 12 campers in daily on-site activities and off-site backpacking and canoeing trips and/or service-learning projects. Trips may be 2 to 17 days in length.

Additional Benefits
Leaders will receive one day off for every six days worked
Housing and all meals provided
Camper tuition discount and/or onsite childcare available for dependents

COVID-19 Vaccination
All employees are required to show proof of full vaccination and boosters for the COVID-19 vaccine upon hire.

Specific Responsibilities

• 24-hour leadership and guidance of approximately 12 campers, single-gender identifying or all genders in a cabin setting.
• Live with and eat meals with a cabin group, helping each camper to adjust to camp life and to achieve their personal best.
• Exercise strict adherence to established safety procedures and guidelines for backpacking, canoeing and other outdoor experiences outlined in Trip Leader Handbooks.
• Manage behavioral issues, homesickness, injury or unforeseen circumstances from remote locations in conjunction with your Coordinator and support team at camp
• Demonstrate knowledge of group dynamics by facilitating group activities, guiding discussions, properly debriefing activities
• Learn and teach specific camp craft skills
• Adapt to unforeseen circumstances if program activities need to be altered
• Teach and abide by “Leave No Trace” outdoor ethics
• Use positive behavior reinforcement and human relations skills with campers and other staff
• Complete all requested records and written reports, including all paperwork before and after a trip and end-of-summer letters to camper families
• Establish personal and professional goals for the summer and work towards those goals
• Complete all job functions and other duties as assigned

General Responsibilities

• Encourage leadership development, healthy community living, and AYF mission and values driven practices.
• Protect the safety and health of campers by adhering to community expectations and following all policies and procedures outlined in the Staff Handbook, including our alcohol-, drug-, and tobacco-free camp policy and AYF COVID-19 Staff Eligibility and Expectations.
• Be a positive role model. Set a high standard of respect for self, others, and the space though promptness, language, attitude, and participation
• Instruction in some skilled program activities
• Fully participate in and be present at all community activities
• Instruct campers in safety and health regulations, policies and procedures of camp and behavior.
• Be a risk manager.
• Learn and apply the Four-Fold philosophy and Best Self practices to leadership, instruction and modeling while in camp.
• Actively participate in staff training activities

Necessary Skills for Success

• Applicants must be in excellent physical condition. They will be required to have the stamina and energy to safely lead campers during travel through difficult terrain, in challenging weather and after long days. Able to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Applicants must have strong emotional health. They will be required to exhibit good judgment, effective problem solving, and maintain calm to safely lead the children in their care under changing and stressful conditions.
• Be able to maintain focus for extended periods while assessing risks and supervising campers
• Ability to respond to, teach and manage the behaviors of the campers in their care
• Able to effectively manage their emotions to remain focused on what is in the best interest of the campers in their care in a variety of situations.
• Effective communication with youth participants and adult staff across a wide range of identities and backgrounds. Ability to foster positive relationships.
• Ability to respond to and direct campers and/or staff in an emergency
• Ability to understand, promote, actively include, and work effectively with diverse perspectives and identities
• Ability to maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment for campers
• Thorough understanding of critical issues shaping the lives of young people in the U.S., especially racial and gender equity, inclusivity, justice, ethics, and cultural competency

Work Environment

• Position location is in Center Tuftonboro, New Hampshire at the Merrowvista campus and it is required to work onsite during summer.
• The Merrowvista site necessitates the capacity to move through rugged terrain.
• All meals and housing provided during training and program

Preferred Qualifications

• Must be 21 or older and at least one year post-high school graduation experience
• Demonstrate leadership ability and commitment to balanced personal development and excellence.
• Previous trip leading experience preferred.
• Strong teaching/facilitation and leadership skills preferred
• Previous experience with group management, facilitation and outdoor education.
• Current certification in CPR and Wilderness First Responder (training available for accepted candidates).

Recognizing the full value of all, the American Youth Foundation affords equal opportunity for employment and
program participation to all individuals on the basis of merit and/or eligibility without regard to race, color, sex,
pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, familial status, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability,
age, military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the
individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities,
and skills required for this position.

