Summer Camp Lead Counselor West Philly, Neighborhood Bike Works

Posted by on April 07, 2014

Summer Camp Lead Counselor West Philly – Neighborhood Bike Works

Neighborhood Bike Works (NBW) is a nonprofit organization that provides educational, recreational, and career-building opportunities for urban youth in underserved neighborhoods in greater Philadelphia through bicycling; it also promotes cycling as a healthy, affordable, environment-friendly form of transportation. Through its two sites in Philadelphia, NBW provides after school and summer programming to youth, and space for adults to utilize bicycle tools and equipment during Adult Repair Cooperative hours. In addition, NBW’s North Philadelphia Bike Shop hosts a full retail bicycle shop open five days per week.

Position Summary: NBW has one open temporary position for a Summer Camp Lead Counselor at our West Philly camp. Beginning in late May, this individual will work part-time at which time s/he will receive training, help coordinate the summer camp schedule, prepare lesson plans, and assist with other administrative tasks. S/he will also prepare and facilitate two Parent Orientation sessions prior to the start of summer camp which includes creating the agenda and compiling registration records of any applications or payments that are still due. In July and August, s/he will be primarily responsible for the day-to-day operations and instilling a safe and fun camp experience. This will include leading all camp activities, leading bicycle trips to local destinations, overseeing and assisting with the Earn-A-Bike class instruction, completing daily paperwork, and monitoring food distribution for breakfast and lunch. The person may also be required to assist with other programs and tasks as seen fit.

Candidates should have experience working with youth and knowledge in basic bicycle mechanics.

Reports to: Youth Program Coordinator and Program Director

Supervises: Summer Camp Assistant Counselor, five Youth Instructors, and adult volunteers

Dates: Position starts May 28, 2014 and ends August 30, 2014.

Schedule: Prior to camp start and after camp ends: approximately 10-20 hours per week (must be flexible)

July – August: 40 hours per week for 8 weeks during camp (must be flexible)

Camp runs June 30 – August 22, 2014 from 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Primary Responsibilities:

Assist in camp planning for each camp session

o Develop a schedule of extracurricular activities and games to use as icebreakers and during down time for
groups of 6-12 youth. Write lesson plans as needed.

o Communicate with parents via phone and email regarding tuition payments, financial aid details, and
attendance at a mandatory Parent Orientation

o Other tasks as necessary to prepare for summer camp

Manage day-to-day operations once camp begins

o Develop positive relationships with youth and families through communication via phone and email as

o Ensure that the schedule for daily trips, activities, and lessons is maintained

o Manage program paperwork including sign-in sheets, surveys, and meal service forms

o Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations

o Manage daily rides with safety as a number one priority

o Plan each session’s graduation picnic/BBQ

o Complete an end of summer camp Report

Manage groups of 12 campers

o Exude a positive attitude and set the tone for a fun and exciting camp experience

o Co-facilitate fun and interactive group activities with campers

There may be an opportunity to continue working with NBW in the school year.

o Co-teach bike repair classes and teach bike safety lessons assuring that all campers understand the rules of the road

o Reward and consequence youth for behavior as necessary

o Designate small working groups or pairs to manage the shop space and projects

o Resolve conflicts between youth in an appropriate and professional manner

Provide adequate supervision and delegate tasks to supervisees, youth staff, and volunteers

o Maintain personal schedules and assure that everyone is involved with helping camp run smoothly

o Identify individual strengths and provide clear instructions for people to help, lead, or direct activities

Be a positive representative to youth, family members, volunteers and others

o Set a positive example to youth by role modeling appropriate behaviors

o Communicate with family members/parents about their child’s progress/behavior

o Always follow all bike safety rules including but not limited to wearing a helmet, adhering to rules of the road for cyclists, and setting a good example for others

This position requires a highly organized, self-motivated, reliable, people person

Demonstrated ability to work with diverse groups of youth

Youth work or education experience strongly desired

Knowledge in basic bicycle mechanics strongly desired

Be able to ride a bicycle twelve miles straight

Handle high intensity situations calmly

Be able to lift up to 50 pounds

Computer skills (Microsoft Word and Excel) required

Excellent personal communications skills

Sense of humor

PA State Police Criminal Background Check, Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance, and FBI Clearance
American Red Cross CPR and First Aid Certification required

To Apply: Eligible candidates should email a resume and cover letter to Liz Pisarczyk at  [email protected]. Please use Microsoft Word attachments including your name and “Summer Camp Lead Counselor – West Philly” in the subject line. Deadline is April 18, 2014. Please check our website for more information on NBW at http://www.neighborhoodbikeworks.org prior to applying.