Activity Unit Leader

The Activity Unit Leaders work with the Program Director to support and implement the general programming and logistics for all on-site activity areas including aquatics activity areas and land activity areas. They are part of the summer leadership team and supervise and coach specialists to ensure the physical and emotional well-being of all campers and staff. Ideally, one Activity Unit Leader oversees all aquatics activity areas and the other oversees all land-based activity areas. Activity Unit Leaders ensure that activity specialists and their areas are prepped at the start of each day, programming is planned and facilitated, and equipment is in working order. They also are prepared to step into any of their supervised areas to support programming and activities as necessary. The Activity Unit Leaders work in collaboration with other team leaders to support on-camp programming, prioritizing teen inclusion in specialty areas such as high ropes and team elements, and water skiing and tubing.

Employment Type: Part-time/Seasonal

Reports to: Program Director, Camp Echo

Aquatics Area Unit Leader oversees: Fishing, Water Skiing, Swimming, Sailing, and Paddle Sports
Land Area Unit Leader oversees: Archery, Arts & Crafts, Biking, Challenge and Team Elements, Nature, Ropes (High & Low), and Sports

SPECIFIC DUTIES

• Works with the Program Director and other camp leaders to plan and implement Staff Training.
• Supervises activity specialists and takes a major role in elevating Camp Echo activity offerings and curriculum.
• Provides coaching, encouragement and necessary correction to assigned specialists as needed with regularly scheduled check-ins.
• Leads pre-session meetings with Activity Specialists.
• Leads and documents necessary in-service training to ensure skills and safety/emergency protocols are practiced.
• Rings the bell or delegates the same.
• Supports facilitation of camp activities when necessary.
• Manages and updates the electronic living inventory lists for specified activity areas every session to ensure timely attention to broken equipment and supply needs.
• Acts as the main resource for team leaders scheduling time and staff in activity areas.
• Plays a key role in all staffing and scheduling meetings with other team leaders.
• Responsible for supporting specialists and staff who are planning cabin activities and morning or evening specials.
• Participates in the planning and implementation of mid-session Saturdays (Olympics and teen programming).
• Serves as a resource for morning reflections and evening/special program opportunities, providing ideas, and support for staff as well as leading these when necessary.
• Works with Teen Unit Leaders to prioritize teen opportunities in activity areas.
• Ensures specialists are programming activities in an appropriate manner with the proper balance of safety, skill development, and fun and that camper progress and attendance records are being maintained where applicable.
• Holds Activity Specialists accountable for activity area binders being stocked with check-in/out sheets, emergency protocols, weekly curriculum, and other resources as necessary, every session.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• Offers support to Unit Leaders, other team leaders, and Traditional Camp Counselors and when able.
• Works with Staff Life Unit Leader to create positive programming for staff during sessions and on layover weekends for staff (ex. Ultimate Echo warrior, secret buddy, high ropes, etc.)
• Assists in planning and executing DIG and other theme days (ex. Pride Day, 4th of July, Camp Kindness Day, BIPOC Day, International Day)
• Assist in the coaching and encouragement of counselors staffed in activity areas.
• Assists with meal announcements and running meals as well as management of frivolity that occurs after meals at the direction of the Program Director.
• Supports Program Unit Leaders by acting as a substitute on their nights off.
• Supports Traditional Camp Unit Leaders in packing out groups for under/overnights and performing overnight checks on rotation.
• Supports the Program Director in the pre-camp hiring process as able.
• Shares responsibility for CLOD (Cause-Driven Leaders on Duty).
• Aids in the development and education of Teen Leadership program participants.
• Participates in the running of opening and closing campfires with support from Team Leaders.
• Is scheduled to work in-between sessions on at least one occasion to support the transition between groups (for campers and/or staff layovers).
• Works with the Program Director to stay in compliance with ACA Standards and helps lead other projects to enhance camp’s impact, such as YUSA’s Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) and Camp Inclusion Project (CIP).

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Previous experience in a leadership role at Camp Echo or an equivalent camp
• Demonstrated creative ability to devise and implement summer camp programs
• Certified in CPR and First Aid; (Lifeguard required, LGI preferred for the Aquatics Activity Unit Leader).
• Possess a variety of skills and experience with youth
• A commitment to working with a diverse staff and camper population for the fulfillment of YMCA goals.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF ALL CAMP ECHO STAFF:

• Models, teaches, and upholds the Camp Echo Code of Conduct and protects the well-being of all campers and staff.
• Reports any behavior that goes against the Camp Echo Code of Conduct and/or puts any camper or staff at emotional or physical risk.
• Aids in the development and education of Teen Leadership program participants.
• Maintains positive relationships with campers and other staff.
• Encourages physical, emotional, and spiritual growth and positive character development in all campers.
• Practices cultural humility, striving to actively learn about and be sensitive to cultures different than their own.
• Is a team player, helping others to achieve their potential by enthusiastically saying “yes” when asked to help.
• Takes initiative and strives to be an active participant in creating positive programs and spaces at camp.
• Cares for and maintains any program equipment, supplies, and spaces they use including activity areas (keeping track of keys) and any shared spaces like the offices, Costume Closet and Program Office.
• Handles whatever else is necessary to ensure that programs run smoothly and safely, or anything else that is deemed necessary by supervisors.
• May be scheduled to work in-between sessions on at least one occasion to support the transition between groups.

All summer positions require living on-site at Camp Echo in Fremont, Michigan. Depending on position hired, staff members live in camper or staff cabins during employment. All meals are provided while camp is in session.

If you have worked at Camp Echo from 2016-2022, please log in to your CampInTouch account and follow the link on your homepage to the staff application.

If you are a new applicant or returning staff who has not worked at Camp Echo since 2015, please create a new CampInTouch account. Once your account is created, the staff application can be found on the CampInTouch home page.

All McGaw YMCA Camp Echo employees are required to support the YMCA’s commitment to child abuse prevention. The YMCA enforces its policies and practices to prevent child abuse. The McGaw YMCA will not tolerate the mistreatment or abuse of youth in its programs. All reports of suspicious or inappropriate behavior with youth or an allegation of abuse will be taken seriously. Because of our concern for the welfare of children, the McGaw YMCA has developed standards, guidelines, and training to aid in the detection and prevention of child abuse. In addition, employees are screened, and background checks are conducted as a part of the hiring process.