Group Leader/ Activity Instructor
Mission: Sherwood Forest provides dynamic programs and immersive outdoor experiences that inspire and empower youth from under-resourced communities to discover their resilience, prepare for their future, and embrace their civic responsibility.
Sherwood Forest Camp is the only independent, non-profit youth development agency in the St. Louis region providing resident camp experiences for elementary school age children from economically disadvantaged families. We have a rich 85-year history, and with innovating programming being developed each and every year, a truly promising future.
Position Summary:
Group Leaders/Instructors fill two important roles while at camp: as a grade-specific Group Leader and an activity Instructor. As a Group Leader, counselors work with and oversee a cabin group of campers. Each cabin group acts as a camp family and home base for campers. As an Instructor, staff teach and lead activities within different department areas, providing grade-specific programs as well as programs for campers at all age levels. Some staff may have specialized department training.
Job Requirements and Responsibilities:
• Supervise campers in all aspects of camp life, including during activity instruction, daily routines, meal times, and unstructured time.
• Establish and maintain safe operational procedures in villages and activity instruction.
• Assist in planning of special camp programs and events.
• Assist in coordinating overall scheduling of programs and activities in their program area.
• Instruct and supervise campers in a variety activities within the following program areas: Arts, Adventure Sports, Aquatics, Outdoor Living Skills, and Ideas.
• Ability to supervise overnight trips, including learning wilderness camping skills and teaching skills to campers.
• Provide social and emotional support for campers throughout their stay at camp.
• Meets with coordinators, department head, and village director.
• Participates in all aspects of camp life.
• Participates in personnel and all camp evaluations.
• Other duties, which may be assigned by Village Director, Program Coordinator or Camp Director.
Qualifications & Certifications:
• Minimum 18 years old
• Basic understanding of and desire to work with children
• One year of post-secondary school or work preferred
Skills & Abilities:
• Interpersonal skills, especially with regards to accepting guidance and feedback
• Organizational, written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to provide a safe environment and proper care for campers
• Ability to complete certifications and required trainings as outlined in Staff Employment Offer
Essential Functions:
• Possess strength and endurance to maintain constant supervision of campers and staff.
• Abilities to observe camper behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques.
• Ability to effectively communicate in person, by phone, or in writing, and exchange accurate information.
• Ability to work and navigate in a variety of terrain and weather conditions.
• Ability to use visual and auditory abilities to identify and respond to environmental issues and hazardous situations.
• Ability to work long hours.
• Ability to live at camp over the summer.
• Ability to adhere to and uphold all regulations, policies, and procedures related to health and COVID-19.