Summer Camp Nurse/Health Officer

Camp Health Officer/Nurse for At-Risk Youth

Care for small groups of youth in residential treatment and other youth in state custody during an exhilarating 10-week therapeutic summer adventure camp program. Nurses and Health Officers are responsible for camper screening, health care, supervision of medication administration, and primary emergency response. They also assisting with the logistical operations of camp. Nurses and Health Officers work each day that camp is in session from 7:30am-5:00pm as the youth participate in 5-10 day therapeutic adventure programs. Nurses/Health Officers may live on site, camping throughout the summer with the rest of the Adventure Camp Staff, though it is not required. Shared lodging with modern amenities is also provided as an alternative to camping and for days off. During camp, all food is also provided. Nurses/Health Officers have the opportunity to use relationships built in intentional ways to grow our young people’s confidence, relationships, and purpose, as well helping them heal from hurt of the past and grow hope for the future.

Who we are:

Using the transformative power of the wilderness and adventure, KVC’s Meramec Adventure Ranch is dedicated to serving individuals and families whom much of the world has given up on, including youth struggling with traumatic pasts, youth in residential treatment, youth on the Autism Spectrum, and Wounded Warriors. Since 2006, the Ranch has grown to be one of the most extensive adventure bases in the Midwest and has served over 100,000 youth and families.

The ranch is a unique program; the only one of its kind in Missouri and one of the few therapeutic adventure programs left in the country that serve youth in the state system. Youth are between the ages of 6-18, have histories of severe trauma and abuse, and are working through significant emotional and behavioral challenges. Approximately 40-70 campers will attend each week, and are assigned to groups with guides and staff leading each. During these trips, adventure activities such as ropes courses, team challenges, climbing, lake and aquatic adventure activities, and the outdoors itself are used as a catalyst to build relationships and produce victories that grow efficacy, connection, purpose, and hope.

You can be a part of this critical program and play a vital role in the life stories of the incredible individuals we are honored to stand alongside each day!

When is Camp?

May 19th–June 4th: Camp Preparation/Training/Adventure Race
June 5th–July 2nd: Camp Sessions 1-4 (Residential Treatment Youth)
July 3rd–7th: Break
July 8th–Aug 3rd: Camp Sessions 5-8 (Wounded Warrior Families, Siblings separated in Foster Care, Kids with ASD)

Do I get paid for these positions?

Yes! Salaries are based on position and experience, but range from $550-$650 per week. Meals and shelter are provided at the camp, and housing is provided for time off if you desire to remain in the area. Practicums and internships are welcome.

Challenges:

• Kids who are extremely challenging to build relationships and trust with, and many times will act out in extreme ways to find out if you really are who you say you are.
• Long times in the woods with heat, bugs, snakes, ridiculously long hours, and few showers.
• Opportunities to leave a lasting impact on the program. Our team has created what the Ranch is today and our team will create what it becomes tomorrow.
• Quality performance is not based on the greatness of your techniques or strength of your skills, but on the quality and character of person you are.

Benefits:

• All those “challenges” mentioned above!
• Never have two days that are the same.

• Shared Housing is provided for all staff.
• All food is provided when running programs.

• PRODEALS, PRODEALS, PRODEALS!
• Free stickers for your Nalgene Bottle…Everyone needs a few more!
• You can bring your hammock to work…though we won’t guarantee that you’ll spend much time in it.
• Looking up a night sky from your sleeping bag and saying to yourself, “This is where I belong!”
• Stand beside people who have seen incredible adversity, hurt, and pain, and be a part of their stories as they grow to change the world!

Experience Needed:

• To be a Camp Nurse- LPN or RN Certification
• To be a Camp Health Officer- CNA, EMT, Paramedic, or Nursing Student
• A Calling/Passion to be HERE!
• GRIT
• Disciplined Work Ethic
• Honesty
• Willingness to have fun and act silly
• Creativity and Ideas
• Self-Awareness
• Wisdom and Discernment
• Willingness to learn
• Humility
• Unconditional Care, Unwavering Belief, and Consistent Accountability for yourself, the Ranch Family, and those we serve
• It’s also nice if you have experience in Adventure activities and Residential Care.

For more information:

www.facebook.com/meramecranch

https://missouri.kvc.org/meramec-adventure-ranch/

bbailey@kvc.org

573-775-5513

If you are passionate about being part of what is happening at the Meramec Adventure Ranch, send your resume to bbailey@kvc.org

We would be honored to team up with you and stand alongside some pretty amazing youth!