Camp Nor'wester

We are accepting applications for the 2008 season and will continue to hire until all positions are filled.

( ) = number in parenthesis indicates how many positions are available with that job description. These descriptions are summaries. A more complete description is available from the camp office.

Unit Leader - In charge of a group of approx. 12-15 children. Responsible for planning and leading the unit's activities within the framework of the general program and camp philosophy. Participates in all group activities with the campers. Will write a summary of each camper’s summer to be sent home to parents. Works with a partner.

Assistant Unit Leader – Working with a Unit Leader, is responsible for planning and leading the unit's activities within the framework of the general program and camp philosophy. Participates in all group activities with the campers. Will write a summary of each camper’s summer to be sent home to parents.

(24) - A total of up to 24 Unit positions are available. Leader vs. Assistant classification will depend on experience.

Archery Instructor (1) – teaches basic archery techniques and safety practices. Rates campers according to National Archery Association standards and presents awards to qualifying campers at end of session. Will submit a written inventory and summary of department activities at the end of the season. Must be certified NAA instructor.

Digital Photographer (1) – chronicles the summer activities in digital format for later use in our calendar, web site, and other promotional material. Also takes shots of camper groups. Will submit a written inventory and summary of department activities at the end of the season. Requires submittal of photo portfolio.

Camp Operations (2) – Manages recyclable and non-recyclable waste materials. Educates camp community on the importance of recycling and conservation. Supervises groups of campers during camp improvement projects, shower house and outhouse maintenance. Is responsible for the care and feeding of pigs. Will submit a written inventory and summary of department activities at the end of the season. Requires experience with chainsaw, ability to lift 50 lbs, drive trucks, and valid driver’s license.

Challenge Course Director (1) – Supervises staff of approximately 3 employees. Ensures maintenance and safety checks of equipment. Plans department activities for special days. Will lead groups of campers and staff through various ropes and challenge course initiatives. Evaluates challenge course staff (oral and written). Will submit a written inventory and summary of department activities at the end of the season. Requires documented experience in High/Low course initiatives and facilitation. Some pre-season training may be available.

Challenge Course Instructor (3) – will lead groups of campers and staff through various ropes and challenge course initiatives. Will submit a written inventory and summary of department activities at the end of the season. Requires documented experience in High/Low course initiatives and facilitation. Some pre-season training may be available.

Cook (2)* – sharing shifts with second cook, will be responsible for preparing meals for camp community – approximately 200 people. Experience in cooking for large groups required. Will share supervision of cook’s assistants (approx. 4) with kitchen manager. Must be able to lift 50#.

Cook’s Assistant (4)* – under supervision of cooks and kitchen manager will assist in meal preparation and clean up, doing weekly inventory of supplies, and orienting campers to kitchen procedure. Will also be assigned to work with Unit Leaders supervising campers. Must be able to lift 50#.

Craft Shop Director (1) – Supervises staff of approximately 6 employees. Orders supplies, maintains records, plans Craft Shop activities for Special Days. Will submit a written inventory and summary of department activities at the end of the season. Evaluates craft shop staff (oral and written). Experience in a variety of art/craft media required. Supervisory experience a benefit.

Crafts Instructor (5) – Teaches art/crafts to groups of campers. General areas of art at camp include: pottery, hand sewing, weaving, batik, watercolors, woodworking, beading, knitting, and silk screening. Experience teaching in two or more of these areas preferred.

Dishwasher (5)* – under supervision of kitchen manager is responsible for cleaning dishes, pots and pans, and other equipment used in meal preparation. Will also be assigned to work with Unit Leaders supervising campers. Must be able to life 50#.

Drama Instructor (1) – teaches campers how to explore their imaginations using various dramatic and theatrical techniques. Will assist groups in development of skits and special presentations to camp community. Will submit a written inventory and summary of department activities at the end of the season. Experience in drama, theatre sports and improvisation required; teaching experience preferred.

