Wilderness Camp Director

MISSION STATEMENT: 

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church.  Its message is based on the Bible.  Its ministry is motivated by the love of God.  Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

SCOPE OF POSITION: 

The job of Wilderness Camp Director is to see that every department of the “Wilderness Camp” (aka Camp Cougar) is running smoothly. The Wilderness Camp Director will be responsible to the Corps Youth Officer and will have full authority to recommend hiring and firing of the camp staff, as well as serve as the general counsel for camper and/or staff disciplinary problems. The Wilderness Camp Director supervises the Wilderness staff.

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE:

• High school graduate or equivalent required
• Prefer work experience of four or more years or a youth orientated college degree
• At least four years experience in working with staff and children in a supervisory or teaching position
• Must have experience in the supervision of personnel

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Possess good leadership skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Be able to pass a child safety background check
• Be detail oriented and well organized
• Must be knowledgeable in the areas of children/personnel safety assessment, planning, problem solving, and crisis intervention
• General computer knowledge with Microsoft Word and Excel  
• Copier and other related office equipment use helpful
• Must be able to learn Salvation Army Camp software

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee the Summer Residential Wilderness Camp program under the leadership and cooperation of the Corps Youth Officer
• Participate in the planning and implementation of creative programming that meets the mission of Camp Gifford and The Salvation Army
• Arrange and schedule programs with the key staff of the summer camping program
• Supervise Wilderness staff
• Create and maintain good staff morale and arrange scheduling to allow for appropriate personal time-and fellowship with other staff when allowed by camp schedule
• Lead campers and staff members in teambuilding and confidence building events throughout the week
• Responsible for staff and camper security ensuring that an environment of safety is continually observed
• Responsible for camper disciplinary problems
  • Guide the Program Team with program issues, concerns, and disciplinary actions
  • Interact with parents of campers to find the best solution to discipline issues including, when necessary, the removal of a camper
• Responsible for statistic sheets (meal counts, canteen, NSA, etc.) and turning them into the secretary at the end of each week
• Conduct weekly debrief meetings maintaining schedules, briefs, and useful information for a comprehensive end of season written brief
• Drive TSA Fleet Vehicles on official Camp Gifford/TSA business
• Follow The Salvation Army policies on handling personnel, finance, and general protocol
• Give spiritual direction to the staff by leadership and example. Be an example of Christ to staff, campers, and volunteers through your verbal and non-verbal interactions, by your lifestyle and by your presence
• Maintain a standard of cleanliness and orderliness within the camp
• Assist with cleanup of the total camp at the end of teaching session and at the conclusion of the summer

GENERAL DUTIES:

• Exhibit effective Christ-like conduct and service as an appropriate example for campers and staff
• Give support to the total camping program performing all other duties required to provide a consistently excellent program
• Attend and participate in all camp programs as required including, but not limited to evening programs, chapel activities, and staff meetings
• Follow all policies and procedures
• Maintain cleanliness and order in your person and living quarters
• Assist with cleanup of the total camp at the end of each session and at the conclusion of the summer

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:   

• Sit, walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, and twist on an intermittent or continuous basis
• Grasp, push, pull objects, and reach overhead
• Operate a telephone and computer
• Lift up to 25 lbs.
• Understand verbal and written information
• Sweep, clean and perform other janitorial tasks as needed

Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation.  A qualified person with a disability may request a modification or adjustment to the job or work environment in order meet the physical requirements of the position.  The Salvation Army will attempt to satisfy requests as long as the accommodation needed is reasonable and no undue hardship would result. 

BENEFITS:

A generous benefits package is included with full-time positions:  paid holidays, vacation time, sick time, and medical, vision, and dental insurance.

Health Insurance:  Low bi-weekly premiums for employee-only coverage, Kaiser HMO for those residing in a Kaiser service area, Anthem EPO/PPO is available for those residing outside a Kaiser service area.  Voluntary +1 and +family coverage at additional cost.  Delta Dental DHMO and DPPO dental insurance are offered.

Life and Voluntary Options.  An employer-paid life insurance policy covers employees.  Voluntary supplemental life, short-term and long-term disability plans are available.

Retirement Plans:  Employer-funded Money Purchase Pension Plan (Defined Contribution Plan) 50% vested at five years eligible service time. Plus, an employee-funded voluntary 403(b) option.

Parental Leave:  The benefit is 40 hours of Paid Leave for qualifying events.

Sick Leave:  12 days of Sick Leave annually accruing from day one, eligible for use after three months’ service time.

Paid Vacation:

• Two weeks annually, accruing from day one, for non-exempt positions
• Four weeks annually, accruing from day one, for exempt positions
• Accrued vacation is eligible for use after six months’ service time

Paid Holidays:  13 designated holidays + 1 floating holiday per year

The Salvation Army is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled.