Program Staff

JOB TITLE: Program Staff

JOB LOCATION: Timber Pointe Outdoor Center, 20 Timber Pointe Lane, Hudson, IL 61748

Position Objective:

Program Staff at Timber Pointe facilitate the epic camp FUN- creating limitless adventure, magical moments, and life-changing experiences for individuals with disabilities and challenging illnesses through adaptive and intentional camp activities. Program Staff learn and utilize effective facilitation techniques, activity adaptations, and leadership skills to guide campers to create, bond, explore, imagine, soar and achieve.

Program Staff are trained to belay and facilitate our zip line, rock wall, and giant swing during staff training and are cross-trained in all other program areas, including canoeing, archery, science, sports/games, art, and more! We ask that Program Staff attend a lifeguard certification course (if not already certified) prior to staff training, which we will fully fund. This role requires heaping amounts of enthusiasm and creativity, as we often involve characters and costuming, accents and performances, etc., to create unforgettable moments and, ultimately, a camp experience full of wonder and excitement. Program Staff will also rely heavily on time management and organizational skills to prepare for activities, transition groups on schedule, and clean up. Outside of activities, they will assist with camper care and help in cabins during morning routines, rest time, bedtime, and other periods as needed/assigned.

Program Staff will facilitate activities for Timber Pointe day campers as well as for overnight camp sessions, which include sessions for our own Timber Pointe campers as well as sessions of partner camps such as St. Jude Peoria’s Camp Hope for children with cancer and bleeding disorders, MDA Camp for children with muscular dystrophy, and more.

Position Pay:

Program Staff will be paid a rate of $400/week (a total of $4,800 over the summer). Staff members are required to live on-site during the season but may leave during off-times. Meals will be provided throughout each camp session (we are inclusive and accommodating of any dietary restrictions), and a refrigerator/microwave will be available for use. Cabins are climate-controlled, and laundry facilities are available on-site. In addition, camp staff may use watercrafts (canoes, kayaks, etc.) and the pool during off-times if there is no programming running and all camp policies regarding the use of these areas are followed.

Employment Dates:

Program Staff: May 19th-August 10th, 2024. Program Staff are required to attend mandatory training (Staff Development) prior to the camp season, which will be held May 19th-24th (Program Staff Development Week), and May 26th-May 31st (All Staff Development Week). Camp Season runs June 2nd-August 10th, 2024.

Program Staff must begin on the training start date and be available for the range of dates listed. If there is a prior commitment (wedding, family gathering, trip, etc.), please state it during your interview, and we will try our best to accommodate.

Program Staff will receive at least one day off per week and additional time off depending on which programs are running that week (Partner Camps, TPOC Overnight/Day Camps).

Job Functions:

• Facilitate activities in our primary program areas (Rock Wall/Zip Line, Arts & Crafts, Giant Swing, Sports & Games, Cooking, Science, etc.), specialty theme activities, and all-camp activities/evening programming. Practice strong, positive collaboration, communication, and teamwork when co-facilitating activities with a diverse team of Program Staff.
• Serve as lifeguard during swimming (pool) and lakefront activities (canoeing/kayaking/paddle boarding, etc.)
• Plan ahead to organize, transport, prep, and set up supplies needed for assigned activity areas (ex: cutting out materials ahead of time for arts & crafts, filling water balloons/kiddy pools for sports & games, etc.)
• Clean up activity areas/supplies after use, keep activity areas/supplies well-organized, and communicate to supervisor if supply inventory is low or things need to be repaired/replaced.
• Communicate orally and in writing with campers, coworkers, and supervisors.
• Identify and respond to environmental hazards at camp; responds to written emergency plans and verbally issued instructions; assists campers safely and effectively during potential emergencies.
• Nurture campers’ development, self-esteem, and independence in areas including but not limited to behavior, social interaction, and emotional regulation.
• Complete required paperwork and documentation, including incident/accident reports, rope logs, etc.
• Assists with set-up, decorating, clean-up, meal times, dishes, bringing luggage to/from cabins.