General Overview: Cabin Leaders (summer camp counselors) in co-leadership pairs or trios lead a village (cabin group) of 10-12 campers and are active leaders in daily activities. Summer 2023 will include two weeks of paid staff training followed by six weeks of camp.

Employment Dates: June 15 to August 13, 2023

Housing and Hours: Staff live on site, full-time for the duration of the employment dates listed above. Communal room and board are included in the compensation plan. Staff are expected to work a camp schedule that ranges from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily with breaks scheduled throughout when possible. Staff receive one day off for every six days on.

COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement: All employees are required to show proof of full vaccination and boosters for the COVID-19 vaccine upon hire.

General Responsibilities

• Encourage leadership development, healthy community living, and AYF mission and values driven practices.
• Protect the safety and health of campers by adhering to community expectations and following all policies and procedures outlined in the Staff Handbook, including our alcohol-, drug-, and tobacco- free camp policy and AYF COVID-19 Staff Eligibility and Expectations.
• Be a positive Role Model
• Instruction in some skilled program activities
• Fully participate in and be present at all community activities
• Instruct campers in safety and health regulations, policies and procedures of camp and behavior.
• Be a risk manager.
• Be familiar with and apply the Four-Fold philosophy and Best Self practices to leadership, instruction and modeling while in camp.
• Actively participate in staff training activities

 

Specific Responsibilities

• Leadership and guidance of a village of approximately 12 campers, single gender identifying or co-ed.
• Provide 24-hour supervision and mentoring to campers in assigned group in a cabin setting. Live with and eat meals with a cabin group, helping each camper to adjust to camp life and to achieve his/her personal best.
• Teach interest groups, organize, and plan small group conversations, and lead or participate in Night’s Doings when assigned.
• Set a high standard of respect for self, others, and the space though promptness, language, attitude, and participation
• Use positive behavior reinforcement and human relations skills with campers and other staff Merrowvista members
• Discuss with the Coordinator and Director any difficult situations that arise in camper or staff relationships, discipline, and other areas of concern to the camp.
• Complete all requested records and written reports, including end-of-summer letters to camper families
• Establish personal and professional goals for the summer and work towards those goals
• Complete all job functions and other duties as assigned

 

Necessary Skills for Success

• Be able to maintain focus for extended periods while assessing risks and supervising campers
• Ability to respond to, teach and manage the behaviors of the campers in their care
• Able to effectively manage their emotions to remain focused on what is in the best interest of the campers in their care in a variety of situations.
• Effective communication with youth participants and adult staff across a wide range of identities and backgrounds. Ability to foster positive relationships
• Ability to respond to and direct campers and/or staff in an emergency
• Ability to understand, promote, actively include, and work effectively with diverse perspectives and identities
• Ability to maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment for campers
• Thorough understanding of critical issues shaping the lives of young people in the U.S., especially racial and gender equity, inclusivity, justice, ethics, and cultural competency

 

Work Environment

• Position location is in Center Tuftonboro, New Hampshire at the Merrowvista campus. Position required to work and live onsite during summer.
• The Merrowvista site necessitates the capacity to move through rugged terrain.
• All meals and housing provided during training and program

 

Preferred Qualifications

• Must be 18 or older and one year post-high school graduation experience
• Strong teaching/facilitating and leadership skills preferred
• Previous experience working with children, adolescents and/or young adults required
• Current certification in CPR and First Aid (training available for accepted candidates)

Recognizing the full value of all, the American Youth Foundation affords equal opportunity for employment and program participation to all individuals on the basis of merit and/or eligibility without regard to race, color, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, familial status, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, age, military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required for this position. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

General Overview
Summer Camp Photographers (Photography Specialists) document the daily activities at camp with an eye to the AYF’s year-round marketing and communication needs.

Employment Dates: June 15 to August 13, 2023

Housing and Hours: Staff live on site, full-time for the duration of the employment dates listed above. Communal room and board are included in the compensation plan. Staff are expected to work a camp schedule that ranges from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily with breaks scheduled throughout when possible. Staff receive one day off for every six days on.

COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement: All employees are required to show proof of full vaccination and boosters for the COVID-19 vaccine upon hire.

