Summer Leadership Facilitator (Internship Available)

If you enjoy healthy living, have a willingness to work closely with others, are open to new experiences, work hard at sharing yourself and your talent, and have a desire to positively impact the lives of youth, join us!  You'll gain personal confidence, a lifelong sense of purpose and belonging in a community like no other, and skills that can transfer into any career field.  Since 1919, Camp Manito-wish YMCA has enriched the lives and leadership skills of countless participants- and that includes our staff.  A large percentage of seasonal employees return each year, with the average tenure at Camp being an impressive 4 years.  An overwhelming number of staff alumni credit the renown leadership training they gained here for successes in their careers and communities.  Most importantly, you'll be providing an incredibly enriching Manito-wish experience for the participants in your care.

Job Overview

JOB OBJECTIVE: Summer Facilitators work from late May to mid August to provide life-changing experiences for all summer Leadership Program participants, including but not limited to those from the Schuler Scholar program and Outpost and Summer Camp participants. Summer Facilitators are expected to solo-lead 3- and 4-day wilderness trips and facilitate in-camp programming for participants. Some relevant experience is required but an 8-day training is provided at the beginning of the summer.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Minimum 19 years old
2. Previous teaching, guiding or facilitation experience
3. Certified in Lifeguard Training or Wilderness Water Safely, plus Wilderness First Aid or higher (certifications can be obtained at Camp Manito-wish prior to employment start date)
4. Experience in outdoor living and wilderness travel. Possesses skills in expedition canoeing, backpacking, and ropes course facilitation, or is able and willing to obtain those skills
5. Desire and proven ability to work with children in an outdoor setting
6. Exemplary character and desire to learn and grow as part of a close-knit community.

RESPONSIBLE TO:         Leadership Trail Director, Challenge Course Director, and Program Director

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Ability to communicate and work with groups of adolescents while providing necessary instruction to ensure successful programming
2. Ability to observe participant behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques
3. Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards
4. Mental and physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring rescue and first aid
5. Ability to carry a 75-pound canoe or a 50-pound backpack and to canoe or backpack up to 12 hours in a day
6. Willingness to train for and facilitate experiential and adventure activities for a wide range of groups
7. Must be able to relate effectively to diverse groups of people

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Lead trail groups of up to 6 participants on multi-day canoeing, backpacking and kayaking trips, including
   • creating a physically and emotionally safe community environment
   • facilitating participants’ growth in technical and interpersonal skills
   • managing behavior and emotional difficulties
   • assessing and managing wilderness risk
   • providing first aid care as necessary
2. Facilitate multi-day front country experiential programming for groups of youth aged 10 – 18, including
   • autonomously planning and running sequences of activities and processing in small groups of 5 – 12 students to achieve social-emotional outcomes and ensure growth
   • facilitating and belaying on a low and high ropes course
   • creating a physically and emotionally safe community environment
3. Understand and commit to the Manito-wish Mission, Vision and Commitment Statements
4. When not working directly with a leadership group, responsibilities of Camp and Operational support include but are not limited to: Cleaning and sanitization, Supporting Program Areas, cabin groups or Family Camp, Assist in organizing tripping workshops; Train and teach tripping skills to staff and campers, Kitchen rotations, Assisting with food pack-out and gear pack-out, repairing equipment, Driving as needed (those that are at least 21)
5. Understand and commit to the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility
6. Understand and commit to all policies related to Child Abuse Prevention directed by Camp Manito-wish YMCA
7. Provide opportunities for participant/staff discussion centering on Camp’s mission and personal growth
8. Uphold rules and policies associated with Camp Manito-wish YMCA and support the group living experience
9. Capable of effective and sustained mental, emotional, and social interaction with others in the camp’s fast-paced, youth-centered, community living environment
10. Able to maintain mental, emotional and social resiliency (such as handling stressful situations appropriately) needed for the job in a fast-paced, interactive environment
11. Other duties as assigned, including developing trainings and other resources for Camp Manito-wish staff and helping prepare logistical details for programming

TIME OFF:

1. Schedules are made according to programming schedule
2. Any other time off at the discretion of the Program Director

Special Benefits

This is a seasonal position with the highest need being during the summer. However, we do have opportunities available in the spring and fall as well.

Camp Manito-wish YMCA offers a competitive salary of $415 a week for first-year facilitators, plus room and board. We are American Camping Association accredited.

To apply, please submit an application through our website.

Minimum Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Minimum 19 years old
2. Previous teaching, guiding or facilitation experience
3. Certified in Lifeguard Training or Wilderness Water Safely, plus Wilderness First Aid or higher (certifications can be obtained at Camp Manito-wish prior to employment start date)
4. Experience in outdoor living and wilderness travel. Possesses skills in expedition canoeing, backpacking, and ropes course facilitation, or is able and willing to obtain those skills
5. Desire and proven ability to work with children in an outdoor setting
6. Exemplary character and desire to learn and grow as part of a close-knit community.

RESPONSIBLE TO:         Leadership Trail Director, Challenge Course Director, and Program Director