Program Team Leader - Summer Staff 2026

Description

SUMMARY

The Program Team at Black Diamond Camps are responsible for leading summer staff and assisting Program Managers in the logistics and programming of all of our summer programs. The person in this position shall, at all times, demonstrate cooperative behavior towards colleagues, guests, supervisors, volunteers and guests. Regular attendance is essential for this position. All team members are expected to maintain an environment of professionalism, safety and fun. As a Program Team Leader, you will be trained in and assist in training all summer needs. Throughout the summer you will also assist in daily behind-the-scenes programming and work to keep camp running smoothly including cleaning, dishwashing and necessary work projects as needed.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Includes the following; other duties may be assigned:

1. Have ability to communicate and work with campers age 5-18 and volunteers of high school age, during their various camp activities and provide necessary instruction to campers.
2. Respond to emergencies in accordance to training and camp policies.
3. Possess abilities to observe camper and volunteer behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce applicable safety regulations and emergency procedures and apply effective behavior-management techniques.
4. Help build excitement for the opening day of camp each week and conduct oneself in such a way as to encourage the transfer of trust onto oneself by the parents and campers.
5. Work as a team member with the other BDC staff and volunteers toward the overall goals of the camp.
6. Be a positive roles model to the summer staff in his/her spiritual walk, self-respect, love and consideration of others, enthusiasm and work ethic.
7. Guide and encourage staff and campers participation in all camp activities and functions, through attitude, speech and action.
8. Assist in the logistical and programmatic tasks as assigned by the Youth Program Manager.
9. Teach or lead all activities as assigned.
10. Strive to meet the spiritual, emotional, relational and physical needs of the campers and volunteers.
11. Recognize and respond to opportunities for presenting the "Good News" of Jesus Christ.
12. See that assigned campers wear clean clothing and are appropriately dressed for the weather and activities of the day.
13. Be aware of the health and well-being of assigned campers and report any problems to the Program Manager.
14. Be prepared to assist campers during other recreational activities (training and support given).
15. Perform the duties and tasks of being a counselor in either program as listed below:

Group Camp: Each week co-counselors (mostly working in co-ed teams) will lead 20-30 junior high and high school students through purposeful and pre-planned experiences. Counselors are part of creating flexible schedules that cater to each group's needs; they lead Bible studies, build relationships and facilitate activities/group development that provide opportunities for scripture to come to life. Counselors sleep in nearby dorms with other counselors unless the group requests otherwise.

Day Camp: These counselors work with our youngest campers, starting with campers entering Kindergarten-6th grade (ages 5-12). They begin first thing in the morning at parent drop-off through mid afternoon when parents pick up their campers. These counselors are required to be high energy with a passion and desire for fun! The day camp experience is a Monday-Friday camp, with other supporting camp roles throughout the rest of your work week. Counselors will work in pairs to take care of their cabin groups and work together to make sure their campers are having an incredible summer camp experience. Counselors are in charge of leading their campers in activities, group development, Bible studies, and many other high energy activities. On occasion counselors might be asked to sleep in cabins with same gender campers for overnight camp add ons.

16. Activities/Adventure Elements:

• Demonstrate competency to belay/spot elements and activities.
• Demonstrate proper set up of gear on ground and use of appropriate knots.
• Competent in ability to instruct and supervise participants on different challenge course elements.
• Demonstrate proper belay set up and belay method.
• Maintain up-to-date challenge course practitioner certifications (if you don't already have this certification, be willing to obtain one).
• Develop and maintain a challenge course practitioner portfolio.
• Demonstrate the ability to see and manage inherent risk to minimize the risk of injury.

17. Lifeguard (demonstrated upon training):

• Maintain up-to-date Lifeguard/First Aid & CPR certifications (if you don't already ha