Monday, June 1, 2015

Seeking a Camp Director for Week 2!

Seeking Camp Director for Sun Camp, an inclusive day camp for children with Down syndrome

Sun Camp is in our 3rd year as a summer day camp for children with Down syndrome and their siblings from grades K-6. We’re looking for a skilled, enthusiastic director for the second week of this two-week camp in Palo Alto, which runs from 9am-2pm. The focus will be on building friendships through fun activities, especially, this year, music, art and performance.

The director should have specific, direct experience with children with Down syndrome, and be skilled and passionate about helping children build long-term friendships. The director should feel comfortable supervising fun and social activities inside, and especially outside the classroom at our great location in Mitchell Park. Most of the curriculum and activities will be developed this year by our first week’s director, but we welcome additional input and ideas. Knowledge of different learning styles, alternate modes of communication, and facilitating transitions between activities will be especially valuable.

The director can expect support from an assistant director who’s been with Sun Camp since its pilot year, and counselors who will support and lead kids in a ratio of about 1:2. The director will be expected to supervise and mentor the staff, which will also include a few volunteers. Camp will feature a few visitors and guest teachers—past visitors have included a Captain from the Fire Department, therapy dogs and their handlers from Paws for Tales, music therapists, a Taekwondo teacher and self-advocate, and Animal Assisted Happiness.

Please include your resume (including 2 references with contact info) and cover letter. If you have unique skills that you think would contribute to your success as a camp director, please tell us about them!

Compensation for the dates below will be a flat fee of $1250.

Training day: July 25; Aug 3-7, 8:30am-2:30pm, extra 2 hours on Aug 7 for takedown (2:30-4:30pm); we strongly recommend spending some time observing the first week in action.

Hiring will be contingent on a clear background check.