COA’s Camp Helen Brachman Activities Manager (Summer Only)

Department: Camp

Reports to: Camp Director

Compensation: $650/week (June 15 – July 31) – Includes room & board

Minimum age requirement: 21 years of age

General Summary: This position is responsible for training and supporting staff while ensuring high standards of health, safety, and program quality across all camp activity areas, including aquatics, sports, fine arts, and outdoor adventure. The position plans and supervises programs aligned with the mission and values of COA Youth & Family Centers and Camp Helen Brachman while managing staff schedules, waterfront operations, and program equipment. As part of the camp leadership team, the role helps lead camp-wide activities and models professional behavior while guiding youth through positive behavior management.

This position is not eligible for benefits other than those described in the Employee Handbook.

Essential Functions:

1. Train staff, provide ongoing support, and ensure high standards of health and safety in all program areas for campers and staff, including higher and lower risk activities such as aquatics, sports, fine arts, outdoor adventure, and other camp programs.
2. Plan, direct, and supervise high-quality activities that align with the mission, philosophy, standards, and goals of COA Youth & Family Centers and Camp Helen Brachman, ensuring programs are emotionally, socially, and physically safe for all participants.
3. Supervise waterfront and aquatic staff by planning and implementing staff training, training counseling staff in waterfront responsibilities such as lifeguarding (counselors with lifeguarding certifications) and aquatic spotting, and overseeing lifeguards to ensure water safety procedures and emergency protocols are followed.
4. Oversee the facilities and equipment used in all program areas, including aquatics, sports, fine arts, outdoor adventure, and general camp programming.
5. Develop and manage staff schedules for activity areas and camp programs.
6. Coordinate camper activity schedules to support the progressive programming model established by Camp Helen Brachman and the Camp Director.
7. Observe activity implementation and provide feedback to staff to strengthen program quality and encourage innovation within program areas.
8. Monitor the use and condition of program equipment by conducting daily safety checks and weekly inventory reviews. Ensure equipment is clean, properly stored, and in good repair, and report missing or damaged equipment to appropriate staff.
9. Serve as a member of the camp leadership team by assisting in the planning and supervision of evening programs, special events, overnights, and other camp-wide activities.
10. Observe and guide youth behavior using positive reinforcement, redirection, and progressive discipline in accordance with COA philosophy and the Wisconsin Association of Child and Youth Care Professionals Code of Ethics.
11. Model appropriate professional behavior at all times by maintaining healthy boundaries with campers, colleagues, parents, and visitors, following camp safety and security procedures, and demonstrating COA values in daily interactions.

Qualifications:

Education / Knowledge / Experience

• High School diploma or equivalent required
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record (for staff who will drive)
• Minimum of three years of previous residential camp experience preferred
• Minimum of two years of supervisory experience preferred
• Lifeguard Instructor (LGI) certification preferred
• Current First Aid and CPR certification required
• Archery (Level 1) Instructor certification preferred

Skills / Personal Qualities / Attitude

• Demonstrates the values of COA Youth & Family Centers
• Passion for serving youth and families
• Commitment to the mission and philosophy of camp and youth development
• Strong organizational and youth leadership skills
• Patience, positive attitude, and respect for cultural differences
• Ability to remain flexible and work well under pressure
• Demonstrated skills in designated camp program areas
• Enjoyment of outdoor activities and active engagement with campers

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions

The physical demands for this position include:

• Ability to stand, sit, and walk for extended periods of time
• Ability to lift at least 30 pounds
• Strength and stamina to maintain active supervision of campers
• Visual and auditory ability to recognize and respond to environmental hazards
• Ability to respond appropriately in emergency situations and provide basic first aid when necessary

This position works primarily in an outdoor camp setting and involves regular exposure to varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, and rain. Counselors must be prepared to participate in a wide range of activities and respond quickly to changing situations or emergencies.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

This description outlines the general responsibilities of the role and is not intended to be a complete list of all duties or expectations.