The Louis August Jonas Foundation

We are building a staff team of people passionate about education and dedicated to our mission of inspiring growth and transformation in young changemakers from around the world. We look for hardworking and curious relationship-builders who are committed to equity, inclusion, diversity and justice across gender, race, sexual orientation, and ability. We hope to build a team of people who think structurally and creatively and can take responsibility for co-creating our emergent environment centering community, regeneration, imagination, and care.

Our staff team is responsible for implementing our mission at every level of our program. CRS staff are responsible for guiding campers through thoughtful questioning, reflection, and decision-making as campers take on leadership responsibilities which affect themselves and the greater community. We aim to provide the greatest growth opportunities and support for our campers, which means hiring the most committed and passionate staff possible. Operating in a summer camp setting, we are at heart an international leadership program with an intentional curriculum and mission which drives all of our programming. A background in education and/or previous experience in teenage youth programs is appreciated but not required.

Camp Rising Sun considers all applicants holistically and is committed to the goal of building a staff that is diverse in lived, professional, and academic experiences. We are constantly seeking to improve the diversity of our staff to better reflect the diverse lived experiences of our campers. We strongly encourage applications from historically underrepresented groups.

While some staff members specialize in a program area, all staff are first and foremost general counselors. Primary responsibilities, regardless of position, include:

● Participating in all scheduled activities while on-duty. The daily program typically starts at 8:30 AM and ends at 10:30 PM (staff have 3 hours off a day).

● Supervising campers overnight on a rotating basis.

● Prioritizing the positive experience of campers by monitoring the physical and emotional well-being of campers, upholding health & safety procedures, acting professionally, and modeling constructive behavior.

● Assisting in large-scale and community-wide projects, instructions, or activities.

● Participating in regular meetings with the staff team.

● Participating in program evaluation and self-evaluation.

● Facilitating multiple instructions (90 minute workshops) over the course of the summer.

● Maintaining a substance-free campus.

We hope you will join us to build the 2024 CRS experience!

● Competitive pay within the industry.

● Full room and board for the duration of your contract (mostly in dormitory rooms shared with other staff members, occasionally in outdoor platform tents or lean-tos shared only with staff members).

● A 10-day immersive professional staff training including a CPR and First Aid certification (you will get paid for staff training).

● Workers’ compensation.

● Travel stipend for out-of-state staff.

● 1 day off a week and a minimum of 3 hours off per day.

● We cover visa and health insurance costs for international staff.

● The ability to positively impact the lives of over 130 youth from around the world!

Our summer staff gain new colleagues and friends as they become part of our international network of educators and alumni that spans 90+ years. Our network includes the following benefits:

● Access to a graduate school and study abroad scholarship through World Learning and the George E. Jonas university scholarship.

● Additional virtual program work opportunities after successfully completing a summer season.

Our program/counselor positions are focused in the following areas: Art; Curriculum; Leadership Education; Nature; Projects; Science, Technology and Society; Wellbeing, Ethics, and Justice.

These essential support roles, which will be an integral part of our community, have specific listings: Medical Director, Assistant Medical Director, Kitchen Director/Chef, Cook/Assistant Cook.

Director level roles include: Assistant Camp Director, Camp Social Worker.

You can see full position descriptions for each role below.

We welcome individuals with a background and experience in any art form to apply for this position. The arts counselors will work as a team to deliver the arts programming. This includes:

● Liaising with the curriculum, projects, and community and service teams to ensure arts are present in all parts of our curriculum.

● Coordinating arts instructions/workshops on various art forms, techniques, history, theory, etc.

● Providing leadership opportunities to campers who are interested in the arts and assist in managing art-related activities at camp, including daily artistic expression, weekly performances, a camp memento etc.

● Assisting and encouraging all campers, including those who may not have previous exposure to the subject to use art as a form of expression.

● Maintaining the arts budget, workspace, and inventory. This includes purchasing supplies.

