Location: Ely,MN, USA
Job Description
Widjiwagan is looking for individuals to join our In-Camp Support team for our summer tripping program! This In-Camp Lead application covers the following summer support roles in Widjiwagan's summer program:
- Office Program Coordinator
o Assists our administrative team with coordinating schedules, camp communication, expenses, and other office tasks such as filing and expense reports. This position also may assist with trail staff debriefs or field support logistics depending on experience.
- Tripping Center Associate
o Works with the rest of our tripping center team and summer trial staff to outfit youth groups with appropriate gear, food, and safety equipment for successful backcountry experiences.
- Tripping Center Director
o Leads the Tripping Center team to ensure that each group is outfitted with the highest level of service, adequate food rations, and effective equipment and manages the Tripping Center's budget and ordering systems.
- Health Service Coordinator
o Inventories and stocks all first aid kits for extended backcountry use, keeps accurate and confidential records of camper health histories, and works with our team of volunteer health professionals to deliver care to campers and staff throughout the summer season.
- Kitchen
o Cooks with a team of kitchen staff, serving campers and staff with our high standards for cleanliness, and safety food for all dietary and allergy-specific needs throughout the summer season.
Individuals in each of these roles is housed in shared dorm-style housing on Widjiwagan's Ely-based campus during the duration of our summer season, May 25 to August 25, 2025.
The ideal candidate is passionate about youth development, is an effective communicator, and performs tasks with a high level of empathy, and can prioritize tasks independently and within a team. A background in outdoor education, wilderness tripping, or youth advocacy is helpful, but not required.
The salary for this position starts at $15.00 hourly. We take into consideration an individual's background and experience in determining salary; therefore, base pay offered may vary considerably depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The compensation package includes a wide range of other benefits and earned time off that vary depending on part-time or full-time status.
1. Job Summary:
The Camp Lead at Widjiwagan is responsible for providing program support at camp through connecting with camper families, managing pre-arrival paperwork and scheduling, and managing a variety of office needs. Examples may include office staff, health service coordinator, and tripping center (gear and food room) staff. The Camp Lead may support camp counselors as a unit or activity lead as well as direct service to campers. The incumbent provides high quality experiences for campers that focus on the YMCA core values: caring, equity, honesty, respect and responsibility.
2. Essential Functions:
Develop and deliver programs that are appropriate for the age/ability of the campers while following safety and educational procedures.
+ Write lesson plans and implement schedules for the program that meet camp outcomes and the abilities of the campers in small and large group activities.
+ Prepare, lead, teach, and evaluate the success of the program which may include theme/special camp activities.
+ Maintain high levels of organization and communicate clearly to camp counselors and other office staff.
+ Evaluate abilities of campers and staff and ensure they are following safety and educational procedures.
Prepare for and actively participate in staff training, continued learning, and meetings.
+ May assist in the implementation of staff training and train staff in their responsibilities at specialized program areas.
+ Assist in training staff in using equipment and lesson planning for the program activity.
+ Ensure campers and staff follow safety procedures.
+ Provide work direction to camp counselors as needed.
Assist in the direction, supervision, and organization of campers and staff in their groups within activities and throughout the camp in order to meet the intended camper outcomes.
+ Apply Social Emotional Learning concepts and basic youth development principles in working with campers and staff through communication, relationship development, respect for diversity, involvement and empowerment.
+ Ability to communicate and work with groups (all ages and skill levels) and provide necessary instruction to campers and staff.
+ Assures campers are properly supervised at all times.
+ Helps assure staff are properly supported at all times.
+ Be aware of and implement safety guidelines within all of camp.
Maintain high standards for health and mental health in all activities for campers and staff.
+ Provide daily care for every camper and staff within your program.
+ Ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid. Must be able to assist campers and staff in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury) and possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers and staff. You will be looked to as a leader during emergency procedures.
+ Ability to identify and respond to camper and staff behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques in alignment with camp training and proactive response.
+ Ensure that campers receive their medications as directed.
+ Be alert to campers and staff needs and assist them with personal and/or health problems; discuss with camp health manager and/or camp director when appropriate.
+ Contribute to verbal and written evaluations and communication as requested.
Maintain high standards of safety in all activities for campers and staff.
+ Assist in maintaining accurate program records including incident reports, documentation, and daily attendance.
+ Know and understand ALL emergency procedures associated with the camp program. You will be looked to as a leader during emergency procedures.