Essential Functions

• Document daily life at camp by photographing a wide range of activities, cabin groups, and staff. Work with Communications Manager to fulfill a short list of required photos for year-round communications needs.
• Organize, tag, and upload photos every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to SmugMug to share with camp families.
• Collect, organize, and upload photos from Four Trails trips to SmugMug upon their return.
• Keep camp cameras charged and in good working condition. Responsible for lending cameras to trip leaders and program leaders as needed, and collecting and inventorying camera equipment at the end of trips/sessions/camp season.
• Create Closing Day slideshows for families and staff.
• On occasion, assist with a Pioneer or Four Trails Cabin at the request of the coordinators.
• Promptly discuss any difficult situations that arise in camper or staff relationships and other areas of concern with the Director of Camp Programs.
• Establish personal and professional goals for the summer and work toward those goals.
• Successfully complete all job functions, including written reports, and other duties as assigned.

General Functions

• Encourage leadership development, healthy community living, Best Self practices and balanced Four-Fold growth according to the philosophy of AYF by instruction and example.
• Protect the safety and health of campers by adhering to community expectations and following all policies and procedures outlined in the Staff Handbook, including our alcohol-, drug-, and tobacco-free camp policy and AYF COVID-19 Staff Eligibility and Expectations.
• Fully participate in and be present at all community activities and staff training

Required Skills

• Strong photography composition and digital camera skills.
• Strong emotional and mental health. Must be adaptable and exhibit good judgement.
• Effective communication with youth participants and adult staff across a wide range of identities and backgrounds. Ability to foster positive relationships.
• Ability to understand, promote, actively include, and work effectively with diverse perspectives and identities.
• Thorough understanding of critical issues shaping the lives of young people in the U.S., especially racial and gender equity, inclusivity, justice, ethics, and cultural competency.

Vision for All AYF Employees

• Show commitment to the AYF Core Values of investing in youth, stewarding the environment, enkindling inner sparks, belonging in community, and growing together.
• Support the organization’s mission, vision, and ethics by displaying the following behaviors:
  • Integrity, openness, and honesty, listening and understanding, giving, and receiving constructive feedback, seeking a balance between personal and professional lives, dependability, and accountability.
• Adhere to all policies and guidelines as described in the AYF employee handbook.

Work Environment 

• Position is located at Merrowvista in Center Tuftonboro, New Hampshire. The Merrowvista site necessitates the ability to move through rugged terrain.
• Photography Specialists will live onsite during staff training and during the two camp sessions. Housing and all meals are provided.

Education, Experience, or Certifications  

• Must be 21 or older and have one year post-high school graduation experience.
• Strong digital photography and editing experience required (ideally photography or photojournalism classes or experience).
• Experience working with children, adolescents and/or young adults preferred.
• Current certification in CPR and First Aid (training available for accepted applicants).

Benefits 

• Weekly pay: $500
• Photography Specialists will receive one day off for every six days worked.
• Camper tuition discount and/or onsite childcare available for dependents

General Overview
Communications and Office Specialists write daily blog posts, create frequent social media posts, assist with camper family email communications, and write longer articles for the AYF monthly email newsletter. They also assist with daily incoming and outgoing mail and packages, organize and distribute camper family emails, and answer phones.

Employment Dates: June 15 to August 13, 2023

Housing and Hours: Staff live on site, full-time for the duration of the employment dates listed above. Communal room and board are included in the compensation plan. Staff are expected to work a camp schedule that ranges from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily with breaks scheduled throughout when possible. Staff receive one day off for every six days on.

COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement: All employees are required to show proof of full vaccination and boosters for the COVID-19 vaccine upon hire.

Essential Functions

• Write and upload daily blog posts documenting life at camp to WordPress.
• Draft at least three social media posts each week for all Merrowvista social platforms.
• Work with Communications Manager to write and schedule email summer family email communications .
• Write at least two longer articles for Founder Sparks the AYF email newsletter.
• Assist with daily incoming and outgoing mail and packages, as well as organize and distribute  camper family emails.
• Answer phones prepared to deal with camp procedural questions, where to direct questions about specific camper situations, and handle parents who may be nervous, concerned, or hostile.
• Track and monitor the use of camp radios, cameras, speakers, projectors and other AV equipment, and ensure devices are in good working order and are ready for use and inventoried and stored at the end of the season.
• Help prepare for Opening and Closing Days of each session, including preparation of programmatic paperwork such as evaluations, camper letters to self, and staff bios.
• Promptly discuss any difficult situations that arise in camper or staff relationships and other areas of concern with the site or Camp Program Director.
• Establish personal and professional goals for the summer and work toward those goals.
• Successfully complete all job functions, including written reports, and other duties as assigned.

