Overnight Camp Counselor

Overnight Camp Counselor

Cabin Counselors at Camp DREAM will be responsible for executing activities and ensuring the safety of youth at our overnight summer camp. You will serve in a team of camp staff and be responsible for providing a safe, fun, enriching overnight camp experience at our Camp DREAM property to the youth we serve who come from Vermont, Boston, and Philadelphia. 

The DREAM Program is committed to dismantling systems of oppression that affect our youth and families. This organizational commitment means that members should join this space with an intention of learning, unlearning, and diving into ways that your involvement will directly contribute to DREAM’s mission of reducing the Opportunity Gap while also supporting the dismantling of other systemic inequities. We seek members who contribute to The DREAM Program’s diverse community, as having different perspectives, identities, and skills are what allow us to excel in our service. DREAM seeks members who are ready to engage in and foster an inclusive environment, and who strive to deliver culturally appropriate and relevant programming to the youth we serve. Incoming members and staff should understand that we serve marginalized communities, which means that it is imperative that diversity, equity, and inclusivity are infused into every aspect of our work as an organization.

Objectives of Service as a Camp Counselor: 

• You will serve with the Camp leadership and counselor team to plan and run activities for all sessions of Camp DREAM.
• You will execute all planned activities. 
• You will provide a safe environment and experience for youth and staff/members.
• You will provide youth with magical, memorable, enriching summer experience in an outdoor environment.
• You will support transportation to and from camp for campers in Vermont, Philadelphia, and Boston. 

The Experience of Service as a Camp Counselor:

•  Lots of fun! 

• You will be engaged regularly with your co-servicemembers, your supervisor, and the youth. 
• You will be living residentially at our Camp DREAM property with your co-servicemembers. Applicants should feel comfortable with being in a rustic, forest environment and having limited access to internet or phone reception. 
• You will build your skills in behavior management.
• You will grow your adaptability, flexibility, and problem solving skills
• This position offers the opportunity to see new perspectives and connect with folks of many different backgrounds and lived experiences. 
• This role involves high levels of teamwork, collaboration, and interpersonal communication.
• Throughout the summer, you will be planning and executing programs and activities by incorporating important learning objectives with your own passions and skills! 

Required Qualifications: 

• To be an AmeriCorps member you MUST be 17 years or older, and be a US Citizen, US National, or Lawful Permanent Resident Alien. 
• Excitement and passion around working with youth. 
• Commitment to the entire service term (June 3rd-August 16th)
• Commitment to the mission of AmeriCorps and DREAM.
• Desire to enhance existing skills and develop new skills necessary for service.
• Commitment to serve as a role model for youth.
• Elevated awareness of issues of social equity and social justice with a commitment to continued learning as it relates to serving our diverse community in a manner that is respectful and aware. 
• A passion for supporting your own and others’ ongoing work around Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
• Demonstrated ability to manage time and set priorities while giving consideration to those who you are serving, your fellow team members, the organization, and the self.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Previous youth work experiences or motivations/preference for gaining experience in youth services. 
• Previous experience as a camp counselor and/or outdoor educator. 
• Creativity, energy, and an entrepreneurial spirit.
• Current driver’s license, proof of insurance, and clean driving record. (**NOT REQUIRED but preferred to support session transportation)
• First aid and CPR certification by the time summer sessions begin. (If not currently certified, DREAM will offer opportunities for certification during our summer orientation.)
• If you have any particular skills or interests that could potentially translate into programming or contribute to this role, please include them in your application. This could include: 
  • The ability to teach an activity or skills/expertise in:
    • canoe/kayak/paddleboard
    • woodwork
    • swim
    • field games - soccer, baseball/softball, kickball, ultimate, etc
    • drama/singing
    • musical instrument
    • yoga/pilates/aerobics
    • wilderness skills
      • firebuilding
      • navigation with map and compass
      • ecology of the pond/forest
    • cooking
    • arts and crafts
  • Any other relevant certifications

Term and Compensation:

• Dates of service: June 3, 2024-August 16, 2024. 
• 60-75 hours per week, 450 total service hours. 

• $750 biweekly, $4,500 total (6 pay periods) 
  • These are PRE-TAX amounts.
• Upon completion of dates and total hours, you will receive an education award of $1,956.35 (pre-tax). Click here to learn more about the Segal Education Award. 
• Free housing for your entire term is included. 
• AmeriCorps members are also eligible for:
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (food stamps)
  • Child care assistance
  • Student loan deferment (forbearance)
  • Other publicly-funded benefits, such as heating and utility assistance.
• If you engage in work-related travel in a personal vehicle outside of your commute, DREAM will provide reimbursement for mileage.
• As an AmeriCorps member at DREAM, you will have the additional support of a DREAM AmeriCorps Director to help you navigate your service term and apply for publicly funded programs.

Travel:  Staff who meet the driving requirements for DREAM will be expected to assist with camper transportation to and from camp weekly. Drives will be done in pairs, and may be 1-9 hours long. Out-of-the-area and overnight travel may be occasionally expected.

Work environment:  This position primarily operates in an outdoor environment with active children and other service members, for extended periods of time, and in all types of weather and environmental factors (heat, cold, wet, etc.). This role will operate occasionally in an office-type environment and may use standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

Physical demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee/member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job: 

• This position requires comfort working in outdoor environments, regardless of the weather.  This position can be very active and frequently requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing.  
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee/member is regularly required to communicate with individuals who talk and hear.  
• The employee/member will occasionally be required to lift and/or move items over 50 pounds.  
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee/member is regularly required to observe and comprehend using vision abilities that include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

AAP/EEO Statement:  The DREAM Program is an equal opportunity employer and an incorporated 501(c)3 charitable organization. The DREAM Program prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

At will employment:  The DREAM Program is an at will employer. Employment with The DREAM Program is voluntary and is subject to termination by you or The DREAM Program at will, with or without cause, and with or without notice, at any time. The policy of employment-at-will may not be modified by any officer or employee.