Summer Camp LIT/CIT Leader

Description

All Summer Camp Staff Positions are full for 2024

Thank you for your interested in working with us at Hidden Villa!

If you would like to be added to our Staff Waiting List, please send a resume and cover letter to [email protected] with subject line: 2024 Camp Staff Waiting List

Check back with us in January when the application for summer 2025 is open!

Program Summary

Hidden Villa is a non-profit organization with a 100-year history, focusing on environmental education, land stewardship and community building. We use our organic farm, surrounding wilderness and community to provide opportunities to learn about the environment and social justice. Hidden Villa stretches over 1600 acres of open space in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, about 40 miles south of San Francisco.

Hidden Villa is committed to creating an environment where all people are welcomed and feel a sense of belonging while here on the farm. This approach opens the door for formative experiences for our campers as they enjoy this beautiful place in nature and build connections with the people and world around them.

Each day campers embark on adventures through the farm and wilderness preserve. They are challenged to try new things and find confidence in their individuality as they strike up friendships with the other youth in their group. Our staff are trained on how to maintain an empathetic and compassionate learning approach while they facilitate thought provoking activities and discussions around social and environmental issues.

Position Description

The leaders of the Counselors in Training (CIT) and Leaders in Training (LIT) programs get the unique opportunity to mentor and guide upper high school students as they take steps to prepare themselves for the world after high school. These leadership programs are designed to equip campers with leadership skills that they can begin using right away at camp, at home and in their schools. Our CIT & LIT leaders are responsible for designing and delivering high quality programs as well as being open to letting the campers steer the conversations and experiences. As these young people develop more independence and autonomy within our community, they put the pieces together to be exceptional leaders.

About the Position

Position Title: CIT and LIT Program Leaders

Reports to: Unit Leader

Exempt/ Non-Exempt: Exempt

Benefits: $650/per week. Outdoor Living space & meals provided.

Duration: June 3rd - August 3rd, 2024 (Paid staff training May 28th - June 14th)

Essential Job Duties

Oversee scheduling of activities for each camp session and coordinate time off for staff in your camp.
Ensure the health, safety and well-being of all campers in your camp.
Conduct written and oral evaluations of Leaders in Training and Counselors in Training program participants.
Attend and be an active leader in All Staff Training.
Produce a written report at the end of the summer.
Work as a mentor in the LIT and CIT programs, teaching teens to work with children as well as leadership & life skills.
Create a fun and exciting camp experience for teens in your charge
Recognize and respond to opportunities for problem solving in the group
Work with Teen Camp staff when there are camper adjustments or discipline problems
Act as a role model among other staff members, demonstrating a high level of professionalism at all times
These are not the only duties to be performed. Some duties may be reassigned and others assigned as required
Ability to train and supervise staff and teens, and assess ability and skill levels appropriate to lead activities.
Abilities to observe camper and staff behavior, assess appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior management techniques.
Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to camp activities.
Ability to live onsite in a community with little privacy.

Candidate Qualifications

Previous camp staff experience in a supervisory capacity
Current CPR, First Aid, and CA Food Handler certifications; or willing to obtain
Ability to creatively schedule programs, facilities and staff
Ability to develop and teach workshops
Ability and experience in supervising youth programs
Ability to coach and give feedback to a diverse group of staff and teen campers
Excellent communication skills
Social justice teaching experience and/or experience working with underserved youth populations
Desire and ability to work with teens in an outdoor setting
Strong interest in developing camp programs
At least 21 years of age
Flexibility and patience
Ability to utilize youth work appropriate self-care techniques
Desire to learn and grow

Physical Requirements

This job operates in an outdoor setting. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. Camp can be a high energy environment where noise and stimulus can reach overwhelming levels. While performing duties of this job, the employee is required to regularly stand; walk miles at a time on uneven terrain. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Mandated Reporting and Staff Training

Our summer camp staff members are mandated reporters and are required to complete a mandated reporter training. It is possible that a camper will share information or experiences from their homelife that requires Hidden Villa to file a report with Child Welfare Services. This can be upsetting to some individuals and is our legal and ethical duty to report cases of suspected child abuse.

Summer camp staff training is designed to equip our staff with the skills and tools they need to be effective leaders within our camp. At times staff training will focus on complicated topics such as mental health crises, child abuse, sexual harassment in the workplace, and neurodivergent behavior. While staff can take space when needed, participation in all training sessions is required.

Hidden Villa is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and campers.