JOB TITLE: Arts & Crafts Lead

DEPARTMENT: Camp (40) - Camp Greider

REPORTS TO: Assistant Director of Programming

LOCATION: Camp Greider

STATUS: Seasonal

PAY RATE: $640+ DOE/week

Our Culture

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you. 

Position Summary 

Camp Greider has been offering unique and high quality summer camps to youth, ages 6-15 since 1978. Instruction in a variety of specialty topics is combined with a well-rounded outdoor summer day camp program experience at our beautiful location out in West Salem. A convenient check in/out location at the downtown Salem Y, and extended daytime hours add to the popularity. Youth attend one or more weeks throughout the summer. Age appropriate groups are kept to a small, 1:8 ratio of adults to youth for a fun summer experience for all. 

The Arts & Crafts Lead is responsible for planning and carrying out a high quality summer arts experience for all participants in Summer Programs at Camp Greider. They lead all Arts & Crafts programming, and maintain all supplies, and facilitate cleanliness in the space.

Essential Functions 

• Plan, prepare, and implement engaging arts and crafts programs for skill groups, choice time, and group activities, using creativity and developmental knowledge to design unique and age-appropriate experiences.
  • Facilitate daily arts experiences for 80-100 youth per week, grouped by age: 6-7, 8-9, 9-11, and 11-13 (max group size: 14).
  • Submit written activity plans in advance for approval.
  • Align activities with weekly camp themes to enhance camper engagement.
  • Maintain and prepare art and craft supplies, maximizing existing resources and restocking as needed.
  • Work within budget limits to ensure efficiency and sustainability.
  • Submit detailed supply orders to the AD of Programs/Camp Director with sufficient notice before and during the summer.
• Oversee the arts and crafts area, ensuring a welcoming, organized, and safe workspace.
• Train and supervise staff assisting with arts and crafts, ensuring smooth activity facilitation.
• Enforce safety protocols for all materials and equipment, providing staff training on safety standards.
• Follow Leave No Trace principles, minimizing environmental impact through sustainable craft practices.
• Conduct end-of-season inventory, assist with camp closing, and ensure proper cleanup of the arts and crafts building and surrounding areas.
• Support overall camp operations by assisting as needed in other program areas, including providing group coverage and helping with check-in/check-out.
• Capture photos and videos of camp activities, people, facilities, and scenery to support the Associate Director of Programming.
• Conduct end-of-season inventory, assist with camp closing procedures, and ensure proper cleanup of the arts and crafts building and surrounding areas.
• Promote and follow Leave No Trace principles, ensuring that arts and crafts activities minimize environmental impact on the surrounding natural areas.
• Maintain open communication with the AD of Programs and Camp Director, ensuring program, staff, and camper needs are met.
• Participate in all pre-camp training, activities, and staff development, collaborating with camp leadership to design and implement staff training.
• Foster a positive, cooperative camp culture, maintaining strong relationships with campers, staff, and the YMCA Camp Greider community.
• Ensure compliance with ACA standards, YMCA policies, and all applicable safety regulations.
• Demonstrate commitment to quality, risk management, YMCA core values, and enthusiasm for working with youth.
• Maintain knowledge of association policies, procedures, risk management, and safety practices and demonstrate commitment to quality, YMCA core values, and enthusiasm for working with youth of all ages
• Support and contribute to a safe, clean camp environment for staff and guests.

This job description may not be all inclusive and employees are expected to perform all other duties as assigned and directed by management. Job descriptions and duties may be modified when deemed appropriate by management. 

Entry Requirements 

• Must be at least 18 years old by the start of the camp season
• Training, experience, or a degree in Art.
• Prior leadership experience with groups of children in camps, youth programs, educational settings, or community groups
• Prior experience developing and implementing curriculum, preferably in a camp setting
• Supervisory experience, particularly in peer leadership, preferred
• Strong desire and ability to work with children and teens
• Ability to understand and prioritize the needs of campers and the camp community over personal needs
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for working effectively with peers, supervisors, and children
• Comfortable working in an outdoor environment and able to foster an appreciation for nature among campers
• Demonstrates flexibility, maturity, and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Enjoys working and interacting with people of all ages and backgrounds, with a special emphasis on children, while modeling and promoting the YMCA’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic backgrounds
• Must be CPR and First Aid certified or willing to obtain certification within the first 30 days of employment (training provided upon hire)
• Lifeguard certification encouraged
• Must hold a valid Oregon Food Handler’s Certification before the first day of employment
• Individual is capable of effective and appropriate mental, emotional and social responses in a constantly changing, youth-centered environment
• Must be available during all of the following date:

June 8 - June 14 (Program Staff Retreat)

June 15 - June 21 (Mandatory All-Staff Training)

June 23 - August 23 (Camp Season & Move-Out)

Physical/Mental Requirements 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Physically able to accompany campers to and participate in all camp activities. 
• Able to communicate verbally with campers and to provide instructions. 
• Possess visual and auditory ability to respond to critical incidents and physical ability to act swiftly in emergency situations. 
• Able to observe camper behavior, respond to health and safety concerns and deal appropriately with camper behavior. 
• Able to work long hours including nights and weekends. 
• Able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions (rain, heat etc).
• Capable of effective and appropriate mental, emotional and social responses in a constantly changing, youth centered environment.

All candidates must have reliable transportation. Job offers are contingent upon completion of a rigorous criminal history background check.