 General Functions

• Encourage leadership development, healthy community living, Best Self practices and balanced Four-Fold growth according to the philosophy of AYF by instruction and example.
• Protect the safety and health of campers by adhering to community expectations and following all policies and procedures outlined in the Staff Handbook, including our alcohol-, drug-, and tobacco-free camp policy and AYF COVID-19 Staff Eligibility and Expectations.
• Fully participate in and be present at all community activities and staff training.

Required Skills

• Strong long-form and short-form written communication skills.
• Basic office management skills, including experience with Microsoft office and phone etiquette.
• Strong emotional and mental health. Must be adaptable and exhibit good judgement.
• Effective communication with youth participants and adult staff across a wide range of identities and backgrounds. Ability to foster positive relationships.
• Ability to understand, promote, actively include, and work effectively with diverse perspectives and identities.
• Thorough understanding of critical issues shaping the lives of young people in the U.S., especially racial and gender equity, inclusivity, justice, ethics, and cultural competency.

Vision for All AYF Employees

• Show commitment to the AYF Core Values of investing in youth, stewarding the environment, enkindling inner sparks, belonging in community, and growing together.
• Support the organization’s mission, vision, and ethics by displaying the following behaviors:
  • Integrity, openness, and honesty, listening and understanding, giving, and receiving constructive feedback, seeking a balance between personal and professional lives, dependability, and accountability.
• Adhere to all policies and guidelines as described in the AYF employee handbook.

Work Environment 

• Position is located at Merrowvista in Center Tuftonboro, New Hampshire. The Merrowvista site necessitates the ability to move through rugged terrain.
• Communications Specialist will live onsite during staff training and during the two camp sessions. Housing and all meals are provided.

Education, Experience, or Certifications  

• Must be 21 or older and one year post-high school graduation experience
• Strong communication and writing experience required (ideally journalism, marketing, PR, or other communications classes or experience)
• Experience working with children, adolescents and/or young adults preferred
• Current certification in CPR and First Aid (training available for accepted applicants)

Benefits 

• Weekly pay: $500
• Communication Specialist will receive one day off for every six days worked.
• Camper tuition discount and/or onsite childcare available for dependents

General Overview: Camp Cooks (Food Program Assistants) help with food preparation, service, kitchen clean-up and dish washing to ensure healthy, safe meals for the staff and campers.

Employment Dates: June 15 to August 13, 2023

Housing and Hours: Staff live on site, full-time for the duration of the employment dates listed above. Communal room and board are included in the compensation plan. Staff are expected to work a camp schedule that ranges from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily with breaks scheduled throughout when possible. Staff receive one day off for every six days on.

COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement: All employees are required to show proof of full vaccination and boosters for the COVID-19 vaccine upon hire.

Essential Functions

• Serve as an active member of the Food Program team, supporting colleagues and taking on responsibilities as directed by the Food Program Manager
• Assist in preparation of meals
• Assist in accommodating specialty diets and allergies for staff/participants
• Assist in receiving orders
• Maintain cleanliness of all food storage areas
• Practice and oversee safe food handling procedures, according to local, state, and Federal and ACA regulations
• Responsible for daily cleaning of food preparation areas and tools, including all prep surfaces, pots, pans, sweeping and mopping of floors
• Participate in food program team meetings, engaging in solution-based problem solving and positive communication
• Participate in all camp activities as the kitchen schedule allows (ex. Evening programs, Flag Raising)
• Promptly discuss any difficult situations that arise in camper or staff relationships, discipline, and other areas of concern with the Coordinator and Director
• Establish personal and professional goals for the summer and work toward those goals
• Complete all job functions, including requested records, written reports, and other duties as assigned.

