Saturday, May 30, 2015

Apply as a Camp Counselor

We're looking for some great new counselors!

Job Description: Camp Counselor for Sun Camp, July 25-August 7

We're seeking skilled and enthusiastic counselors for Silicon Valley Down Syndrome Network's inclusive summer day camp for children with Down syndrome and their siblings, now in its third year. Our aim at Sun Camp is to facilitate long-term friendships, increase interest and skills in art, music, and performance, and provide a fun summer day camp experience for children that gives some respite to parents.

Counselors will lead one or two children at this small, fun, and active day camp in Palo Alto. They will facilitate friendships, participate in group recreational activities, guide campers through art, music, and performance instruction, maintain communication logs between camp and parents, and be responsible for their campers' safety. We expect counselors to have significant experience with children with special needs, and caring for children in a camp, class, or other group environment. They should be well-versed in transitioning children from one activity to the next.

We value backgrounds in speech, occupational, or physical therapy, child development, elementary education, special education, and a knowledge of ASL or AAC devices. Inclusion aides and aides in special day classes will have especially pertinent experience. A background in music, performance, or art and special talents that can be shared in group activities are also pluses. About a third of Sun Campers are siblings to children with Down syndrome.

Camp will be from 9am-2pm, and counselors will work from 8:30am-2:30pm Monday through Friday. There will be a required Saturday training and camp set-up on July 25th, from 8:30am-2:30pm, and counselors will also be required to stay until 4:30pm on Friday, August 7th to strike camp. First-time counselors will be paid $1020 for 11 days' work ($15/hr). Staff alumni will be paid more, based on their direct experience with Sun Camp.

Please send a cover letter detailing why you would be a good fit for our camp, as well as a resume including two references with contact information, to Rachel Matta for the Silicon Valley Down Syndrome Network, at rachelmmatta@gmail.com. Hiring will be contingent on a clear background check.

Qualifications:
2 years of experience with children with special needs
High school degree

The ability and willingness to run after children, and personal care, including assistance with toileting, is required. Counselors should be able to lift an elementary-aged child.