Work closely with the Curriculum Coordinator to organize, support, and facilitate the evening program and instruction programming. This includes:

● Assisting campers, fellow staff members, and visitors in developing intellectually rigorous, methodologically appealing, and diverse instructions and evening programs that meet our curricular standards.

● Working directly with campers and staff to solicit, organize, and schedule instructions.

● Meeting with campers and staff prior to, and after, their instruction to offer a space for planning, reflection and feedback.

● Ensuring instructions and evening programs are diverse in topic, form, and deliverer (e.g., staff and first-year campers).

● Meeting with camper leadership teams and staff to plan and review Evening Programs in advance.

A background in curriculum development and education is required.

Curriculum counselors must be well versed in issues of justice, race, gender, and/or sustainability. Expertise in at least one area is required. Expertise in two or more is desired.

Work closely with the Leadership Education Coordinator to organize, support, and facilitate the leader of the day program. This includes:

● Helping campers understand and shape their roles and responsibilities as leaders of the day and of the week.

● Working with the staff team to choose leadership roles for the upcoming week, and managing logistics related to these roles.

● Directly supporting campers in their “leader of the day” role and helping campers prepare for, and reflect upon, their leadership experience.

● Working closely with the Leadership Education Coordinator to organize, support, and facilitate the second year camper program. This includes:

● Working with the second year campers to establish their roles and responsibilities, including pre-season training.

● Completing regular check-ins with the second year campers and providing continuous feedback and support for the duration of the program.

Experience in leadership and/or collaboration training, group facilitation, or community building, and familiarity with the Camp Rising Sun program and our pedagogy is strongly preferred.

A background in education and/or previous experience in teenage youth programs is required.

Work closely with the facilities and grounds staff to organize, support, and facilitate the overnight (2-night, 3-day) camping trips for around 30 campers. This includes:

● Organizing a team of 2-3 counselors to facilitate the camping trip.

● Coordinating instructions to prepare campers for hikes and environmentally sustainable practices, such as how to effectively select equipment and pack for trips, set up and manage a campsite, build a fire, conduct wilderness first aid, handle emergency situations, Leave No Trace principles, and safety procedures.

● Guiding exploration of the camp grounds, such as trails, and encouraging learning through the camp's environment.

● Organizing the logistics of camping trips, such as applying for permits, revising off-site emergency protocols, and determining packing rations.

● Purchasing and managing equipment and supplies within the budget.

● Managing other supporting staff while on trips.

Hiking and camping experience is required for this position. A background in youth outdoor education is strongly preferred.

Work closely with the facility and grounds staff to organize, support, and facilitate the Projects program. This includes:

● Providing a space where campers feel comfortable initiating and working on large and small-scale projects in a group setting to improve and serve the Camp community.

● Working with campers to coordinate daily construction projects.

● Exposing all campers to hands-on construction/building, project planning and management skills.

● Organizing and supporting staff and campers involved in construction projects.

● Managing the project safety plan and teaching safety in all aspects of project planning and execution.

● Purchasing and managing equipment and supplies within the budget.

Must be familiar with proper power tool use, construction methods, and safety protocols.

Organize, support, and facilitate the Science, Technology and Society programming at Camp. This includes:

● Coordinating instructions, projects, and evening programs on topics related to science, technology, and society (including world affairs, politics, journalism, etc.)

● Assisting and mentoring campers in the publication of the weekly blog and other journalism projects (blogs, op-eds, magazines, etc.)

● Supervising campers in their creation of a Camp yearbook.

● Coordinating the use of Camp technology and addressing minor technology issues on site.

● Capturing photo and video of activities and daily life

● Editing and curating materials to share with families, alums, and our community at large, in collaboration with our year round communications coordinator.

● Working with campers to develop their photography, videography and related skills.

● Maintaining the area budget, workspace, and inventory. This includes purchasing supplies.

