2025 Summer Camp Program Specialist (Gardening or Barn & Farm Animals) - Tomahawk Ranch - Girl Scouts of Colorado - Girl Scouts of Colorado

DATES OF EMPLOYMENT: Late May to Mid-August 2025 (approximate dates TBD)

Program Specialists (Gardening or Barn & Farm Animals) General Duties: Program Specialists plan, direct, and implement programming for units of 12-24 campers during 3-day, 5-day, 9-day, and 12-day residential camp sessions and troop day camp sessionsin one or more assigned specialty program areas. Gardening specialists will work in the garden area; whereas Barn & Farm Animal Specialists will work in the Barn Area. Program Specialists will orient and train staff on proper use of specialized area and materials. Daily and weekly schedules are developed under the direction of supervisors and in cooperation with other unit staff, based on camp program, activity planning, and camp goals. A primary function of this, and every other job at the Tomahawk Ranch, is to ensure that each member, guest, and visitor receives the highest caliber of service.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Create and maintain a positive rapport and communication with campers, parents, volunteers, and staff.
  
  • Demonstrate a caring attitude and manner with campers.
  • Involve campers in planning and making choices in carrying out activities.
  • Orient, teach, and supervise staff assigned to assist with activities.
  • Give direction to cabin staff responsible for the group.
  • Act as a role model for Girl Scout principles for campers and staff.
  • Support and delegates tasks to staff who accompany campers to an activity who are interested, qualified and assigned to assist.
  • Orient and train staff for their responsibilities.
  • Verify staff competence before assigning them supervisory roles; monitor their performance throughout the season.
  • Demonstrate a recognition and understanding of good customer service in all dealings and interactions as an employee of Girl Scouts of Colorado by maintaining constructive relationships with co-workers, members, parents, volunteers, and the community.
  • Present a positive image to parents and visitors through attitude, dress, and courtesy.
  • Identify volunteer and employed staff members with potential for future volunteer and employed positions.

• Participate in and provide engaging, educational and fun programs.
  
  • Implement activities in specialized program themes based on camp program goals, policies, and camp activity procedures to provide a quality outdoor education experience for campers.
  • Develop and direct a program of activities based on specialty themes, which provides opportunities for campers to experience variety, challenge, and progression suitable to their age, readiness, and ability.
  • Implement the written criteria for the conduct of activities; make written recommendations for change.
  • Plan and coordinate activities with cabin staff; serve as a resource to cabin staff.
  • Adapt activities and methods to individual and group needs and abilities.
  • Incorporate camp skills and environmental awareness into the program. 
  • Be prepared with activities for all kinds of weather and or other changes in the usual pattern.
  • Coordinate activities with those of the entire camp.
  • Supervise campers at meals and all-camp activities.  Attend and participate in other camp program, such as unit campfires and cookouts and sleeping in units as assigned.

• Routinely display concern for an effective implementation of health, safety and emergency policy and procedures.
  
  • Prevent accidents through maintaining high safety standards; respond appropriately in emergency situations.
  • Implement and interpret Girl Scout, state, and American Camp Association (ACA) (and ACCT where applicable) standards for all program areas.
  • Make assignments to staff assigned to assist after verifying their competence.
  • Conduct ongoing inspection of the site for hazards with an emphasis on specialty areas.  Implement safety and security measures.
  • Practice good housekeeping and sanitation practices in specialty areas.
  • Check area first-aid kits at least weekly and re-supply if needed; submitaccurate records of illness, accident, and incident according to procedure. 
  • Teach emergency procedures for the activity.  Call for and participate in rehearsals.
  • Give first-aid care until the Health Supervisor or other professionals arrive.
  • Cancel or modify activity if weather or other hazards warrant, substituting related activities.
  • Verify that equipment is in safe condition before each use, and is properly sized if this is a safety factor.
  • Maintain and store equipment in good condition. Make needed repairs or writtenreport to supervisor.
  • Inventory equipment as directed.  Report and/or make needed repairs.
  • Be present at all risk activities in this program area unless specifically exempted by supervisor.
  • Adhere to all safety and security procedures at all times.

• Demonstrate responsibility, accountability and overall maturity of judgement.
  
  • Evaluate activities with campers and staff.
  • Use appropriate methods of instruction and discipline in accordance with the procedures of the camp.
  • Submit itineraries and food and supply requisitions accurately and on time.
  • Keep records, writereports and submit recommendations.
  • Demonstrate sensitivity to racial, ethnic, and social diversity of individuals and groups.
  • Perform other duties to foster a cooperative climate and a smoothly operating camp.
  • Participate in pre-camp and in-service trainings, attend staff meetings and contribute to the planning and coordinating of the work of the total staff team.
  • Participate in supervisory conferences and in the staff evaluation process.
  • Respect the confidential nature of all information pertaining to staff, volunteers, or campers.
  • Open and close activity area and other areas at the beginning and end of the season as assigned.
  • Act as unit counselor as assigned.

