Head Counselor
Brooklyn Cultural Adventures Program – Brooklyn Public Library
Organization Description:
Brooklyn Cultural Adventures Program (BCAP) offers summer programs for youth based on a collaboration of six cultural institutions in the heart of Brooklyn: Brooklyn Public Library, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn Children’s Museum, Brooklyn Museum, Prospect Park Alliance and Prospect Park Zoo, plus visits to the newly reopened Center for Brooklyn History (formerly Brooklyn Historical Society) Adventurers take part in fun, hands-on experiences that weave connections between art, world culture, literature, history, nature, technology, and science.
Want to WORK HARD and PLAY HARD this summer? Want to make an impact in the lives of young people? Want to share your passion for learning, the arts, sciences, and culture? Want to be a part of a team of amazing people, where you are supported and challenged? Then you want to work for BCAP!
Position Description:
Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) is seeking Head Counselors for the Brooklyn Cultural Adventures Program (BCAP) Summer Camp. BCAP Summer Camp is a national award-winning day camp serving youth ages 7– 12, based on a collaboration of six neighboring cultural institutions: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn Children’s Museum, Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Public Library, Prospect Park and Prospect Park Zoo. BCAP Head Counselors lead a team of counselors and interns in supervising and engaging a group of 23 children during three 2-week sessions. Each day, groups take two trips where they engage in hands-on activities with educators at the partner institutions, weaving connections between art, science, culture, technology, and nature; and having fun! This year’s theme is Good Eats! Experienced and enthusiastic applicants ages 21+, or who have completed a college degree by June, are invited to apply.
Reports to:
BCAP Directors
Job Requirements & Responsibilities:
– Lead counselor for a team of 4-5 staff: you, 1 Senior Group Counselor, 1 Group Counselor, and 1-2 Interns
– Serve as role model and mentor for your team members
– Lead counselor for groups of 23 children
– Contribute to the positive experience of the whole family by making caregivers feel welcome, important, and in the loop; and showing empathy and understanding when concerns arise.
– Point person for communication with the BCAP Directors
– Point person for partner institution educators during group visits
– Actively engage in camp activities at the partner institutions. (E.g. Lead small groups during activities, help distribute materials, show interest and enthusiasm in the material, provide positive reinforcement, model behavior, lead discussions, ask campers questions.)
– Utilize free time productively with fun games and meaningful activities that enhance the summer experience and nurture unity; Help campers make connections between, and meaning from, their learning experiences
– Help supervise during Stay and Play after-camp one evening a week from 3:45-6 pm
Candidate Qualifications:
– Enthusiasm and commitment to the fields of education, youth development, and community/cultural institutions
– Must be 21 years of age or older
– Career path in education or related field preferred
– An interest in Brooklyn’s culture and history
– Formal experience leading a group of youth, and excellent skills in positive group management
– Experience in a leadership role with a team or staff, interns, volunteers, or peers
– Able to maintain a high energy level and positive attitude on a daily basis over a long-term period
– Be punctual and able to accomplish daily tasks independently and without prompting
– Able to create and follow routines, anticipate and address group needs, and solve problems that arise on the fly
– Able to model positive communication and foster understanding among diverse audiences served by camp
– Consideration for multiple stakeholders, including parents, partner institution staff, public visitors, etc.
– Creative, flexible, patient, enthusiastic
– Balance of fun and approachable, and responsible and authoritative
– Able to travel up to 2.5 miles a day on the BCAP campus; Lift and carrying camp supplies short distances
– Pre-employment background check and advanced CPR/First Aid certification required (both provided by BPL)
Position Type:
Seasonal/Temporary
Union Status:
Non-Union
FLSA Status:
P/T Hourly
Schedule:
June 23 – August 12 (Monday – Friday), 40 hours per week
Salary or Compensation:
$18 hr
Organization or Project Website:
http://www.bklynlibrary.org/bcap/team
Application Info:
Use the link above to read detailed job descriptions and submit your application materials.
Note: You will need to upload a tailored cover letter, resume, and 2 professional references.
Application Follow-Up
We will follow up with all applicants via email. Check your email and junk mail. Select applicants will be invited for an interview. No calls please, unless you have a question about the job or program.
Hiring Timeline for Summer Positions (approximate):
– Preliminary phone interviews: mid March
– In-person interviews: mid-late March
– Job offers: April 15th or earlier