General Functions

• Encourage leadership development, healthy community living, and AYF mission and values driven practices.
• Protect the safety and health of campers by adhering to community expectations and following all policies and procedures outlined in the Staff Handbook, including our alcohol-, drug-, and tobacco-free camp policy and AYF COVID-19 Staff Eligibility and Expectations.
• Fully participate in and be present at all community activities and staff training

Required Skills

• Strong emotional and mental health. Must be adaptable and exhibit good judgement to determine what is in best interest of the campers in their care.
• Effective communication with youth participants and adult staff across a wide range of identities and backgrounds. Ability to foster positive relationships.
• Ability to understand, promote, actively include, and work effectively with diverse perspectives and identities
• Thorough understanding of critical issues shaping the lives of young people in the U.S., especially racial and gender equity, inclusivity, justice, ethics, and cultural competency.

Work Environment 

• Position is located at Merrowvista in Center Tuftonboro, New Hampshire. The Merrowvista site necessitates the ability to move through rugged terrain.
• Food Program Assistants will live onsite during staff training and during the two camp sessions.  

Education, Experience, or Certifications  

• Must be 18 or older and one year post-high school graduation experience
• Current certification in CPR and First Aid (training available for accepted applicants) 

Benefits 

• Weekly pay: $500
• Food Program Assistants will receive one day off for every six days worked.
• Camper tuition discount and/or onsite childcare available for dependents

General Overview: The Facilities Assistants help in the maintenance and upkeep of the Merrowvista facilities and grounds during the summer season as part of the facilities team.

Employment Dates: June 15 to August 13, 2023

Housing and Hours: Staff live on site, full-time for the duration of the employment dates listed above. Communal room and board are included in the compensation plan. Staff are expected to work a camp schedule that ranges from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily with breaks scheduled throughout when possible. Staff receive one day off for every six days on.

COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement: All employees are required to show proof of full vaccination and boosters for the COVID-19 vaccine upon hire.

Essential Functions

• Maintain a clean and safe work area
• Demonstrate the attention and respect needed to learn how to use tools and chemicals safely and effectively
• Assist in collecting trash, moving supplies, and sorting recycling multiple times a week
• Clean and supply bathrooms, dining areas and living spaces
• Maintain the grounds, gardens and common spaces
• Contribute to camp culture through projects, activities and interpersonal relationships
• Adapt to unforeseen circumstances in the event that program activities need to be altered
• Promptly discuss any difficult situations that arise in camper or staff relationships, discipline and other areas of concern with the Coordinator and Director
• Establish personal and professional goals for the summer and work toward those goals
• Complete all job functions, including requested records, written reports, and other duties as assigned. 

General Functions

• Encourage leadership development, healthy community living, and AYF mission and values driven practices.
• Protect the safety and health of campers by adhering to community expectations and following all policies and procedures outlined in the Staff Handbook, including our alcohol-, drug-, and tobacco-free camp policy and AYF COVID-19 Staff Eligibility and Expectations.
• Fully participate in and be present at all community activities and staff training

Required Skills

• Work within hazardous situations involving heights, heavy objects, and power tools
• Able to drive vehicles around the site with appropriate speed and manner
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs
• Ability to respond to and direct groups of kids and/or staff in an emergency
• Ability to stay physically and mentally motivated
• Strong emotional and mental health. Must be adaptable and exhibit good judgement to determine what is in best interest of the campers in their care.
• Effective communication with youth participants and adult staff across a wide range of identities and backgrounds. Ability to foster positive relationships.
• Ability to understand, promote, actively include, and work effectively with diverse perspectives and identities
• Thorough understanding of critical issues shaping the lives of young people in the U.S., especially racial and gender equity, inclusivity, justice, ethics, and cultural competency

Work Environment 

• Position is located at Merrowvista in Center Tuftonboro, New Hampshire. The Merrowvista site necessitates the ability to move through rugged terrain.
• Facilities assistants will live onsite during staff training and during the two camp sessions.

Education, Experience, or Certifications  

• Must be 18 or older (21 years or older preferred)
• Comfortable with heights, heavy objects, and power tools
• Interest, knowledge, and skill in the use of tools, custodial duties, and maintenance preferred
• Current certification in CPR and First Aid (training available for accepted applicants)

Benefits 

• Weekly pay: $500
• Facilities Assistants will receive one day off for every six days worked
• Camper tuition discount and/or onsite childcare available for dependents