Summer Camp Youth Development Professional

The American Youth Foundation dares people to discover and celebrate the very best in themselves and others, inspires them to explore diverse perspectives and complex challenges, and emboldens them to live courageously, engaging their full capacity. We are a 100-year-old nonprofit organization that is focused on empowering youth voices. We aim to offer equitable access to outdoor, experiential adventures. We seek to amplify youth voices as they recognize their own agency, articulate their ideas, and act with bold purpose throughout their lives. All of our employees are labeled “Youth Development Professionals”, because the work you will do with us equips you with the knowledge and experience to support young people unleashing their best into the world. After you settle into our rugged and beautiful valley among the Ossipee Mountains, you will undergo weeks of staff training covering everything from understanding broad topics like:

• Child development and behavior
• Social emotional learning
• Group dynamics

  To the practical applications of:

• How to deal with homesickness
• Running an interest group activity
• Learning tons of silly games and songs

  You will become an expert in creating a fun, inclusive environment for kids from all backgrounds. You will get hours of hands-on experience and be responsible for the health, safety, and well-being of the campers in your care. With each year of experience, you will have opportunities to gain certifications, responsibilities, financial bonuses, and professional development. In addition, you are part of an intentionally diverse community. Our communities are joy-filled, optimistic, hopeful places where each person is encouraged to explore through play and express their own authentic spirit. We aspire to create spaces where all people are included and feel a sense of belonging. In our program communities, diverse perspectives provide a foundation to build greater understanding and foster equity. You will form friendships and mentorships with your colleagues that go deeper than many other relationships. When your job is to laugh, play, and be silly, you can't help but connect with those around you and form authentic relationships. We have positions in a variety of areas of camp, including cabin leaders, trip leaders, waterfront specialists, logistics specialists, drivers, media, health team, facilities, food program, and department coordinators. For more information on our specific jobs, visit our website at Seasonal Jobs at Merrowvista - American Youth Foundation (https://ayf.com/about-ayf/work-at-merrowvista/). Job Location: Position is located at Merrowvista in Center Tuftonboro, New Hampshire. The Merrowvista site necessitates the ability to move through rugged terrain. In Camp Leaders are required to live onsite for the duration of their employment including staff training and the two camp sessions. Skills and Qualifications:  Required:

• Wilderness First Aid and CPR (will be provided during staff training).
• Minimum Age: 18 and completed one year of college or post-high school work or service experience.
• Support the organization’s mission and vision with integrity, dependability, and accountability.
• Interact effectively with individuals and groups respecting social and cultural diversity.
• Establish and maintain appropriate professional relationships and interpersonal skills that contribute to a positive community.
• Demonstrate passion for serving youth, encouraging campers to explore through play and creating a space where youth feel included and a sense of belonging.
• Fully participate in and be present at all camp community activities, including staff training activities.
• Maintain effective mental, emotional, and social interactions in our youth-centered residential summer camp program.
• Ability to handle stressful situations appropriately, maintaining mental, emotional, and social resiliency needed for the job in a fast-paced, interactive environment.
• Use effective and appropriate self-care practices for maintaining overall wellness.
• Follow all guidelines and policies as described in the AYF (American Youth Foundation) staff manual.

  Dates:

• 3 week long paid staff training
• Two 3 week long sessions with campers
• June 12th - August 10th