Program Specialist AmeriCorps-Outdoor Living Skills

Service Summary:

The Program Specialist-Outdoor Living Skills is responsible for developing and implementing the Adventure Based Learning Program during summer camp. The Adventure Based Learning program involves a high and low ropes course. This is a seasonal position.

AmeriCorps Summary:

AmeriCorps members agree to complete a term of National Service; as they support Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee programming and receive a set living allowance. Upon successful

completion of this term of service, AmeriCorps members are eligible for a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award.

Responsibilities:

• When on duty, account for the location of all youth for which you have direct responsibility.

• Only use discipline techniques approved by the Camp Whitcomb/ Mason Behavior Management

  Plan and trainings.

• Seek immediate medical help for any sick or injured youth.

• Report medical emergencies as designated by the Camp Whitcomb/ Mason Emergency Action

  Plan.

• Attend all meals and sit with youth during meals.

• Act as a positive role model while at the pool, waterfront, archery range or other high risk

  program area. Only use techniques which are safe and appropriate. Provide careful supervision

  of youth during these times.

• Develop ropes and challenge course programs which utilize low and high element challenges.

• Ensure all programming is developmentally appropriate for the age group you are working with.

• Ensure all youth taking part in the Ropes and Challenge Course are using equipment sized for

  their height and weight when participating in high element challenges.

• Utilize a wide range of resources available to you, including but not limited to backpacks,

  portable stoves, campfires scars, tents, outdoor rock wall, low elements, games and initiatives

  equipment, matches, wood, rain gear, canoes, PFD’s, paddles, bows, arrows, waders and ropes.

• Facilitate programs with an experiential education style while utilizing a natural and logical

progression for learning outdoor living skills and environmental education activities.

• Ensure that your area of responsibility is clean, free of food, and orderly.

• Hand in maintenance request forms any time you notice areas or items in need of repairs.

• Assist with the set up and take down of camp, which may include pre-camp cleaning and

  landscaping.

• Ensure the Ropes and Challenge Course is maintained, quarterly check of Ropes Course is done, and equipment is checked for safety before and after each group.

Education Requirements:

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Must provide proof of citizenship, as required by AmeriCorps.
• Must pass background check requirements, including fingerprint screening.
• Some college, major in Education or Recreation preferred

Experience Requirements:

• One year of full-time experience working with youth from diverse backgrounds. Skills:
• Ability to obtain ABEE certification for Rope Course facilitation.
• Ability to organize and plan activities for children ages 7-14.
• Ability to communicate and work with groups participating (age and skill levels) and provide necessary instruction to campers and staff.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills.
• Excellent organizational, communication and team building skills.
• Strong background in education.
• Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to the activity.
• Physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid. Must be able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury) and possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an AmeriCorps member to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Some physical requirements of this position could be endurance including prolonged standing, some bending, stooping, walking long distances, hiking, climbing, and stretching; requires eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity to manipulate outdoor equipment and camp activities; requires normal range of hearing and eyesight to record, prepare, and communicate appropriate camper activities/programs and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs; willing to live in a camp setting and serve irregular hours with limited or simple equipment and facilities; and with daily exposure to the sun, heat, and animals such as bugs, snakes, bats, etc.

Service Environment:

The service environment characteristics described here are representative of those a member encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the service environment is usually moderate.