Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) AmeriCorps Camp Educators/Summer Camp Counselors are based out of CAP’s Camp Shawnee and Camp AJ. Educators serve in elementary and middle schools during the academic year to implement a practical living curriculum and tutor students. Members also plan teen retreats at the camp and other events in the community, help camp staff maintain the facilities, and recruit campers in the schools and community. When summer camp is in session, members will serve as camp counselors or other camp staff, providing leadership to short-term volunteer counselors.
Service Activities
During school year:
--Responsible for implementing presentations.
--Acts as a liaison between the camp, schools, and community groups to schedule presentations and meet the needs of students, and uses these contacts to promote CAP’s camp program.
--Promotes school-based programs, establishes contacts with schools and community agencies, and initiates and maintains relationships with school personnel, social services, and other community agencies.
--Plans and implements after-school activities and weekend retreats for under-resourced children and youth.
--In cooperation with the camp manager and coordinator, assists in the development and implementation of the educational curriculum for all the summer camps.
--Serves as a camp safety monitor. Responsible for checking the first aid kit and restocking when needed, reports any unsafe conditions/equipment to supervisor for correction submits work orders, ensures exit plans are posted in each facility at camp, and responsible for maintaining a safe camp environment free of clutter and safe for all who visit.
--Serves in other CAP and AmeriCorps programs when doing so does not interfere with the above duties.
--Participates in additional training and enrichment opportunities as assigned.
During Summer Camp:
--Responsible for addressing the needs of children in a positive manner (i.e. homesickness, peer group conflicts, learning new skills, reluctance to participate, etc.).
--Expected to be able to serve any and/or all of the hours camp is in session including daily activities and overnight duties.
--Expected to serve the entire camp season (8-9 weeks), including orientation and clean-up week (if needed).
--Addresses unsafe practices and provides First Aid/CPR/AED treatment as needed and if certified as a first responder.
--Provides a safe environment by adhering to training, guidelines, and policies on safety in all ways, participant supervision, water safety, group activities and personal safety, and medications.
--Communicates in a confidential manner any concerns/needs to immediate supervisor and reports all potentially serious incidents and legal matters immediately.
--Adheres to program standards regarding communicable diseases and bloodborne pathogens.
--Shares responsibility with the rest of the staff for the daily and weekly cleaning of the facility, including arts and crafts building, group common areas, staff room, and staff sleeping quarters, etc.
--Assists in physical plant preparation of camp during orientation week. May include cleaning, light maintenance, stocking supplies, repairing equipment, etc.
Community Need Addressed
Our educators address low academic and social skills (conflict resolution, consumer awareness) among elementary and middle school students in rural Appalachian schools during the year and as a counselor at one of our beautiful camps during the summer.
Position Outcomes
Corps members will increase the academic and social skills of elementary and middle school students through in-school character education, tutoring, and summer camp programming.
Benefits
Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Housing, Living allowance, Relocation allowance (if applicable), Student loan forbearance, Training
In addition to the benefits described above, members also receive access to free mental health counseling.
All food and housing is provided for members who choose to live in a CAP volunteer community house. Members who choose to live on their own receive an increased living allowance in lieu of room and board.
Education Benefits
GED/High School Diploma
CPR, First Aid
Skills you will gain
public speaking, teaching, communication, conflict resolution
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Lead group discussion, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner
Creativity & Problem Solving
Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Improvise
Teamwork
Derive consensus, Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create environment of contribution, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment