Summer Camp Counselor

PROJECT KINDRED MISSION

To disrupt segregation by uniting and empowering diverse young leaders through transformative experiences.

We do this through a 6-year youth-driven experiential leadership development program for diverse cohorts of young people led by caring, consistent, culturally competent, diverse, near-peer mentors.

POSITION MISSION

To facilitate relationship building and personal discovery and growth with a small group of diverse young people from Milwaukee, through a weeklong overnight wilderness camping experience.

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

• Facilitating experiential activities and dialogue circles with groups of young people in grades 3-12.
• Collaborating with “Co-counselor” to plan a week of engaging, age-appropriate activities and dialogue circles.
• Proactively creating an environment of mental, emotional, and physical safety.
• Leverage naturally occurring learning opportunities at camp to facilitate group growth in areas of cultural competence, positive identity, and social skills.
• Assist with program design, camp set-up, clean-up, inventory, and other tasks that help camp function smoothly

WHAT YOU’LL DO

If you were in this role right now, you might be:

• Leading a game of capture the flag for a large group of campers and staff.
• Interrupting a microaggression from one camper to another and processing this experience intentionally with those involved.
• Leading a small group discussion about Self-Awareness.
• Facilitating downtime activities that keep campers engaged during rest times
• Facilitating the cooking of a meal around the campfire.
• Leading an activity that you planned based on a passion or hobby of yours
• Putting on a costume and acting in a skit at the opening campfire.

VALUES

We expect candidates to demonstrate accountability to and alignment with Project Kindred’s Vision, Mission, and Strategic Plan. Additional values we expect a candidate to demonstrate are:

• Self-Awareness – We are true to ourselves, and we own our impact
• Kindness – We uplift ourselves and others with thoughtful words and actions.
• Courage – We choose to stand up for ourselves and each other, even when it’s hard.
• Community – We include, respect, and empower one another.
• Joy – We share our passion, playfulness, and positivity with one another.

PRIORITY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, EXPERIENCE

To be successful in this role, you will excel in the following areas:

CULTURAL COMPETENCE – Possesses the ability to appreciate and interact effectively with individuals and groups across cultural boundaries. Acknowledges that “culture” goes beyond what’s visible, and extends to many other facets of the human experience, such as sexual orientation, socio-economic status, ability, etc. Understands their own dimensions of difference and how those inform the lens through which they approach cultural differences. Continuously works to develop relationships with people of various backgrounds.

JUDGEMENT & SAFETY – Considers the long-term as well as immediate short-term outcomes and actions. Recognizes when to escalate appropriate or specific situations to the next higher level of expertise. Refrains from “jumping to conclusions” based on no, or minimal, evidence; takes time to collect facts before decision-making. Considers alternative available actions, resources, and constraints before selecting a method for accomplishing a task or project.

KINDNESS: Genuinely cares about others and takes an active interest in their concerns. Able to understand and share another person’s feelings, experiences, and emotions without judgment. Puts self “in the shoes of another.” Tries to understand how a person is feeling in the moment or around a particular issue by actively listening. Accepts others for who they are.

RELATIONSHIP BUILDING: Establishes rapport and builds trust easily. Demonstrates effective interpersonal communication skills. Deals effectively with others in order to get work accomplished. Balances concern for productivity and results with sensitivity to others’ needs or problems. Meets others “where they are at.”

FACILITATION SKILLS: Is effective in a variety of facilitation settings; one-on-one, small and large groups with audiences inside and outside the organization. Gains others’ attention and can manage group process. Facilitative; brings out the best in an audience and can adapt tactics when needed.

EMPOWERING OTHERS: Empowers others by providing tactical support, recognition, information, and the tools for others to succeed. Shares authority appropriately so people can make meaningful decisions in their roles. Allows mistakes and encourages learning from experience.

TEAMWORK: Promotes cooperation and commitment within a team to achieve goals. Understands when and how to contribute to a project or team, both as a leader and as a contributor. Provides constructive feedback to others as appropriate. Collaborates willingly; volunteers assistance and undertakes additional tasks to support others. Shares credit; acknowledges and celebrates the achievement of others.

REPORTING & RELATIONSHIPS: The Camp Counselor reports to the Program Director. You may work independently or be paired with a “co-counselor” to lead a group of 8-10 campers.

POSITION AVAILABILITY

This is a 24-hour on-call position. During training held at the Central Wisconsin Environmental Station (CWES) and during camp you’ll be residing at the camp facility and/or wilderness campout location.

Mandatory Training Dates:

July 13th & 14th, 2023 (in Milwaukee)
July 17th – 20th, 2023 (at CWES)

Summer Sessions (Apply for one or both)

Session 1: July 23rd – July 28th, 2023
Session 2: July 30th – August 4th, 2023