Program Unit Leader

Program Summary 

Hidden Villa is a non-profit organization with a 100-year history, focusing on environmental education, land stewardship and community building. We use our organic farm, surrounding wilderness and community to provide opportunities to learn about the environment and social justice. Hidden Villa stretches over 1600 acres of open space in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, about 40 miles south of San Francisco.

Hidden Villa is committed to creating an environment where all people are welcomed and feel a sense of belonging while here on the farm. This approach opens the door for formative experiences for our campers as they enjoy this beautiful place in nature and build connections with the people and world around them.

Each day campers embark on adventures through the farm and wilderness preserve. They are challenged to try new things and find confidence in their individuality as they strike up friendships with the other youth in their group. Our staff are trained on how to maintain an empathetic and compassionate learning approach while they facilitate thought provoking activities and discussions around social and environmental issues. 

Position Description

Hidden Villa Summer Camp is seeking Unit Leaders to oversee programs by supervising counselor staff and campers, serving on the camp leadership team and modeling a high level of professionalism, under the supervision of the Camp Director and Assistant Camp Director.

We are hiring Unit Leaders for the following programs:

• Day Camp: Kindergarten - 4th grade 

• Community Camp: 4th - 7th grade (Overnight)

• Farm and Wilderness: 8th - 10th grade (Overnight)

• Teen Leadership Programs & Backpacking Trips: 8th - 12th grade (Overnight)

About the Position 

Position Title: Program Unit Leader

Reports to: Camp Director and Assistant Camp Director

Exempt/ Non-Exempt: Exempt 

Benefits: $730/per week. ($20/week increase of pay for staff who are lifeguard or ropes course certified) Living space & meals provided.

Duration: May 28th - August 3rd, 2024

Essential Job Duties

• Ability to train and supervise staff and assess ability and skill levels appropriate to lead activities.

• Abilities to observe camper and staff behavior, assess performance, enforce safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior management techniques.

• Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to camp.

• Provide clear communication between the counselor team and director team on topics such as activity schedules, camper needs and program announcements as needed. 

• Be an active leader in all staff training.

• Supervise all staff in your unit and the overall operation of your program.

• Ensure that all ACA regulations concerning program areas are adhered to, including supervision ratios.

• Oversee scheduling of activities for each camp session and ensure sufficient staffing for each time block.

• Coordinate time off for staff in your camp.

• Ensure the health, safety and well-being of all campers and staff in your program.

• Model enthusiastic and positive participation in the program and with youth.

• Provide regular feedback to staff and encourage a growth minded culture. Conduct written and oral evaluations of staff midsummer and at the end of summer.

• Willingness to cover and fill in for staff as needed.

• Communicate clearly and effectively with parents/guardians as needed.

• Work with Camp Directors and camp admissions staff to ensure a smooth and safe camper check-in and check-out process.

• Sleep and live on-site in an assigned living space.

• Produce a written report at the end of the summer.

• These are not the only duties to be performed. Some duties may be reassigned and others assigned as required.

Candidate Qualifications:

• High level of patience and empathy

• Previous camp staff experience; prefer experience in leadership or supervision

• Current CPR, First Aid, and CA Food Handler certifications; or willing to obtain

• Ability to creatively schedule programs, facilities and staff

• Ability to coach and give feedback to a diverse staff

• Excellent communication skills and initiative

• Desire experience and ability to working with children in an outdoor setting

• Strong interest in developing camp programs

• At least 21 years of age

• Flexibility and patience

• Ability to responsibly use time-off to recharge and take appropriate self-care

Physical Requirements
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This job operates in an outdoor setting. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. Camp can be a high energy environment where noise and stimulus can reach overwhelming levels. While performing duties of this job, the employee is required to regularly stand; walk miles at a time on uneven terrain. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Mandated Reporting and Staff Training

Our summer camp staff members are mandated reporters and are required to complete a mandated reporter training.  It is possible that a camper will share information or experiences from their homelife that requires Hidden Villa to file a report with Child Welfare Services. This can be upsetting to some individuals and is our legal and ethical duty to report cases of suspected child abuse.

Summer camp staff training is designed to equip our staff with the skills and tools they need to be effective leaders within our camp. At times staff training will focus on complicated topics such as mental health crises, child abuse, sexual harassment in the workplace, and neurodivergent behavior. While staff can take space when needed, participation in all training sessions is required. 

Fill out this form to apply!

Hidden Villa is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and campers.