Childcare Specialist

Company: American Youth Foundation

Job Description

Overview
The American Youth Foundation-Merrowvista is a nonprofit outdoor and experiential education center specializing in youth development and character building for young people ages 8-18. We are a co-ed organization that runs onsite residential programming and wilderness adventure trips, all with the focus of helping young people discover and develop the best in who they are. The Childcare Specialist will support the camp program by developing and implementing a discovery-based day program for pre-campers (generally children of camp staff), ranging in age from 10 months to 10 years old.

Commitment to Equity and Inclusion
The American Youth Foundation enthusiastically welcomes staff and participants with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and identities. AYF seeks to continually assess our practices through a broad lens of cultural competency and is committed to taking action and changing for the better of all. We are firmly committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grow personally and professionally and all are highly encouraged to apply.

Primary Responsibilities:

Create an environment where the Scout Village campers are safe and are encouraged to explore, create, use their imaginations and positively interact with one another.
Set up existing childcare area, inventorying current supplies and prepare list of additional materials needed to be purchased.
Working with co-leader, establish the daily routine/program schedule for the young people in the program. Routines may vary based on the age of children and may include free play, crafts, reading, music, nature exploration, etc.
The resources of Merrowvista are available for use by the Scout Village. Work with the Activities Team and Waterfront Coordinators to schedule access to the many program resources of the site (e.g. use of baseball field, equipment, arts & crafts).
Communicate with the parents of Scout Village campers regarding any special needs or emerging issues involving their child/children.
When not with Scout Village, participate in all community activities and meals, and strive to model the mission and values of the American Youth Foundation.
Set personal and professional goals for the summer and work towards achieving those goals.
Support the in-camp program by reading stories and helping with homesick campers during the evening.

Essential Functions:

Ability to respond to and direct groups of kids and/or staff in an emergency.
Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs.
Ability to navigate camp terrain.
Ability to swim.

Qualifications:

Minimum 18 years of age.
Ability to work as a part of a team.
Current Lifeguard certification (or ability to pass certification course at Merrowvista).
Current Wilderness First Aid certification (or ability to pass certification course at Merrowvista).

Benefits: