Description

Organizational Mission & Overview

Our mission is to bring out the limitless potential in young leaders through extraordinary experiences and nurturing relationships. At PEAK, we know that with the right support and access to quality programs and experiences, all young people are able to achieve at the highest level imaginable. 

PEAK’s Four Beliefs

Every living being has inherent value.

The community is better when everyone contributes.

We can only grow when we are honest about our mistakes.

Everyone has the power to change their world.

POSITION SUMMARY: The Program Assistant supports the delivery of special camp programs involving the entire camp community, including evening activities, theme days, and other all-camp activities. This role brings the camp spirit and makes sure camp magic is felt by all, working hand-in-hand with the Program Coordinator.

POSITION AVAILABILITY: This position is an onsite, overnight position and must be available the following dates:

Staff Orientation: June 17 - 24

Session 1: June 27 - July 8

Session 2: July 11 - 22

Session 3: July 25 - August 5

Teen Camp and Camp Clean-up: August to 8 - 13

Family Camp: August 14 - 16

BASIC FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITY 

With guidance from the Program Coordinator, plan, prepare supplies, set up, and facilitate safe, high quality, engaging all-camp activities at camp, e.g. campfires, large field games, talent shows, and the camp dance.
Plan and carry out indoor, rainy day activities for all-camp, sometimes with very short notice.
Actively participate in camp programming outside of all-camp activities including camper choice time, bus duty, and more.
Gain familiarity with all of camp’s program areas to support in the delivery of programming as a program instructor substitute.
As needed, step in as a substitute for camp counselors, including overnight stays with a cabin of up to 8 campers. 
 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

This position is compensated at a rate of $700 per week, pre-tax.
Summer seasonal staff are paid on a bi-weekly basis and are classified as exempt, seasonal employees.
This position is eligible for a $50 weekly bonus for valid lifeguard certification during weeks worked.
All meals are provided during camp sessions.

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

A belief that with the right support and access to quality programs and experiences, all young people are able to achieve at the highest level imaginable. 
Ability to receive constructive feedback and coaching from supervisor and make necessary adjustments.
Ability to work collaboratively with co-workers to achieve program objectives. 
Ability to live with, support, and work with all camper age ranges at camp.
Commitment to being punctual and adhering to a schedule provided by camp leadership.
Possess strong communications skills and apply them with coworkers and supervisors, maintaining confidentiality of sensitive staff and camper information when necessary.
Ability to perform job duties in a fast-paced environment and able to embrace change and be flexible. 
While not required, familiarity with group management that is developmentally appropriate for youth and adults would be beneficial.
While not required, it would be beneficial to have the ability to pass PEAK’s motor vehicle background check and driver training and safely drive/transport adults and children in PEAK vehicles, including a 12-passenger van.

EDUCATIONAL, CERTIFICATIONS, & LICENSING REQUIREMENTS

Must be at least 18 and/or have a high school diploma/GED before the position start date to apply.

REPORTING AND RELATIONSHIPS

The Program Assistant reports to the Assistant Director of Camp Programs or the Program Coordinator.
 

PHYSICAL & MENTAL DEMANDS & WORKING CONDITIONS 

The mental and physical requirements and work environment conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

Staff are required to actively participate in all camper activities, including water-related activities.
Staff must be ready for new experiences and maintain a consistent level of energy all summer long.
Position requires standing, stooping, sitting, walking long distances on uneven terrain (5+ miles a day), and occasionally lifting up to 40 pounds with or without assistance.
Camp activities are often loud, involving many people talking, yelling, cheering, etc., in indoor and outdoor settings.
The camp environment is often hot, rainy, with bugs or other wildlife. Staff must be able to work outside in a nature setting for sustained periods of time without air conditioning. 
All PEAK Initiative properties, including Lake Valley Camp and the Milwaukee Program Center, are substance-free environments. Smoking, vaping, alcohol consumption, and the use of illicit drugs are strictly prohibited on all property regardless of whether or not staff are on break. 
Staff must be able to walk and perform activities in the dark in an outdoor, nature setting.
Staff must be able to sleep in a tent outdoors.
Staff must be able to eat in a dining hall setting with 100+ people. The dining hall will be very busy and very noisy during these times and staff are expected to supervise and sit with their cabins throughout the meals.
Staff must be able to eat family style meals in a dining hall for 3 meals a day. Sample menus available upon request. With pre-summer notice, the kitchen can accommodate most medical or value-based dietary restrictions.
Position requires working weekends and nights, with time off in between camp sessions. Camp days are often long and at times require late night camper support, especially for Leadership Team Members and Health Staff. Staff will have daily scheduled breaks. Staff will have a combination of work and on call hours for up to 22 hours a day for several consecutive days.
Staff must be able to reside in shared housing on the LVC overnight camp property in Boscobel, WI starting with staff training in June and ending after the last camp program lets out in mid-August.
Staff must be able to live and sleep in housing with campers. Cabins have electricity, but no plumbing. Staff and campers are required to use communal bath houses located within the village. 
Staff may be required to drive 6+ hours in one day, transporting campers or other staff members.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: 

The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

PEAK Initiative is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.