Description
In 1887, John Ames Mitchell, editor of Life magazine, raised $800 to send 266 children from New York City to the Life Fresh Air Farm in Branchville, Connecticut. Since that first summer, thousands of children and teens have participated in life-changing experiences at our nature-based summer camp and after-school programs in New York and New Jersey. We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to play, learn, and grow at camp. Trail Blazers is committed to creating diverse, equitable, and inclusive spaces where all children, families, and staff are valued, included, and empowered.
Summary of Position
The Teen Leader Supervisor works closely with the Camp Director as part of the core administrative team. Responsibilities include supervision of the teen leaders program, 1-2 front-line group leaders, coaching and supporting staff, oversight of program implementation, assisting in the development and implementation of in-season training, managing administrative systems, assisting the Logistics Director in special events, and oversight of strict health and safety protocols. Applicants should be creative, flexible, have a good sense of humor, enjoy spending time outside, and love working with children. This is a seasonal, full-time, exempt position that runs June - August.
Essential Functions:
General Supervision
- GROUP LEADER SUPPORT: Train and coach group leaders to use trauma-informed, emotionally responsive, and age-appropriate strategies for giving instructions, leading activities, and managing behavior.
- SMALL CAMP SUPERVISION: Observe small camps daily, offering coaching, praise, and guidance. Perform regular staff check-ins, manage incident reports, and conduct inspections in order to maintain an in-depth understanding of each small camp.
- BEHAVIOR INTERVENTION: Oversee camper behavior management plans, conflict-resolution initiatives, and support or lead emotion-regulation efforts as needed. Respond to escalating behavioral issues.
- CULTURE BUILDING: Model being present, engaging in healthy relationships, and having fun as a vehicle for building culture at camp.
Teen Leaders Program Development & Management
- DESIGN, REFINE, AND LEAD TEEN LEADERS WORKSHOPS: produce at least six ageappropriate, highquality workshops and experiential activities that build leadership, confidence, and community.
- PLAN AND MANAGE TEEN LEADERS DAILY ACTIVITIES: give teens opportunities to explore all program areas, exercise voice and choice, and build community across groups while taking full advantage of the property’s unique layout.
- PLAN AND LEAD TRIPS AND SERVICE PROJECTS: Coordinate with program staff to facilitate meaningful engagement of teen driven activities and initiatives.
- Perform other duties as assigned
Requirements
Job Specifications
- Two years prior experience teaching or leading youth in camp programming, childcare, or academic settings; prior camp administration experience preferred
- Supervisory experience required
- Experience, interest, and desire to work and live in a rustic natural setting
- Knowledge of human development with an emphasis in youth through early adulthood
- Able to co-work and engage in high level team work while concurrently demonstrating individual initiative and organizational skills
- Able to identify opportunities for growth and program improvement
- High level of interpersonal skills
- High levels of enthusiasm, kindness, and patience
- High level verbal and written communication skills
- Able to move safely over uneven terrain
- Able to work outside in any weather
- Able to see and respond to dangerous situations
- Able to run, bend, and change directions while moving
- Willingness to undergo background check requirements
