Summer Day Camp Drama Specialist - Camp Wakanda (Reading)

Job Description

Job Description

Description

Organization:

The YMCA Is the nation’s leading nonprofit, committed to strengthening communities through healthy living, youth development and social responsibility. In Boston, the Y is over 150 years old, successful in empowering people of all ages to learn, grow and thrive. In neighborhoods across greater Boston, the Y is community centered and has the presence and partnerships to deliver positive change. Every day the Y’s impact is felt, whether it’s an adult who chooses a healthy lifestyle; a child who is inspired to learn a new skill or a community that comes together for the common good. The Y. So Much More.

Position Summary:

Under the supervision of the Camp Director, the Drama specialist develops an engaging theater arts curriculum, in support of Readers Theater.  This is an interactive curriculum that encourages children to express their specific character through voice and gestures, as well as use age appropriate theater arts activities for self-confidence building and reading fluency.   Responsible for creating and implementing camp curriculum in support of literacy and other social-emotional development activities. Provides for growth in skills, self-awareness, self-expression and group relationship building. 

Key Responsibilities

Program Implementation

• Keeps safety of campers as the first priority.  Emphasizes personal safety and emotional wellbeing with campers, parents and other camp personnel at all times.
• Creates and implements a theme related, drama curriculum with an appropriate amount of choice. Utilizes drama as a medium to educate and promote healthy activity, creativity, and reading skills. 
• Documents drama curriculum and keeps examples for following years. 
• Plans and implements recreational and educational programs that emphasize group participation.
• Creates an active, engaging environment.
• Models the quality of YMCA values to campers, CIT's, parents and staff.  Develops appropriate relationships with all campers in their care. Understands, establishes, and abides by appropriate boundaries. 
• Acts as a staff peer leader, who sets an example for how all other staff should act and present themselves. 
• Uses positive, constructive methods of discipline/positive reinforcement, and ensures that all staff does the same.
• Communicates clearly and concisely their expectations and needs for counselors during their period. 
• Keeps a direct line of communication open with supervisors. 
• Reports all accidents/incidents immediately to appropriate supervisors and creates necessary documentation.
• Communicates program information, problems, and concerns as they occur. 
• Assists with planning and implementing Camp Special Events and Family Night Activities.
• Assists with the coordination of camp activities.  Actively participates in and takes ownership of all aspects of camp program, including special events, openings, closings, and extended hours.
• Attends all staff meetings and training sessions.  Becomes familiar with provided training materials and actively incorporates them in their day today interactions and work with campers.
• Maintains and cares for all program areas and supplies. Ensures that campers treat all equipment, supplies, and camp property responsibly. Takes inventory of their supplies weekly and updates camp directors with respect to supply needs.
• Assist with pre or post care and/or transportation as assigned. Ensures that a name to face is taken before and after any transitions.
• Performs other duties as required by supervisor (remains flexible). Demonstrates a willingness to help where needed. 
• Abides by the established YMCA/DPH/ACA day camp policies, procedures, regulations, and guidelines.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to high. 
• Available up to 40 hours per week Monday through Friday for an 8 hour shift between the hours of 7am-6pm. 
• Works in indoor and outdoor environment/sun exposure.
• Maintains a professional image and manner consistent with the YMCA mission and goals at all times. 

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Must be 18 years of age and have high school diploma or equivalent; some college, and experience preferred. Achieved or working toward an education, theater education, or theater degree preferred. 
• Must have a passion for working with and nurturing children. Has the ability to work with, develop, and understand the needs of children and appropriate boundary setting.
• Must demonstrate a commitment to working with participants from a variety of backgrounds.
• Must actively work in harmony with other staff and possess knowledge of group process.
• Must be committed to carry out YMCA mission, camp philosophy, policies and goals.
• Must utilize effective communication skills.
• Must possess current First Aid, Oxygen administration, and CPR certifications and all others as required by the specific camp. 
• Child Abuse Prevention (within first four weeks of employment)
• Respect in the Workplace (Sexual Harassment Prevention)