Assistant Camp Director
Department: Ronald McDonald Camp
Reports to: Camp Director
About RMC: The mission of Ronald McDonald Camp (RMC) is to provide camp programming and special events for children who have been treated and are being treated for cancer as well as their siblings, ages 7-19. Founded in 1986, our one-week overnight camp serves over 240 campers. In addition, we provide virtual programming for campers unable to attend in-person camp, and special events for campers and families throughout the year. Our camper-centered program is designed to foster independence, friendship, and community among campers who share a common experience with cancer. The ultimate goal is to be a place where kids can enjoy being kids.
Ronald McDonald Camp is a program of Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Philadelphia Region (RMHC Philly), which supports families of seriously ill children by creating a community of comfort and hope. Founded in 1974 as the first Ronald McDonald House in the world, we are the model for more than 370 Houses around the globe.
Position Summary: Assist Camp Director in developing, facilitating and evaluating the camp program, upholding the RMC camp mission and culture, managing staff and supporting the accreditation process.
This is a part-time, full-year contract position, requiring 20-30 hours/week, including the full week of camp and two (2) days before camp begins at our host camp in the Pennsylvania Pocono Mountains. Hours will be at top range during the summer months prior to camp.
Primarily a work-at-home position, some work will take place at either the Chestnut Street or Front Street/Erie Avenue Ronald McDonald House locations. Residence within the PA-NJ-DE tristate region is preferred.
You must be COVID vaccinated to be hired in this role. You will be required to maintain your COVID vaccination status as required by RMHC of the Philadelphia Region.
Essential Duties:
Administrative
- Assist with ACA accreditation standards compliance and visit
- Become fully functional on Camp Brain database
- Assist with the development of volunteer application and intake process
- Assist with new volunteer counselor interviews and staff assignments
- Assist in developing new volunteer recruitment strategies
- Assist with development and implementation of staff training
- Participate in the creation of the camp calendar and other camp marketing projects
- Assist with ordering camper/counselor supplies, t-shirts, gifts, etc.
- Assist with parent communication and development of information packets
- Assist with updates to schedules, operating procedures, staff training manual, surveys and staff evaluations
- Assist leadership team with staff and camper assignments
- Assist with camp set-up and post-camp packing and inventory of extra supplies and equipment
- Assist with staff evaluations and follow-up after the camp week
- Other responsibilities as program requires
Program
- Collaborate with and support Program Directors in all aspects of program development and execution
- Assist with development of off-season activity programs, reunions and events
- Assist in developing in-kind donation relationships to secure supplies and services within camp programming budget.
- Assist in creating a master schedule of daily activities, rest periods, meals and evening programs that meet goals/outcomes, safety and ACA accreditation standards
- Assist with receipt and organization of activity supplies, creation of activity kits and packing of supplies to be delivered to campers or brought to camp
- Assist in development of full activity/facility itinerary and transportation schedules to share with CTT Liaison prior to week of camp
- Assist in development and implementation of program training for both activity specialists and volunteer counselors
Supervisory/Risk management
- Supervise volunteer counselors and maintain positive professional relationships with all staff
- Work as a member of the leadership team to maintain the quality and safety of all camper and volunteer counselor experiences
- Review and adhere to ACA standards for safety in program areas and utilizing camp equipment; initiate RMC/ host camp emergency procedures when necessary. Ensure that camp staff and campers know and follow safety procedures at all times
- Meet daily with leadership team at camp to review incident reports and discuss challenges
- Assist with staff meetings, and support staff where needed
- Practice conflict resolution with volunteer counselors as needed
- Regularly check in with campers and staff to obtain feedback and troubleshoot
- Evaluate staff and activities; provide feedback for areas of improvement
- Ensure incident reports are completed for any significant emotional/physical incident or accident at an activity area
Qualifications:
- 4-year college degree; Child Life, Recreation, Education or related field preferred
- Prior leadership/supervisory experience
- Prior outdoor organized youth camp experience
- Acceptable state/federal criminal and child abuse background check
Competencies:
- Strong leadership skills and a desire to be part of a compassionate, mission-focused organization and love for serving children
- Ability to assist with development of a big picture, strategic plan
- Strong conflict resolution skills and proactive vs. reactive management style
- Innovative problem-solving skills and ability to effectively lead through change and emergency situations
- Ability to assist with program planning for campers with varying abilities and challenges
- Ability to supervise, train and evaluate staff competency and program success
- Compassionate, professional, friendly presence in person and through email
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Proficiency with Excel spreadsheets and database systems
- Excellent organizational and time management skills with attention to detail
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Ability to maintain a positive attitude, encourage teamwork and promote an environment of kindness, acceptance and where staff are able to express themselves creatively within the scope of safe programming
- Ability to work with flexibility in a natural camp environment with continuous physical exertion and long hours
- Enthusiasm, sense of humor, patience and self-control.
- Ability to position oneself to sit, stand, reach, lift, bend, kneel, stop, climb, push and pull items weighing 50 lbs. or less
Applicants should send a cover letter expressing their interest and a resume to
the Ronald McDonald Camp Team at: rmcampapply@rmhcphilly.org