Summer Staff

We have extended the deadline for summer staff applications!

Please submit applications by February 25th!

Summer Program Staff Job Description

Summer Program Staff Application

Reference Form (3 required)

What does 4-H camp summer program staff do?

By becoming a 4-H Summer Camp program staff member, you will be a part of a team of young adults that will be dedicated to campers throughout the summer. You will help deliver youth development curriculum and programs of the University of Nebraska. 4-H Summer Camps and Centers deliver the expertise of the University to the level of kids throughout the state. As summer program staff, you will be trained to help provide active, hands-on, fun and cooperative outdoor programming designed to develop respect for self, others and the environment. Most importantly, you will have the opportunity to impact children’s lives in many experiential, outdoor settings. You will be continually challenged to find new ways of teaching, motivating and playing all summer. If selected to be a staff member, you will be a leader and held to high expectations as you will be the best resource camp will ever have in delivering our mission!!

Summer program staff plan, direct and supervise daily programs and cabin activities. They actively carry out camp standards, policies, and procedures that lead to a quality and safe program. As a staff member, you will have the opportunity to help campers and counselors learn life skills and develop confidence as you can facilitate: canoeing, tubing, swimming, rappelling, climbing, zip line, ropes course, shooting sports, arts, environmental education, campfires, backpacking, fishing and many more programs. Reference the program staff job description (PDF at the top of this page) for detailed information on duties, expectations, and how performance will be evaluated.

4-H Summer Camps and Centers are open to ALL youth. We hire a team who will constantly encourage campers to grow up to be the absolute best they can be! We believe STAFF runs summer camp; we give you the tools and the confidence to positively impact anyone you meet or interact with at camp this summer!! You will be the key to helping others discover, learn, and grow. Thank you for your interest.

Where can I get more information?

You can contact Lindsay Shearer at lshearer2@unl.edu or call 402-472-2846.

State 4-H Office-4-H Summer Camp
114 Ag Hall
Lincoln, NE 68583-0700

What are we trying to do at 4-H Summer Camp?

4-H Mission: To assist youth and volunteer staff through non-formal education to acquire knowledge, develop life sills and strengthen values that enable them to become increasingly self-directing, productive, contributing citizens.

4-H Camps & Centers Vision: 4-H Camps and Centers….a place to discover, learn, and grow.

4-H Camps & Centers Mission: It is the mission of Nebraska 4-H Camps and Centers to provide unique educational opportunities that empower people of all ages to be active in the pursuit of self improvement in a safe, inclusive, and fun environment.

4-H Camps & Centers Goals:

1. To build programs which utilize unique local resources and serve the mission of the Land Grant University and University of Nebraska Lincoln–Extension.
2. The program and facility will be proactive in growing to efficiently and effectively meet changing needs.
3. To be purposeful in the development and training of our human resources.
4. To provide intentional youth programming that:
    a.  are offered in a safe and inclusive environment
    b. that provide positive relationships with caring adults
    c. engage youth in learning and skill mastery (target specific skills)
    d. encourage the development of character and social skills (target specific skills and traits)
    e. provide youth the opportunity to see themselves as an active, important participant in the future
    f. provide youth the opportunity to be a role model or provide service to others
5. To provide intentional educational and recreational experiences for adults.

What are we looking for?

We’re looking for summer program staff who:

* have a desire and ability to work with youth in the outdoors for extended periods of time.
* have a willingness to discover, learn and grow throughout their experiences with Nebraska 4-H Summer Camps and Centers.
* are willing to embody activities and habits that are associated with positive role models for campers.
* take experiences as learning opportunities and teachable moments.
* have a willingness to listen, learn and be considerate of others.
* will be a part of a community built upon trust, caring, attitudes, and enthusiasm.
* are able to be supervised by peers of close age.
* are patient and kind.
* will continually respect the institutions, patrons, people, and mission of camp.
* will contribute to the positive culture of camp.
* want to have an ABSOLUTE BLAST this summer!!
* do not just work at camp….we want staff to LOVE to work at camp!!

What camp site will I work at?

Nebraska 4-H Camps and Centers offer three unique locations across Nebraska that provide quality and fun programming for people of all ages to discover, learn, and grow. You can apply for any of three locations. Our three camps are:

* State 4-H Camp – located in the Nebraska National Forest, near Halsey, Nebraska
* Eastern Nebraska 4-H Center – located between Omaha and Lincoln, South of Greta, Nebraska
* South Central 4-H Center – located next to the Harlan County reservoir just past Alma, Nebraska

If you prefer one site over another, please mark the appropriate box on your application. However, due to hiring needs or director decisions, you may be asked to work at a different 4-H Camp than your preference. We are happy to work with you to figure out your needs.

How about training?

Staff training for each site (State, Eastern, and South Central) is slightly different based upon the unique programming needs of each site. Key concepts that are cornerstones of the 4-H Summer Camp philosophy are delivered at each camp sties’ training.  Staff training this year will be from May 16-24, 2013.  All staff members are required to be at every day and every session of staff training. This is to benefit you, the staff as a whole, and to ensure you receive all the required skills and knowledge to effectively create and maintain a safe environment for campers and others at camp.

What other trainings/certifications do I need?

Summer program staff do not need any special training, however, any applicant with prior experiences, certifications, or training in these areas are encouraged to apply:

* Lifeguarding
* CPR/First Aid
* Wilderness First Aid
* First Responder
* EMT
* Riflery (4-H, CMP, or NRA)
* Water Craft Certifications
* Audio Visual/Video Editing
* ACCT Certification

If hired, ALL program staff members must have a CPR/First Aid Certification before training begins. 4-H Summer Camp will offer an opportunity for you to gain your certification, but if you cannot make it to this training, you must find and alternative resource to get CPR/First Aid Certified.

What qualifications are necessary to be program staff?

* Desire and ability to work with children in the outdoors.
* Ability to work cooperatively with other staff in a team-oriented environment.
* Minimum of 18 years of age before June 1, 2013.
* We prefer candidates with college experience. Students of all college majors are encouraged to apply.
* A background check will be made to ensure there are not any past offenses or a record that would be in violation of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln or for 4-H Summer Camps and Centers.

Is there an application deadline?

Initial application deadline is February 15, 2013. All applications received after February 2 will be accepted until all positions are filled.

Interviews will follow shortly, either by phone or in person. You will be contacted by a 4-H hiring representative to schedule a time.

What is the salary?

First-year staff members earn a minimum of $35/day plus room and board. Over the entire summer, program staff can earn $1,500-$2,500 depending upon days off and camp schedules.

What time commitment is involved?

Summer program staff work full-time from mid/late-May to early August depending upon the site. Each week will have scheduled time off both during the week and one full day off per week. Unscheduled time off will need to be discussed in advance with your camp director and appropriate paperwork submitted.

What do I need to do to apply?

To apply, complete a 4-H Summer Camp Program Staff Application. In addition, you need to have three references complete a Reference Form on your behalf. Return information is detailed on the application. The job description, application, and reference form can all be downloaded at the top of this page.

After your application is received, you will be contacted to set up an interview time. Your interview can either be in person or over the phone. Please contact Lindsay at 402-472-2846 or at lshearer2@unl.edu with any questions you might have.