Job Description

General Summary

The Fresh Air Society, d/b/a Tamarack Camps, was founded in 1902 \xe2\x80\x93 initially organized as a camp for immigrant mothers and children (located on Belle Isle in Detroit, Michigan). From its humble beginnings over a century ago which started with 2 women providing a handful of children an opportunity to experience the \xe2\x80\x9cfresh air,\xe2\x80\x9d today, Tamarack Camps has grown to serve over 13,000 individuals, annually.

Our main campus in Ortonville, Michigan (Oakland County) is a 1200-acre reserve nestled a short distance from the urban bustle of Metropolitan Detroit \xe2\x80\x94 yet feels like a different world. This landscape provides a foundation, the canvas upon which Tamarack Camps has the potential to build, engage, connect, and educate countless individuals.

Annually, through its residential camping program at Camp Maas, Agree Outpost Camp (Ontario, Canada), Camp Kennedy (Munising, Michigan), three (and sometimes four) Western Trips, two Alaska experiences, and an excursion to Israel, Tamarack Camps is home to approximately 1,250 Detroit-area Jewish children and teens, as well as 90 Israeli campers. In addition to its camper population, Tamarack Camps summer programming engages and trains a staff of 400 (approximately) college-age young adults from the Metro Detroit area and from around the world. Further, throughout the year, Tamarack Camps also provides extensive family camp opportunities for 1,300 (approximately) additional participants (children and parents and/or grandparents).

Beyond the resident summer camp, teen and family camp programs, Tamarack Camps, through the Tamarack Adventure and Retreat Center (\xe2\x80\x9cTARC\xe2\x80\x9d), provides year-round activities for the general community, and, annually, serves more than 10,000 participants e.g. fifth grade camp, band camps, and other secular and non-secular groups. TARC staff are experts in expanding participants\xe2\x80\x99 comfort zones and strengthening individual and group dynamics.

Authority and accountability

The Program Coordinator, reporting to the Tamarack Adventure and Retreat Center (TARC) Director, is responsible for the coordination and implementation of outdoor education programs, services, policies, and staff management. This role plays a vital part in ensuring the success and smooth operation of TARC\'s outdoor education initiatives.

Essential duties & responsibilities

• Program Development:

• Collaborate with the TARC Director to develop and execute outdoor education programs that align with the organization\'s goals and mission.
• Research and incorporate best practices in outdoor education to enhance program quality.
• Create and maintain program schedules and budgets.
• Program Coordination:

• Oversee all aspects of program logistics, including participant registration, equipment procurement, and site preparation.
• Coordinate with instructors, facilitators, and support staff to ensure program delivery meets quality standards.
• Develop and maintain relationships with partner organizations, schools, and institutions to expand program reach.
• Staff Management:

• Recruit, train, and supervise program staff, including instructors, guides, and support personnel.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and professional development opportunities to the program team.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and implement improvement plans as needed.
• Policy Implementation:

• Ensure compliance with safety protocols, risk management, and organizational policies.
• Collaborate with the TARC Director to develop and update program policies and procedures.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation related to program activities and incidents.
• Participant Engagement:

• Foster a positive and inclusive environment for program participants.
• Address participant concerns, feedback, and inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
• Create opportunities for participant involvement and experiential learning.
• Evaluation and Reporting:

• Monitor program outcomes and collect data for evaluation purposes.
• Prepare regular reports for the TARC Director and stakeholders on program performance, participation numbers, and recommendations for improvement.
• Implement changes and improvements based on evaluation findings.
• Budget Management:

• Assist in developing and managing the program budget, including allocating resources effectively.
• Monitor expenses, identify cost-saving measures, and ensure financial sustainability.

Minimum experience & qualifications

Bachelor\xe2\x80\x99s degree or higher in related field and equivalent work experience. Two years working within an outdoor education related environment and some experience scheduling staff and/or programs. Challenge course experience with both high and low elements. Strong computer skills including Microsoft office suite and familiarity with data base management. American Red Cross Lifeguard, CPR, and First Aid certified or willingness to achieve. Familiarity and willingness to care for animals housed onsite. World class customer service capabilities.

Additional qualifications & attributes

Strong ability to multi-task; is flexible, a self-starter and can directly oversee up to 30 seasonal employees. Has the desire to continuously train and educate both self and others. Demonstrates knowledge of the experiential learning cycle and the Michigan Grade Level Content Expectations and can translate concepts into programming. Supplementary but not required: ACCT CCM level practitioner certification or equivalent documented experience in both high elements and spotted activities. ACCT / PRCA / ACA / AEE / LNT membership(s), Project Wild / Project Learning Tree / LEP facilitator or educator, MI CDL license with passenger endorsement, American Red Cross lifeguard or instructor certification, WFA certification.

Employment detail

• Position to begin upon mutually agreed upon starting date.

To Apply

A cover and resume are required in applying for this position. We look forward to hearing from you.

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Tamarack Camps