+ Know, enforce, and follow all safety guidelines associated with the camp and all program areas. This includes but is not limited to being responsible for camper and staff safety within your program area at all times and being responsible for campers' safety and their whereabouts at all times.
+ Be alert to equipment and facilities to ensure utilization, proper care, and maintenance is adhered to; report repairs needed promptly to camp leadership.
+ Provide supervision for campers and staff while being transported to and from camp or during scheduled field trips off of camp property.
Assist in the management and care of the physical facilities and equipment for the program.
+ Oversee the setup, up-keep, and staffing of program area.
+ Maintain and care for equipment.
+ Ensure the security of the equipment when not in use and ensure it is off-limits to bystanders when in use.
+ Conduct daily check of area and equipment for safety, cleanliness, and good repair.
+ Clean and organize program area daily, keeping it free of hazards and debris.
+ Maintain and inventory all equipment necessary for the program area.
Be a role model to campers and staff in your attitude and behavior.
+ Actively participate with all campers and staff in all programs and activities as assigned.
+ Follow and uphold all safety and security rules and procedures.
+ Set a good example to campers and staff in regard to general camp procedures and practices including sanitation, schedule, and sportsmanship.
+ Ensure that camp as a whole is kept clean, organized, and free of litter.
Represent the camp when interacting with families, volunteers, and community members.
+ Communicate with families regarding participant's experiences and provide appropriate feedback and information as needed for their campers to have a successful camp experience.
+ Follow safety and security protocols when campers are in public while presenting a positive image of the camp.
+ Help guide Camp Counselors, Junior Counselors, and Camp Volunteers to have a deeper understanding of leadership and counseling skills.
3. Relationships:
This position reports to the Program Director who reports to the Senior Program Director or Executive Director. The incumbent may take work direction from a Camp Manager or Assistant Camp Director. The incumbent interacts regularly with camp staff, campers, volunteers, and families. This position involves interaction with individuals and communities of a diverse background.
4. Qualifications:
Required
Minimum age of 18.
Adult and Pediatric First Aid & CPR/AED provided by YMCA or other certified organization
Minimum of one (1) season experience in camp, youth programs, recreation, working with children, or in a related field.
Possess or acquire the required certifications for specific program areas.
Demonstrated ability to keep accurate records and organize program area logistics.
Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team and the ability to accomplish tasks with little direct supervision.
Strong organizational and communication skills.
5. Work Conditions:
Must have the physical ability to lead and participate in camp activities which include, but are not limited to, hiking, canoeing, swimming, team building initiatives, building campfires, physical games, and activities.
Must be capable of carrying loads of up to 90 pounds and able to traverse hilly and uneven terrain without undue exertion.
Work in conditions that will create dirt and dust.
Work in conditions that may require staff to use fire protection equipment, washers and dryers, dishwashers, and specialty program equipment. Some may be asked to drive camp vehicles or watercraft.
Perform essential program support to camp activities and programs which may include, but not limited to the following activities: semi - reaching to full-reach overhead, crouching, kneeling, shoveling, working in narrow and/or confining spaces underground, overhead, and at ground level, twisting of the waist, shoulders, and legs, and lying on stomach and/or back.
Must have visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to the activity.
Must have the ability to physically manage and support children when needed for safety in general camp activities (child weighing 30 - 200 pounds).
Ability to perform a variety of tasks outdoor in different climate with daily exposure to the sun, heat, and animals such as bugs, snakes, horses, chickens, etc.
6. Additional Notes:
This job description represents the major functions of the position but is not intended to be all-inclusive. The incumbent may help in other camp program areas as needed. The incumbent is responsible for taking direction from the Program Director or their representatives in completing projects or performing duties deemed necessary for the Camp or Association success.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Pledge
The Y of the North is committed to the work and everyday practices of eliminating disparities and eradicating of unjust systems to become a multicultural, anti-racist and anti-oppressive organization. YMCA of the North team members and volunteers must exemplify the association's mission, vision and values of caring, equity, honesty, respect and responsibility.
The YMCA of the North continues to develop plans and strategies to ensure team members and volunteers reflect the demographics of the communities we serve. We will continually conduct institutional racism and oppression review of our policies, procedures and practices in recruitment and selection; compensation and benefits; professional development and training; promotions; transfers; layoffs; terminations; and the ongoing development of a multicultural, anti-racist and anti-oppressive work environment and culture that promotes equity and respect for the human dignity of all. We value and respect this diversity and choose to be inclusive through our acceptance of all.
Requirements