Overnight Camp Counselor And Alternate Director For Joseph Conrad Sailing Camp

Mystic Seaport Museum is seeking an Alternate Director for our Joseph Conrad Overnight Summer Sailing Camp. During this residential summer program campers and staff sleep aboard an historic full-rigged ship, the Joseph Conrad, learn to sail Dyer Dhows, and participate in fun activities in the evenings, including a Planetarium show, climbing the rigging, and more. This position is responsible for assisting in the day-to-day camp operation supervising campers ages 8-15 on Dyer Dhow and c420 sailboats, supervising Counselors-in-Training, and implementing evening activities. The position requires great leadership skills; the ability to work well with children; the ability to assist the Director in supervising, training, and mentoring staff; communication with campers' parents; and excellent teamwork skills. Room and board included, meals provided while camp is in session. The Alternate Director works mostly evenings as part of the camp staff which includes blocks of time off every day. A willingness to work a flexible schedule according to the needs of the camp is essential.

For more information: Overnight Sailing Camp - Mystic Seaport Museum - Mystic, CT

Responsibilities

• Lead by example as a role model who sets the tone for positive youth development
• Assist the Director with the day-to-day operations of the program
• Assist the Director with supervising and mentoring counselors and counselors-in-training
• Help create and carry out the Apprentice Program: an in-depth week long study for campers interested in Marlinspike Seamanship, Art, Marine Science, Astronomy, or other interest areas
• Ensure that all State camp licensing and safety protocols are followed
• Assist the Director in serving as the liaison between parents and campers
• Participate with activities, lead transition times, and supervise campers
• Create lesson plans for land based activities
• Assist with camp activities as needed
• Adhere to all camp safety guidelines
• Participate in basic equipment maintenance and other routine camp duties

Required Qualifications:

• Must be 21 years of age, per state camp guidelines
• Current Red Cross First Aid and CPR certification (training provided)
• Either served at least one summer as a camp director or assistant director, have had at least 16 weeks administrative or supervisory experience in an organized camp, or completed equivalent administrative or supervisory training or experience in an organized youth program.
• Connecticut safe boating certification or NASBLA approved course from your home state
• Experience working with children and youth in formal or informal settings.
• Practical knowledge of or experience in: summer camps; camp leadership and supervision; and staff management, development, and motivation
• Positive, enthusiastic and flexible attitude
• Integrity, patience, adaptability, a sense of humor, enthusiasm, and a commitment to serve youth
• Strong organizational and problem solving skills and an ability to adapt to changing program needs
• Excellent customer service and communication skills
• Responsible and mature

Desirable Qualifications:

• US Sailing Level 1 instructor certification
• OUPV License
• Experience driving powerboats in an instructional setting (training provided)
• Lifeguarding Certification
• Experience supervising a staff
• Experience with residential summer camps
• Small dinghy sailing experience

Physical/Mental Requirements and Environmental Conditions:

• Deliver programs in venues that can be cold, wet, hot, or dirty; work outside in all weather
• Position requires sufficient eyesight, hearing, and physical stamina to fulfill successfully the requirements of the Joseph Conrad Overnight Sailing Summer Camp program
• Weekend and holiday work assignments are required