PRIMARY CROSS-FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Consistently reports to work as scheduled, and in a timely manner.
  • In accordance with the philosophy of Girl Scouts of Colorado, the person filling this position may occasionally be required to carry out or assist with other tasks in addition to the duties listed on this job description.
  • Upon first day of employment you will be registered as an adult member of Girl Scouts of Colorado (GSCO). In becoming a member of Girl Scouts, you will be expected to uphold the policies and guidelines set forward by Girl Scouts of U.S.A. As a role model and representative of GSCO you will be expected to:
    • Participate as a professional member of the total staff in providing effective staff service to GSCO.
    • Be an active member of the Girl Scouts of the U.S.A., demonstrating the principles of the Girl Scout Promise and Law in all activities of the job.
    • Contribute to positive relationships and demonstrate sensitivity regarding diverse racial, ethnic, and social individuals and groups in GSCO as a whole, and between the diverse individuals employed by GSCO or giving volunteer service.
  • Support the efforts and commitments of Girl Scouts of Colorado in pluralism and diversity throughout the organization and within each community served.
  • Embrace diversity and inclusiveness by contributing to positive relationships between diverse racial, ethnic, and social groups in the Council as a whole and between employees and volunteers.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Education and/or Formal Training

• High school diploma or GED, preferred.
• At least two years of college or two years previous camp experience.
• Must possess, or be willing to obtain, current First Aid/CPR certification.
• Must be willing to obtain any other certification and/or training sessions as required by GSCO.

Experience

• Experience in either/both gardening and farm animals is required for this role.
• Experience lesson planning in one or more program areas highly desired.
• Previous camp experience preferred.
• Previous leadership experience preferred. 
• Experience working with children.
• Experience teaching children in an informal outdoor setting preferred.
• Experience with group and behavior management.
• Experience with developmental needs of children.
• Experience in record keeping.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to positively motivate campers to participate in and try every activity.
• Ability to inspire confidence and pride in accomplishment.
• Programming skills in one or more programareas.
• Ability to interpret, understand, and teach safety standards in one or more program areas.
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable.
• Adaptable to the camp setting and community life.
• Ability to meet emergencies with good judgement.
• Ability to work with campers and adults of diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to recognize potentially hazardous conditions.
• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
• Ability to provide documentation of legal employment status.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be able to work quickly and efficiently.
• Must be able to work well as part of a team.
• Must be able to work well under pressure.
• Ability to maintain personal cleanliness.

Additional Requirements

• Must be at least 18+ years of age.
• If over 21 years of age, may be required to drive and pass driving requirements.
• Documented training, experience or certification in program areas which satisfies ACA, ACCT, Girl Scout Safety Activity Checkpoints and/or Childcare Licensing standards where applicable.
• Must pass any and all background checks required by GSCO, ACA, and CDHS.
• Must be able to work non-traditional hours including early mornings, evenings, nights, and/or weekends.

MATERIAL AND EQUIPMENT DIRECTLY USED 

• This position works with program related equipment:
• Gardening tools, fertilizer, compost etc.
• Basic power tools
• This positionmay work with program related equipment in areas such as hiking, hot elements, archery, outdoor skills activities, horse & animal feed: bales and bags (roughly 50lbs-75lbs), equine & barn animals. 
• Subject to injuries from falls, accidental strikes, cuts from equipment, etc.
• Handheld radios.
• As directed, golf carts, gator, trucks, and leased vehicles.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES 

• Camps are at altitudes of 8,000-9,500 feet.
• Ability to work non-traditional hours including evenings, weekends, extended overnight periods and extended work hours, up to 22 hours per day.
• Required daily, frequent exposure to highly stimulating and loud environments.
• Program activities are carried out in the out-of-doors often in inclement weather.
• Willing to be on-call at all times, for health, emergency purposes, camper supervision, and program implementation.
• Required to live on-site in shared housing. (Staff living quarters are shared with other staff and/or campers).
• Requires extensive walking/hiking >2miles/day over uneven and unpaved terrain.
• Able to carry, lift and/or transfer at least 75 pounds.
• Ability to hear, listen, see, sit, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, bend, use hands & fingers to handle or feel, reach with hands & arms, and balance.
• Must have interpersonal skills/behaviors (i.e. working with individuals with a range of moods & behaviors in a tactful, congenial personal manner, so as not to alienate, or antagonize them).

For more information about Tomahawk Ranch please visit our website!

Properties (camperscoutsofcolorado.org)

We encourage applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds, including people with disabilities. Our workplace is inclusive, and we strive to create an accessible and accommodating environment for all employees. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations regarding accommodations for disabilities, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you are invited to interview and require accommodations, please inform us in advance so that we can make the necessary arrangements to ensure a smooth and accessible interview experience. If you have questions about accessibility or need assistance with the application process, please contact Human Resources at careers@gscolorado.org or 877-404-5708. We are here to help.

Girl Scouts of Colorado celebrates diversity and values the strengths that come with having a diverse community. People from historically marginalized groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Girl Scouts of Colorado (GSCO) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Prohibits Discrimination and Harassment of Any Kind: GSCO is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at GSCO are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations where we operate. GSCO will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.