Group Leader

Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries

Group Leader Job Description 

NLOM’s Summer Ministry Team is comprised of young leaders who are at the forefront of making the day-to-day at summer camp run. Summer Ministry Team members have strengths is leadership, communication, hospitality, and teamwork.

This position is a full-time, paid summer job that runs from May 22, 2024 through July 28, 2024. All meals and on-site housing are included as a part of this employment package. Skills are transferable to multiple careers, and include public speaking, interpersonal communication, leadership and facilitation, problem solving, customer service, working with diverse groups, and more. You’ll expand your network and build a community with your fellow summer staff members along with full-time camp staff. Additionally, you’ll make a real difference. With continually changing circumstances in the world, the difference you can make to youth and families in an outdoor setting is immeasurable. Your role as a future summer staff member is essential for serving, supporting, and guiding youth and families here at camp and beyond.

Job Overview

Group Leaders (GL) lead and execute summer camp programming and curricula at Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries’ Carol Joy Holling Camp and Sullivan Hills Camp. GL provide outstanding care and hospitality to campers and guests at our facilities. GL serve as role models with enthusiasm, positivity, and kindness. GL will act as the primary facilitator and caregiver of a small activity group of campers during the day and a “bunk” group of campers at night. GL will work with all summer staff, full time staff, and volunteers to provide a top-quality camp program to all who come to camp for the duration of NLOM’s summer programming.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Adhere to and carry out assigned daily schedule. Supervise all aspects of the campers’ daily schedule.

• Serve as a role model for campers and peers.

• Participate in all aspects of camp to the fullest and with enthusiasm. Provide supervision and support to campers.

• Recognize each camper’s unique personality and provide encouragement of individual gifts and achievements; foster positive self-esteem and confidence. Learn and use campers’ names.

• Lead, nurture, discipline, and interact with campers in accordance to positive youth development practices and NLOM policies and procedures.

• Provide a healthy, clean, comfortable, and safe “home away from home” for campers. This includes staying with a group of campers in living quarters each week.

• Respond immediately and appropriately to camper needs, such as emotional or physical health concerns, homesickness, lost and found items, personal hygiene concerns, etc.

• Provide opportunities for discussion of individual or group problems or concerns. Allow time for conflict resolution, restorative justice, and reflection.

• Lead faith formation activities, such as: Bible study, worship, meal time prayers, nightly devotions, and more using camp provided curriculum. Participate in confirmation class time as applicable or assigned.

• Be a team player, filling in on any site, camper, or coworkers needs as you see them.

• Be a part of creating an inclusive and welcoming community at camp for campers, staff, parents/guardians, guests, ministry leaders, and more. Treat all guests with respect, providing exceptional hospitality to all.

• Be respectful of nature and camp buildings. Maintain our spaces with fervor, teaching others the importance of caring for our environment and facilities as a part of living in community at camp and on earth.

• Prepare for and fully participate in any and all staff meetings and training sessions. 

• Submit all reports in a timely manner and with detail.

• Enforce all safety rules and regulations consistently and seriously. Carry out Emergency Action Plans as necessary.

• Adhere to policies and procedures in regard to appropriate interactions with campers, child abuse prevention, and positive youth development outcomes to keep campers safe both physically and mentally.

• Fulfill all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Desire and ability to work with children.

• Appropriate leadership and social skills to serve as a primary caregiver to campers.

• Exceptional role model qualities, such as: good character, integrity, kindness, etc.

• Enthusiastic attitude with a sense of humor, patience, adaptability, and self-control.

• Ability to observe and assess camper behavior.

• Ability to recognize and respond to environmental and other hazards.

• Ability to communicate professionally, positively, and effectively verbally and in writing to full-time staff, summer staff, and campers.

• Ability to relate to one's peer group positively and work as a member of a team, accepting support and supervision.

• Ability to be on feet and walking for a majority of the day. May walk up to 5 miles per day.

• Current certification in CPR and Standard First Aid. (Training provided at camp.)

• At least 18-years-old and high school graduate.