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Adolescent and Young Adult Coordinator

The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, Ashford, CT, United States


Founded in 1988 by Paul Newman, The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp provides "a different kind of healing" to thousands of children with serious illnesses and their families annually - all completely free of charge. For many of these children and families, Hole in the Wall provides multiple Camp experiences throughout the year at the facility in Ashford, Conn, in dozens of hospitals and clinics, directly in camper homes and communities and through other outreach activities across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.

Position Description
The AYA Coordinator will collaborate closely with the Assistant Camp Director to continually review, develop, and oversee the Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) programs. These programs include Hero's Journey (HJ), Champion's Journey (CJ), Junior Staff (JS), Journey On, Hero's Quest, Champion's Quest, and the YA Conference. The AYA Coordinator will ensure that these programs are designed to support and empower adolescents and young adults while maintaining a high standard of excellence. In fulfilling these responsibilities, the AYA coordinator will at all times model and transmit the Camp culture of Safety, Respect, and Love.

Our Adolescent and Young Adult Coordinator can expect to...

Work with the program team to coordinate seasonal staff recruiting. In conjunction with the Assistant Camp Director, recruit, review, interview and select returning and new summer staff.

Assist with all AYA participant recruitment, conversations and selection.

Prepare sites for all programs, spring, summer, and fall.

Lead the continual planning and execution of enhancements to current programs.

Plan and conduct a comprehensive orientation for all AYA seasonal staff and volunteers. (with the support from the Assistant Camp Director.)

Participate as a member of the "Program Team" in meetings and planning of Camp events.

Rewrite/update the AYA program manuals annually (with support from the Assistant Camp Director).

Plan, and execute the Journey On program to include but not limited to, monthly virtual sessions, regional gatherings, distribution of laptops, and mailing of any supplies.

Coordinate with Ashford FD, CSP and LifeStar for program participation and support. (with support from the Assistant Camp Director).

Assist with the research and evaluation in implementing measurement tools to evaluate program success and stakeholder satisfaction for all AYA programs; create and implement changes to further improve and grow the programs.

Facilitate communication between participants, parents, staff, and volunteers to address and resolve conflicts, child development issues, and parental concerns relative to participants and/or AYA program activities.

Update and plan the wilderness first aid curriculum.

Update the HJ volunteer informational website and handbook.

Assist in the planning and facilitation of other Camp events, such as Bandit Round Up, Holiday Party, Gala, Camp tours, etc.

Participate in relevant AYA professional development opportunities as approved by the Assistant Camp director and Camp Director.

Organize and order inventory for spring, summer and fall AYA programming.

Be familiar with and adhere to the policies and procedures contained within the Camp Manual.

Communicate and demonstrate the organization's mission, AYA program goals, and create an intentional community for staff and participants in a strong social context of "Safety, Respect, and Love".

Be familiar with and adhere to the policies and procedures contained within the Camp Manual.

Serve as a part of residential weekend leadership team at assigned Family Camp programs.

Supervise and support staff and volunteers while program is operational.

In collaboration with the Camp Director, create a budget for all AYA programs.

Coordinate all participant and volunteer evaluations at the end of each session and staff evaluations at the end of the summer. Take lead on design and facilitation of one Fall "Hero's Quest Weekend Program", and one "Champion's Quest Weekend Program".

Review any applicants whose needs fall outside the typical participant profile with the medical team.

Assist with special projects and performs additional duties as assigned.

Our Adolescent and Young Adult Coordinator should have…

Demonstrated experience in adolescent programming.

Professional experience in program development, particularly adaptive programming for adolescents with physical and cognitive challenges.

Demonstrated experience in adventure programming.

The ability to multi-task and prioritize work day/projects independently.

Strong organizational and administrative abilities.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

A familiarity with key software and database resources (e.g. Microsoft Office 365 Suite, Teams, Salesforce, FormAssembly, etc.) and adaptable digital skills.

Knowledge and experience with low impact camping, backpacking and backcountry cooking.

Full onsite summer residential required from June - August, and designated Hero’s and Champion’s Quest and Family Camps.

Weekend and evening work required.

The ability to work a flexible schedule as needed to lead, supervise, or participate in AYA activities.

The ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions (hot, cold, stormy).

The ability to operate computer for extended periods with appropriate breaks.

The ability to frequently lift up to 50 pounds.

A valid driver's license and driving record that meets HITWG insurance carrier requirements.

The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp provides a very competitive salary, a generous benefits package, and growth opportunities for high contributors.

The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp is an Equal Opportunity Employer, does not discriminate on the basis of age, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality or sex, and is committed to a diverse workforce.

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