About The Camp
Camp O-AT-KA, founded in 1906, is a summer residential camp for boys ages 8-16. Our founder, the Rev. E.J. Dennen, believed that it is better to build strong boys than mend broken men. Camp O-AT-KA maintains this mission to this day. We seek to instill confidence and build character in a supportive, family environment. We welcome campers and staff from a wide variety of backgrounds and geographic locations, 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.
About the Position
The junior unit head provides leadership and support to the group of staff and elementary-school-aged campers under their charge. Campers in the junior unit are ages 8-10 and many are attending camp for the first time. Unit heads help organize and execute the summer schedule, and provide a key conduit of information for the director. 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 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 homesick or otherwise unhappy campers or staff needing advice. Unit heads are key members of camp’s leadership team, and participate in a daily team meeting.
Key Attributes of a Successful Junior Unit Head:
- At least 21 years of age and a valid driver’s license
- Models exemplary behavior in word and deed
- Experience working with elementary-school-age children, preferably in a camp setting
- Can communicate well with campers, counselors, parents, and leadership team members
- Takes personal responsibility for himself and his unit
- Able to act as a shepherd for 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
- Able to act as a release valve for the staff when needed
- Knowledgeable about age-specific issues (bedwetting, discipline, homesickness, etc.)
- Anticipates, designates, evaluates
- Able to teach and lead in several craft areas
This may be the hardest job that you’ll ever love. Camp staff members are busy every moment of the day, 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. Camp staff must have a genuine love for children, a creative spirit, the ability to be flexible when needed, and lots of patience.
All full-time staff are expected to arrive at camp at the beginning of staff orientation on Sunday, June 17th and depart at the close of camp on Saturday, August 11th, unless special arrangements are made with the director in advance. This is a live-in position with lodging and meals provided. Salary is negotiable. Camp O-AT-KA is an equal-opportunity employer. All staff must pass a thorough background check.
To apply, please email a resume and cover letter to Charles Donovan (Summer Director) at program@campoatka.com. We will consider applications as they are received.
