Rites of Passage (ROP) Trip Leader

Assist in the direction, supervision, and organization of participants in a basic outdoor setting:

• Apply necessary youth development and wilderness principles in working with participants through communication, relationship development, respect for diversity, involvement with, and youth empowerment.

• Assure participants are properly supervised at all times.
• Be aware of and implement safety guidelines.
• Adhere to and enforce all camp policies and procedures.
• Assess and evaluate the abilities of campers and staff related to the proposed trip.

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Demonstrate Appropriate Attitude and Behavior:

• Assist in the direction, supervision, and organization of campers.
• Set a good example to campers and others regarding general camp procedures and practices, including Leave No Trace principles, sanitation, scheduling, and sportsmanship
• Follow and uphold all safety and security rules and procedures.

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Maintain clean and sanitary camp property:

• Ensure that the tents and outdoor areas are maintained to Camp Dogwood standards.
• Ensure that food safety standards are always maintained.

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Implement Program Activities:

• Implement ROP curriculum.
• Lead and demonstrate basic teambuilding, outdoor living, and survival skills.
• Provide direction, supervision, and organization of campers while on a backpacking trip and at the main camp.
• Teach the skills necessary for a safe and successful backpacking trip before leaving Camp Dogwood.
• Provide for the progression of activities within the framework of individual and group interests and abilities.
• Maintain high standards of health and safety.

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Other Job Duties:

• Contribute to verbal and written evaluations and communication as requested
• Participate enthusiastically in all camp activities, planning, and leading those assigned
• Uphold the safety of participants and property at all times
• Other duties as assigned

Some physical requirements of a Rites Of Passage position could be endurance, including prolonged standing, some bending, stooping, walking long distances, hiking, climbing, and stretching; requires eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity to manipulate outdoor equipment and camp activities; requires a normal range of hearing and eyesight to record, prepare, and communicate appropriate camper activities/programs and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs.; willing to live in a basic camp setting and work irregular hours with limited or simple equipment and facilities; and with daily exposure to the sun, heat, and animals such as bugs, snakes,  bats, etc.

• Must be able to communicate and work with groups participating (age and skill levels) and provide necessary instruction to campers and staff.
• Ability to observe participant behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply proper behavior-management techniques.
• Has visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to the activity.
• Physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid. Must be able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury) and possess the necessary strength and endurance to maintain constant supervision of campers.
• Ability to live at Camp Dogwood during the term of employment.