With a mountaintop campus encompassing nearly 600 acres of peak real estate, South Mountain YMCA Camps have been offering exciting, educational and enlightening outdoor experiences for people of all ages since 1948. In addition to the traditional summer camp experience of Camp Conrad Weiser (sleep-away) and Bynden Wood Day Camp, the Outdoor Center provides recreational, science-based, team building, and cultural/historical programming for schools, scouts, youth groups, churches, families and kindred spirits organizations.

While just a 15-minute drive from all the amenities of an urban area (Reading, PA), guests will enjoy the rural feel of camp, the renovated cabins, the traditional camp dining experience, the beautifully maintained grounds and meeting spaces, and the fun, safe programming provided by the friendly outdoor education and summer camp staff.

Spring & Fall Job Opportunities

Outdoor Educators work as part of a team of enthusiastic, energetic leaders who teach lessons and lead recreational activities that include wildlife, archery, survival scenario, Native American studies, teambuilding challenges, high ropes, and campfire skits/songs. Other components of the job include assisting in the kitchen & dining hall, curriculum development, janitorial duties, organizing evening programs, completing camp projects, and participating in staff training. Candidates must love to work outside, have a sense of humor, enjoy working with children and other naturalists and know how to play and have fun!

Key Responsibilities
• Teach interdisciplinary science-based and cultural day and evening classes to elementary, middle, and high school students
• Facilitate our challenge course and climbing elements with school-age through adult groups
• Maintain program areas and provide care for educational animals
• Assist with facilities maintenance and basic janitorial duties

Time Commitment
Positions are available during the spring (mid-March to early June) and the fall (mid-August to late November). Qualified applicants can inquire about combining an outdoor education position with a summer camp position to extend employment to 9 months (mid-March to late-November).

The typical workweek for Outdoor Education staff runs Wednesday through Sunday, with work programs varying from short day trips to multi-day residential retreats. This job requires long hours (7 a.m. to 9 p.m. some days).

Compensation
• $260 weekly stipend (returning staff may receive a merit-based increase)
• Onsite housing provided (private rooms in same gender houses with shared bathrooms and common areas)
• Meals in Dining Hall when groups are scheduled and during training
• Internet access
• First aid/CPR training
• Comprehensive paid staff training and professional development opportunities

Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Environmental Studies, Recreation, Education or related field
• Cheerful disposition
• Experience working with children
• Public speaking skills and confidence in front of groups
• Comfortable in rustic, outdoor setting in all weather conditions
• Creativity, a STRONG work ethic and initiative a must!
• Availability to work nights and weekends

Summer Camp Positions

YMCA Camp Conrad Weiser and Bynden Wood Day Camp offers progressive, camper-centered programs that are designed to challenge every child in a safe, fun-filled environment. The staff, programs and facilities unite to support campers as they make friends, learn new skills, build self-confidence, and gain a sense of independence in a nurturing camp community.

Those who wish to participate in the Counselor Training Institute before camp starts, you have the opportunity to take the following courses: SOLO Wilderness First Aid, Certified Horsemanship Association Instructor, American Red Cross Lifeguard, National Association for the Development of Archery Basic Instructor Course, and/or National Rifle Association Instructor Course.

Bynden Wood Counselors
Must be at least 18 years of age. $250-$275/week
The Bynden Wood staff team consists of ten strong leaders who have the enthusiasm, creativity and initiative to facilitate an engaging program for children ages 5-14! The Day Camp staff spends the daytime leading activities, singing songs, swimming, and hiking throughout the 600 acres with a group of fun and excited campers! Seeking staff who realize that "Campers Come First" and are willing to give 100%! In the evenings, the Day Camp staff join the Resident Camp Staff team and will assist with evening programs and live in and supervise a cabin of 8-12 campers.

Camp Conrad Weiser Counselors
Must be at least 18 years of age. $250-$275/week
This is the most important position in resident camp! Camp Conrad Weiser Counselor responsibilities include helping to run night activities with campers, supervising campers after day time activities and during rest hour, helping leadership staff with crisis invention and minor village problems, supervising campers within cabins, and any other duties given by the camp director or leadership staff.

All counselors will co-lead a cabin of 8-12 children and teach in one of the following program areas:

Lifeguard
Must be certified in or able to become certified American Red Cross Life Saving and CPR for the Professional Rescuer. Responsibilities include lifeguarding, teaching swim lessons, and care of pool area.

Nature & Outdoor Living Skills
Must have experience or knowledge in the environment. Responsibilities include teaching lessons, and care of all camp animals and nature lodge.

Shooting Sports
Must have experience shooting archery, air rifle, .22, or shot gun and/or certified by or able to become certified by the NRA as an instructor. Responsibilities include teaching lessons and care of all guns, bows, arrows, and ranges.

Adventure
Must be able to work with heights and able to become certified on the high and low ropes courses and the rock climbing tower. Responsibilities include teaching lessons and care of all climbing equipment and courses.

Riding
Must have experience working with horses and in a barn and be certified or able to be certified by the CHA to be an instructor. Responsibilities include teaching lessons, trail riding, and care of horses, equipment and barn area.

Athletics
Must have experience in one or more sports. Responsibilities include teaching lessons and care of equipment and facilities.

Photography, Journalism & Radio Show
Must have experience or knowledge in photography, journalism, and computer newsletter layouts. Responsibilities include teaching lesson, and care of cameras, equipment and photography lab.

Leadership Staff
Must be at least 21 years of age with previous camp experience. $275-$300/week
Leadership/Director positions are available in waterfront, creative arts, adventure, teen leadership, shooting sports, athletics and outdoor education.

Connections & Your First Move

Spring & Fall Outdoor Educator Application
All spring 2012 positions have been filled. Check back on June 1st when recruitment begins for the fall season.
If you have a true passion for and sincere love of the outdoors and education, send a completed outdoor education application, cover letter & resume to Audrey Preston, Outdoor Center Director.

Summer Camp Job Application
Now accepting applications for summer camp!
If you are interested in joining their summer staff team, complete the summer camp application and send to Sue Williams, Summer Camps Director.

South Mountain YMCA Camps
P.O. Box 147
Wernersville, PA 19565
(610) 670-2267
(610) 670-5010 fax
www.smymca.org/employment

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