Head Counselor (2) – Supervises approximately 24 Unit and Assistant Unit Staff. Observes unit activities, supports partnership development between Unit and Assistant Unit Staff, serves as liaison between Camp and parents on issues of behavior, is responsible for staff time off schedule, and supervises special activities. Will evaluate Unit and Assistant Unit staff (oral and written). Will submit a written summary at the end of the season. Past Camp Nor’wester experience preferred. Experience as camp counselor/staff required. Requires solid communication and organizational skills, experience with conflict resolution, and valid driver’s license.

Kitchen Manager (1) – supervises dishwashers and cook’s assistants, assists cooks when necessary. Responsible for inventories, accepting food deliveries and any special events involving the kitchen. Evaluates assistants and dishwashers (oral and written). Will submit a written inventory and summary of department activities at the end of the season. Requires commercial cooking/kitchen experience, and valid driver’s license. Must be able to lift 50#.

Lodge Attendant/Equipment Manager (1) - Oversees general tidiness of lodge, serves coffee during meals to staff. Coordinates use of camp equipment for games, evening activities and out-camp trips. Will submit a written inventory and summary of department activities at the end of the season. Requires knowledge of basic outdoor equipment and its maintenance, and good organizational skills.

Music Director (1)/Music Assistant (1) - Director and Assistant will lead singing after most meals, organize opportunities for campers to perform, assist groups hosting campfires or chapels, when music is involved. Will also lead groups at camp dances and provide music lessons. Requires experience in leading groups in singing, and ability to accompany singers on guitar or piano. Will submit a written inventory and summary of department activities at the end of the season.

Naturalist (1) – Develops and initiates activities that expose campers to the natural world of Johns Island, addressing environmental issues of the San Juan Islands, and the importance of stewardship and responsibility. Will submit a written inventory and summary of department activities at the end of the season. Experience in a variety of the natural sciences required. Teaching experience preferred.

Outdoor Living Skills Instructor (1) - Implements an Outdoor Living Skill program, using the American Camp Association curriculum. Will submit a written inventory and summary of department activities at the end of the season. Some preseason training may be available. Orienteering experience preferred.

Pack Out (1)* – Responsible for filling menu orders for overnight trips, extended trips, campfires and sleep-ins. Will submit a written inventory and summary of department activities at the end of the season. Experience in commercial kitchen helpful. Requires good organizational skills and valid driver’s license. Must be able to lift 50#.

Program Director (1) – Supervises approximately 15 Department Heads. Observes program activities, supports partnership development between department staff. Will evaluate Department Heads (oral and written). Will submit a written summary at the end of the season. Past Camp Nor’wester experience preferred. Experience in program oversight and development required. Requires solid communication and organizational skills, experience with conflict resolution, and valid driver’s license.

Relief Position (1) - substitutes for Unit Staff who are on time-off. Works with other unit staff to ensure the health and safety of campers as they participate in the camp program.

Trader Horn Store Manager/Gopher (1) – Operates camp store where campers and staff can purchase t-shirts, music tapes, sundries, etc. Responsible for maintaining accounts and inventory, coordinating laundry pick-up and drop-off, and submitting a written inventory and summary report at end of the season. Requires valid driver’s license.

Videographer (1) - shoots and edits a video of approximately 30 minute-length, which chronicles the summer activities and will be used for promotional purposes. Will submit a written inventory and summary of department activities at the end of the season. Taping occurs during the summer, editing between September and December 1st.

Waterfront Director (1) – supervises approximately 7 staff. Oversees waterfront program, scheduling groups, planning overnight trips, and equipment maintenance. Plans department activities for Special Days. Equipment includes kayaks, Lightnings and canoes. Will submit a written inventory and summary of department activities at the end of the season. Evaluates waterfront staff (oral and written). Requires experience managing waterfront activities and current Lifeguard Training certification or equivalent. Small Craft Instructor certification preferred.

Waterfront Instructor (7) – instructs campers in sailing, kayaking, and canoeing techniques and safety issues. Maintains equipment. Depending on experience, may participate in 4-6 day sailing or kayaking trips throughout the San Juan Islands. Requires experience with waterfront activities and current Lifeguard Training certification or equivalent. Small Craft Instructor certification preferred.

*All kitchen positions require Washington State Food Handler’s Card. These cards may be obtained through a class offered during Staff Training.