Duties and Responsibilities:

Facilitators must perform various tasks to make sure that the daily operations of our WYLD & YLTA programs run smoothly and that all participants are safe and having fun. This could include organizing and leading group games, art projects, hiking, swimming, canoeing, free play, and a number of other activities.

Core Responsibilities:

1. Program Development and Delivery:

   • Design, implement, and evaluate youth-centered programs based on PYD principles.

   • Ensure programs are inclusive, culturally responsive, and age-appropriate.

   • Use participatory approaches that actively engage youth in planning and decision-making.

2. Mentorship and Relationship Building:

   • Build trusting, supportive relationships with young people.

   • Serve as a positive role model, mentor, and guide.

   • Create safe spaces for youth to express themselves and grow.

3. Skill Building and Empowerment:

   • Facilitate opportunities for youth to develop life skills, leadership, critical thinking, and resilience.

   • Encourage self-efficacy and personal goal-setting.

   • Promote youth voice and advocacy.

4. Community Engagement:

   • Connect youth with community resources and networks.

   • Foster partnerships with schools, families, and community organizations.

   • Advocate for youth needs within the community and broader systems.

5. Monitoring and Evaluation:

   • Track progress and outcomes of youth programs.

   • Use feedback from youth to improve programming.

   • Maintain records, reports, and documentation as needed.

6. Professional Development:

   • Stay updated on best practices in youth development.

   • Participate in training and professional learning communities.

   • Reflect on practice to ensure continuous improvement.

Key Skills and Attributes:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

• Cultural competency and sensitivity

• Patience, empathy, and active listening

• Organizational and facilitation skills

• Passion for working with youth and a strengths-based mindset

Communicate with Peers and Parents:

Facilitators work closely with the Director of Positive Youth Development, Lynn Tilden to ensure that all policies and procedures are adhered to and to report any inappropriate behaviors from children or staff personnel. Facilitators also communicate with parents, if needed, to report any problems or to simply keep them updated about their child’s daily progress and participation.

Facilitator Skills:

Strong communication skills, both with children and adults, are essential for those seeking to become a summer camp counselor. They should be physically fit in order to participate in activities and should enjoy working outdoors. Facilitators should have organizational and decision-making skills and have the ability to work both independently and in teams. Along with the skills listed above we look for the following skills below when hiring.

Core skills:

● Organizing various activities

● Possessing skills in outdoor education, elementary education, swimming and mindfulness.

● Communicating with children from grades 6-12

● Coordinating activities into a daily schedule

● Understanding physical safety rules and Adapt’s policies

Advanced skills: While most employers did not require the following skills, these are preferred.

● Knowledge of maintenance needs for basic outdoor equipment

● Project enthusiasm when working with children

● WFR

● Lifeguard Certification