Experience in delivering programming to teenagers is highly preferred.

Work closely with the Wellbeing, Ethics, and Justice Coordinator to ensure camper and staff wellbeing are central throughout the program. This includes:

● Liaising with the camp social worker and various other teams to prioritize mental, emotional, and social health of the community.

● Coordinate community circles and other community events to support conversations and initiatives surrounding wellbeing, ethics, and justice.

● Work with campers and staff to carry out daily teamworks (cleaning, gardening, composting, etc.) to take care of our grounds and community.

Experience in working with teenagers is highly preferred.

This role can be combined with those listed above. All training is provided. To apply for this position, please complete the application form and indicate your interest there.

RESPONSIBILITIES

● Organize and manage a team of 2-5 lifeguards.

● Ensure that the pool is opened and ready for use during designated times, typically 2 to 3 hours and multiple days a week.

● Manage and enforce the buddy system, as required by the local health department.

● Keep records of pool conditions and usage

● Organize and manage equipment and supplies within the approved budget.

● Participate in all aspects of the program as described in the general job description.

● Collaborate with campers and staff to ensure swimming and canoeing instructions occur.

REQUIREMENTS

● Must possess certification in an approved lifeguard course, or be able to get certified.*

● Must possess certification in an approved lifeguard supervision & management course, or be able to get certified.*

● Must possess certification as a progressive swim instructor, or be able to get certified.*

● Must possess current certification in an approved CPR training program within the last 12 months, or be able to get certified.*

● Be at least 21 years old.

● Previous experience required:

○ 1 season experience as a camp aquatics director at a NYS camp; or

○ 2 seasons experience consisting of at least 12 weeks as a children's camp lifeguard at a pool or beach which had more than one lifeguard supervising it at a time; or

○ 18 weeks of previous experience as a lifeguard at a pool or beach, which had more than one lifeguard supervising it at a time.

*Approved certification trainings will be held during staff training

This role can be combined with those listed above. All training is provided. To apply for this position, please complete the application form and indicate your interest there.

RESPONSIBILITIES

● Ensuring the safety and security of those in and around the pool and waterfront areas of camp

● Actively guarding bathers during swimming and waterfront activities

● Responding to bathing facility emergencies

● Providing appropriate first aid when required

● Maintaining the cleanliness of the pool and waterfront

REQUIREMENTS

● Must possess certification in an approved lifeguard course, or be able to get certified.*

● Must possess current certification in an approved CPR training program within the last 12 months, or be able to get certified.*

*Approved certification trainings will be held during staff training

REQUIREMENTS

● Must be a licensed physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, registered nurse or licensed practical nurse licensed to operate in the state of New York. Emergency medical technicians are welcome to apply to join the medical team.

● Must possess a current certificate in an approved First Aid training program.*

● Must possess a current certificate in an approved CPR training program.*

● Should have prior experience working with youth. Patience, a calm demeanor, and excellent organizational skills are required.

*Approved CPR/First Aid training will be provided during staff training if needed

RESPONSIBILITIES

● Treat all illnesses and injuries on site and provide consultation to staff handling illnesses and injuries off-site.

● Supervise and schedule medical staff to ensure 24-hour coverage (3-4 team members).

● Implement the COVID-19 Safety Plan.

● Communicate with healthcare providers to make appointments, arrange for hospitalization, and set up follow-up care, as needed.

● Communicate any reportable illnesses or injuries to the local Health Department.

● Maintain camper and staff health records, including incident reports, in a confidential and professional manner.

● Maintain and dispense prescription and over-the-counter medications, in accordance with standing orders, in a safe and organized manner.

● Communicate with parents about campers' medical conditions, as needed.

● Maintain adequate supplies in the Health Office and at other locations, such as the pool, vans, and the hiking trip first aid kits.

● Purchase and organize supplies within a budget; Track all spending.

● The Assistant Medical Director assists in all of the above, and serves as acting Medical Director when Medical Director is off-site.

