Camp Unit Head

Camp O-AT-KA Junior Unit Head

About The Camp
Camp O-AT-KA, founded in 1906 on the shore of Lake Sebago in Maine and operated continually since then, is a traditional summer residential camp for boys ages 8-16. We seek to develop skills, instill confidence, and build character in a supportive family environment. We welcome campers and staff from a wide variety of backgrounds, and O-AT-KA seeks to bring them together by furthering common interests, promoting a sense of community, achieving progress towards goals, and fostering the development of lifelong friendships.

Camp O-AT-KA offers 30 activities in athletics, arts, boating, theater, nature, outdoor skills, swimming, etc. and sessions for the campers run from two to seven weeks. The campus is in the town of Sebago and directly on Sebago Lake. The camp is set up in 3 units, dependent on age, with approx. 80-90 boys per week and 60 staff members.

About the Position
The junior unit head oversees leadership and support of the cabin counselor staff and elementary school aged campers (Grades 3-5). The junior unit consists of 4-5 cabins of campers with approximately 6 boys each; and 2 counselors per cabin.
Unit heads help organize and execute the summer schedule, report to the summer director, and are part of the leadership administrative team. They communicate with parents, participate in the counselor evaluation process, meet regularly with counselors and leadership team members, and complete evaluations of all counselors in the unit. They also manage unit staff time off, ensuring that the system is equitable for all involved. Regular duties include assisting with teaching crafts and managing any difficulties that may arise; most notably homesickness or otherwise unhappy campers or staff needing advice. Unit heads are key members of camp’s leadership team, and participate in regular planning meetings.

Key Attributes of a Successful Unit Head:

• At least 21 years of age
• Models exemplary behavior in word and actions
• Experience working with school-age children, preferably in a camp setting
• Can communicate well with campers, counselors, and leadership team members
• Takes personal responsibility for himself and his unit
• Ability to manage the unit, notably before, during, and after colors, meals, siestas, and evening programs.
• Able to play the role of the available adult to help counselors enforce boundaries
• Strong planner, well-organized yet flexible
• Be a resource for younger staff needing advice, guidance and support
• Knowledgeable about age-specific issues (bedwetting, discipline, homesickness, etc.)
• Anticipates, designates, and evaluates age appropriate activities and schedules
• Understands confidentiality and can maintain that to protect campers, staff and families.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive camp vans
• Able to teach and lead in several activities and craft areas

Members of the O-AT-KA staff love being part of a welcoming, family community that seeks to help campers and staff mature and grow into their full potential. Camp staff members are busy teaching, coaching, counseling, and helping boys make new friends, learn new skills, and grow stronger in body, mind, and spirit. Staff lead by example, and campers look up to them with admiration and respect. The best leaders have an aura of positive enthusiasm surrounding their attitude and actions. Our staff have a genuine love for children, a creative spirit, the ability to be flexible. Every day is different at camp and that is part of the adventure and fun!

All full-time staff are expected to arrive at camp at the beginning of staff orientation on Sunday, June 19th and depart at the close of camp on Saturday, August 13th, unless special arrangements are made with the director in advance. This is a residential position in which lodging, meals and laundry are provided. Camp O-AT-KA is an equal-opportunity employer. All staff must pass a thorough background check.

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary

Work Location: One location