Arts and Crafts Instructor

Under the supervision of the Camp Directors and Program Director, the Arts and Crafts Instructor provides direct instruction of art programming to a group of children between the ages of six and thirteen in a traditional day camp program. The Arts and Crafts Instructor will help champion a culture of service excellence and support and advocate the mission and values of the YMCA.

Branches: Camping

Status: Non-exempt

• Must be at least 18 years of age or older
• Current state approved first aid certification (YMCA can provide training pre-season)
• Current state approved CPR/AED certification (YMCA can provide training pre-season)
• Two or more years working with children, preferably in a day camp setting
• Must be highly organized
• Experience with lesson planning
• Must complete Merrimack Valley YMCA online Child Abuse Prevention Training within the first two weeks of employment

• Possess mature judgement and sound decision making
• Ability to observe camper behavior and apply appropriate behavior management techniques
• Monitor daily camp operations to adhere to all state, ACA, and YMCA regulations
• Relate to people in a positive but firm manner while motivating and guiding campers and staff to succeed in camp program
• Maintain positive relationships with parents, staff, and campers
• Possess a broad knowledge of camp activities, goals and objectives, risk management, programming planning and implementation techniques that help to create a fun, safe, and educational environment
• Instruct numerous classes per day for different age groups
• Ability to develop and adhere to lesson plans
• Maintain safety and cleanliness standards for the arts and crafts cabin.
• Maintains administrative records as required
• Provide a safe environment for campers and staff
• React calmly and quickly in an emergency situation in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures
• Respond to environmental and other safety hazards that relate to the camp program
• Prevent accidents by maintaining constant observation, enforcing health and safety rules, and maintaining emergency readiness
• Perform an inventory assessment at the beginning and the end of the camp season

• Position will include leading programs both indoors and outdoors
• A typical camp week is Monday through Friday 7:45 am to 5:00 pm
• There are events (ie. Family Nights and Overnights) that require more than a 40 hour work week

• Ability to lift 50 lbs.
• Position requires ability to walk/run around the rough terrain of Camp Otter
• Able to stand/move without sitting for four to five hours at a time
• Able to handle all emergency situations that may arise

• Assist Camp Directors in various areas of pre-camp staff orientation.
• Assist in an Overnight
• Attend two Family Nights
• Lead the entire camp in songs, games, and activities

• Provides leadership and support of Annual Campaign that results in achievement of our annual fund-raising goal.

• Perform other duties as assigned by Senior Leadership.

• Development and delivery of quality programming that are both consistent with the goals and objectives of Camp Otter, as well as meet the needs and expectations of the camper families enrolled.
• Expansion of existing programs through building on traditional camp activities, while developing new program ideas relevant to that week’s theme.
• Development of quality staff and volunteers that are fully engaged in the camp and provide a safe and rich experience for all program participants.

To become a part of our working team, download the employment application and email Steph Doherty, Camp Otter Director, at Sdoherty@mvymca.org. You may also mail the application to Merrimack Valley YMCA, 360 Merrimack Street Suite 270, Lawrence MA 01843.

The core values that guide the YMCA in fulfilling the mission and goals are: Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility. We instill these values in all programs while making healthier lives achievable for everyone.

**Denotes essential function of the job.  The YMCA promotes an equal employment opportunity work place which includes reasonable accommodation of otherwise qualified disabled applicants and employees.  Please see your manager should you have any questions about this policy or job duties.

 Nothing in the job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time nor does it cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required.  Job descriptions should never be misconstrued as an employee contract.  All employees are “at will.”