REQUIREMENTS

● Must be a licensed physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, registered nurse or licensed practical nurse licensed to operate in the state of New York. Emergency medical technicians are welcome to apply to join the medical team.

● Must possess a current certificate in an approved First Aid training program.*

● Must possess a current certificate in an approved CPR training program.*

● Should have prior experience working with youth. Patience, a calm demeanor, and excellent organizational skills are required.

*Approved CPR/First Aid training will be provided during staff training if needed

RESPONSIBILITIES

● Treat all illnesses and injuries on site and provide consultation to staff handling illnesses and injuries off-site.

● Supervise and schedule medical staff to ensure 24-hour coverage (3-4 team members).

● Implement the COVID-19 Safety Plan.

● Communicate with healthcare providers to make appointments, arrange for hospitalization, and set up follow-up care, as needed.

● Communicate any reportable illnesses or injuries to the local Health Department.

● Maintain camper and staff health records, including incident reports, in a confidential and professional manner.

● Maintain and dispense prescription and over-the-counter medications, in accordance with standing orders, in a safe and organized manner.

● Communicate with parents about campers' medical conditions, as needed.

● Maintain adequate supplies in the Health Office and at other locations, such as the pool, vans, and the hiking trip first aid kits.

● Purchase and organize supplies within a budget; Track all spending.

● The Assistant Medical Director assists in all of the above, and serves as acting Medical Director when Medical Director is off-site.

RESPONSIBILITIES

● Plan and prepare meals for approximately 80-100 people from diverse, international backgrounds, including accommodation for special dietary restrictions, and allergies.

● Organize and supervise kitchen staff (1-2 cooks) and campers working in the kitchen.

● Uphold NY state health code and pass health inspections, providing kitchen safety orientations to campers and staff.

● Work closely with Camp Director and Business Manager on kitchen budgeting and expenditures.

● Help plan and prepare meals for 1-2 special events of up to 200 people.

● Coordinate with staff and campers for camper-led weekly cultural meals.

● Open kitchen during staff training, while simultaneously preparing meals for 25 staff, and taking part in mandatory aspects of staff training as needed.

● Attend staff meetings, including facilitating kitchen staff meetings, and 1 on 1's with the kitchen team.

REQUIREMENTS

● Educated and/or experienced in running a large-scale kitchen and in planning large-scale meals (3 meals per day for on average 80-100 people). (1 year)

● Experience cooking for vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary needs is required.

● Experience maintaining a predetermined budget is required.

● Preference for a head chef who prioritizes a healthy, nutritious, well balanced plant based menu, with local meat and fish as needed.

● Experience managing kitchen staff preferred.

● Experience working with youth preferred.

● Food Handler Certification preferred

RESPONSIBILITIES

● Prepare meals for approximately 80 people, each from diverse, international backgrounds, including accommodation for special dietary restrictions, and allergies, including daily vegetarian and vegan options.

● Cook will perform Head Chef duties when Head Chef is not present.

● Uphold NY state health code and pass health inspections, providing kitchen safety orientations to campers and staff. Serve-safe certification preferred.

● Supervise campers working in the kitchen as needed, including assisting with camper-led cultural meals.

● Option to teach mini lessons on food/culinary/cooking related topics to campers.

REQUIREMENTS

● Educated and/or experienced working in a large-volume kitchen or preparing large-scale meals

● Experience cooking for vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary needs

● Heavy lifting may be required for unloading food orders

● Experience working with youth preferred

RESPONSIBILITIES

● Provide positive leadership to the summer camp program alongside the Camp Director, and act as Camp Director in their absence.

● Maintain sensitive camper and staff records.

● Assist in the supervision, training, evaluation, and mentorship of the CRS seasonal staff, as well as with the facilitation of staff meetings and scheduling.

● Ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations.