Marginal Responsibilities:

• Attends and participates fully in mandatory training (“Staff Development”) at the beginning of summer, learns and retains information presented in a variety of learning environments (including role-play scenarios), and utilizes this knowledge to provide the best possible experience for campers/guests.
• All other duties as assigned to best ensure the success of camp.

General Expectations:

• Live with campers of all ages and abilities in a cabin, helping them adjust to camp life and grow in understanding of other campers and the dynamics of community living.
• Bring creative and engaging techniques to the delivery of programs, seeking to maximize fun while increasing connection, autonomy, resilience, and positive self-image for each camper participating.
• Utilize adaptive strategies and a strengths-based approach to ensure all activities are universally accessible and in line with the Timber Pointe mission of inclusivity and empowerment. Plan and facilitate activities relevant to our population’s needs and abilities, so that all campers are able to participate, recognizing that participation may look/sound different for each camper.
• As assigned, help counselors with the supervision of campers. Assist as needed with personal care, toileting, transferring, showering, etc. Know the location of campers at all times if/when under your responsibility.
• Provide a physically and emotionally safe environment for campers and coworkers where they feel comfortable trying new things and communicating concerns. Set campers up for individual success.
• Participate fully in the camp program, including leading or assisting with activities, managing behavior, following the daily schedule, engaging with campers during “down times,” and putting an enthusiastic effort into camp traditions, dress-up days, songs/cheers etc. (the goofy parts of camp that make it truly magical!)
• Possibility of mentoring/coaching volunteers, Counselors-in-Training or other camp staff.

Education/Experience Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• College experience in Therapeutic Recreation, Outdoor Education, Physical Education, Special Education, or a related field. Preferred, but not required.
• Lifeguard, CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to get certified required (We will fund a course)

Competency Requirements

• Demonstrates the emotional resiliency to handle extended, repeated stressful situations appropriately and be capable of “self-management” of his/her/their own conditions with reasonable accommodations, which can be made without altering the requirements of this role.
• Emotional and physical stamina to joyfully and enthusiastically engage with a community of campers and staff for 12 weeks in a summer camp environment.
• Patience, willingness to learn, integrity, adaptability, flexibility, enthusiasm, and self-control.
• Ability to understand, role model, and follow Timber Pointe Outdoor Center policies and procedures and to utilize strategies/tools taught during training for professional development and interactions; ability to seek/accept supervision and guidance.
• Accepting of differences in ability/religion/ethnicity/culture/race/gender/sexual orientation and/or other diversities. Willingness and ability to treat all campers and staff fairly regardless of background/preferences.

Physical Requirements

Due to the fast-paced schedule, stimulating sensory experience of large-group living and dining, and emotionally/physically demanding role of a staff member, all team members must have the physical, cognitive, and mental ability, as well as strength and endurance to perform all job functions and expectations listed:

• Ability to independently navigate, participate in and provide supervision to active/outdoor activities spread out over Timber Pointe’s 170-acre facility, which may include without limitation walking long distances, running, paddling, crouching, reaching, pulling, and lifting 50 pounds or more.
• Emotional and physical stamina to joyfully and enthusiastically engage with a community of campers and staff for 12 weeks in a summer camp environment.

Work Environment

• Outdoor camp environment with exposure to all types of weather and conditions, including extreme heat, cold, snow, rain, and specific environmental realities (humidity, wind, bugs, lake water, etc.)
• Reside in camp cabins in a bunk-bed with limited privacy and infrequent, minimal access to technology (internet, cell phone, etc.)

Prior to applying to Timber Pointe Outdoor Center’s 2024 Summer Team, please be ready to commit to providing the safest camp environment possible. 2024 Timber Pointe Summer Team members will be required to practice intentional COVID safety and consciousness for the entirety of their summer agreement. All staff will be required to be tested weekly and practice safe hygiene protocols. Masks may be a requirement (for our current weekend camps, all campers/staff/volunteers mask when going through the meal line and when participating in cooking class). While vaccination is not currently required, it is highly recommended.

Easterseals Central Illinois is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Easterseals is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, call 309.686.1177.