● Work closely with the seasonal team and supervise quality programming aligned with LAJF’s mission and goals.

● Manage daily Camp logistics including camper and counselor leadership roles, staff scheduling, camper assignments, etc.

● Assist in the management of the seasonal program budget.

● Provide administrative support to the Camp Director, as needed.

● Manage special events with Foundation staff members.

● Order and organize office related equipment, supplies and space within the budget.

● Must be able to handle unforeseen and/or emergency situations as they arise.

REQUIREMENTS

● Must embody the program’s philosophy of the program's commitment to equity and diversity.

● Must be open to leadership through a reflective, growth mindset and to giving and receiving feedback

● Must be professional in communication and conduct and respond constructively to challenges and unforeseen crises

● Must be organized self-starter with ability to work independently and under pressure in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple responsibilities at the same time

● Should have prior administrative and supervisory experience

● Should exhibit strong oral and written communications skills as well as computer proficiency in Microsoft Office programs including Word and Excel, Slack, and Google Suite.

● At times, position may require heavy work and ability to lift up to 50 pounds

Position requires frequent exposure to adverse environmental conditions such as living and traveling daily on outdoor terrain.

● Prior experience with Camp Rising Sun preferred, or other summer camps

● Experience working, successfully, with adolescents

● Experience teaching, developing curriculum, and/or constructing programs, preferably from a multicultural and/or international education and critical pedagogy framework

As required by the Department of Health, Camp Director applicants must be 25 years of age and/or possess a Masters degree. It is preferred that the Assistant Camp Directors meet these qualifications, however, exceptions may be made for qualified candidates.

The Louis August Jonas Foundation (LAJF) is looking for a Camp Social Worker to join their team for Camp Rising Sun (CRS) 2024. CRS is a full scholarship leadership development program for youth ages fifteen to sixteen from around the world in a summer camp setting. We operate in person and virtual programs. We are looking for someone who shares our values of fostering compassionate leadership in young people from around the world and who is committed to equity, inclusion, diversity and justice across gender, race, sexual orientation, and ability.

The Camp Social Worker will serve as an advisor to the campers, parents, and staff. This position works to ensure the emotional, social, and physical safety of campers and staff. In this capacity, the Camp Social Worker serves as a central case worker, facilitating communication as needed between the camp directors, Medical Director, Executive Director, and parents.

This position is seasonal (May-August) with the possibility of beginning earlier to assist in program preparations. A full time role may be available during the school year. This position requires being in Rhinebeck, NY, over the summer (room and board provided).

Specific Responsibilities Include:

● Providing staff training prior to opening day and during summer on adolescent development and mental and behavioral health

● Participating in meetings with camp leadership to ensure that camper and staff wellbeing are central to the operation of camp

● Working with the leadership team to design modifications to programs and activities to be inclusive of all campers

● Providing ongoing evaluation, training and support to staff as they implement interventions and program modifications

● Building relationships with campers from the start of the program

● Providing assessment and direct intervention in cases of mental health and/or behavioral crises in collaboration with camp directors and Executive Director

● Maintaining required documentation for camper meetings, team meetings and parent calls.

● With other leadership staff, making calls home to keep families informed

● When called for, implementing restorative justice processes and other conflict resolution practices.

● Facilitating 1:1s and group sessions on wellbeing

● Helping to connect campers to additional outside supports as necessary

Qualifications:

Necessary:

● Possess an LMSW from an accredited program and accompanying licensure for New York State.

● Experience working with youth with a wide range of backgrounds (racial & ethnic, sexual orientations, genders, abilities, socioeconomic statuses)

● Demonstrated competency in multicultural environments

● 2 years experience working with adolescents age 14-16

● Interest and experience teaching social justice and wellbeing related topics to youth or peers

● Experience with Restorative Justice practices

Preferred:

● Possess an LCSW

● Be SIFI (Seminar in Field Instruction) certified.

● Experience working with youth from outside the United States.