Group Leader/Activity Instructor

Group Leader/Instructor – Seasonal

Reports to: Village Director; Department Head

Mission: Sherwood Forest provides dynamic programs and immersive outdoor experiences that inspire and empower youth from under-resourced communities to discover their resilience, prepare for their future, and embrace their civic responsibility.

Sherwood Forest Camp is the only independent, non-profit youth development agency in the St. Louis region providing resident camp experiences for elementary school age children from economically disadvantaged families.  We have a rich 87-year history, and with innovating programming being developed each and every year, a truly promising future.

Position Summary:

Group Leaders/Instructors fill two important roles while at camp: as a grade-specific Group Leader and an activity Instructor. As a Group Leader, counselors work with and oversee a cabin group of campers. Each cabin group acts as a camp family and home base for campers.  As an Instructor, staff teach and lead activities within different department areas, providing grade-specific programs as well as programs for campers at all age levels. Some staff may have specialized department training.

Job Requirements and Responsibilities:

• Supervise campers in all aspects of camp life, including during activity instruction, daily routines, meal times, and unstructured time.
• Establish and maintain safe operational procedures in villages and activity instruction.
• Assist in planning of special camp programs and events.
• Assist in coordinating overall scheduling of programs and activities in their program area.
• Instruct and supervise campers in a variety activities within the following program areas: Arts, Adventure Sports, Aquatics, Outdoor Living Skills, and Ideas.
• Ability to supervise overnight trips, including learning wilderness camping skills and teaching skills to campers.
• Provide social and emotional support for campers throughout their stay at camp.
• Meets with coordinators, department head, and village director.
• Participates in all aspects of camp life.
• Participates in personnel and all camp evaluations.
• Other duties, which may be assigned by Village Director, Program Coordinator or Camp Director.

Qualifications & Certifications:

• Minimum 18 years old 
• Basic understanding of and desire to work with children 
• One year of post-secondary school or work preferred

Skills & Abilities:

• Interpersonal skills, especially with regards to accepting guidance and feedback
• Organizational, written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to provide a safe environment and proper care for campers
• Ability to complete certifications and required trainings as outlined in Staff Employment Offer

Essential Functions:

• Possess strength and endurance to maintain constant supervision of campers and staff.
• Abilities to observe camper behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques.
• Ability to effectively communicate in person, by phone, or in writing, and exchange accurate information.
• Ability to work and navigate in a variety of terrain and weather conditions.
• Ability to use visual and auditory abilities to identify and respond to environmental issues and hazardous situations.
• Ability to work long hours.
• Ability to live at camp over the summer.
• Ability to adhere to and uphold all regulations, policies, and procedures related to health and COVID-19.

Considerations for possible Infectious Diseases:

Sherwood Forest is planning to operate Summer 2025 under the current guidelines and restrictions (if applicable) for any Infectious Diseases. All staff will be expected to adhere to all guidelines and restrictions in order to preserve a safe and healthy camp environment for each member of our camp community. Some of these guidelines include, but are not limited to:

About Sherwood Forest

Sherwood Forest Camp, Inc. is a year-round, youth development agency, anchored in a residential summer camp experience. We provide dynamic programs and immersive outdoor experiences that inspire and empower youth from under-resourced communities to discover their resilience, prepare for their future, and embrace their civic responsibility.  Through our Quest, Outdoor Education, and Supports for Success programs, we help kids discover the best in themselves so they can grow up to do good in the world.

The Quest program serves children from 1st to 9th grade.  The Supports for Success (S4S) program serves camp alumni beginning in the 10th grade to help them ensure post-secondary pursuits and support them as they transition into young adulthood.

Sherwood Forest is committed to eliminating racism, biases, and racial disparities in our society and eradicating barriers that thwart the development, growth and prosperity of youth in our community. All staff must be willing to work to that end and committed to our upholding our race equity cultural pledge.

Sherwood Forest is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. All candidates have an equal opportunity for employment, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or status as a veteran. Personal staff information – (application, references, background investigations, medical records) – will not be released, except as may be required by law. Requests for references regarding the staff member’s performance will be honored; however, the staff member must authorize the release of such information. 

All those who attend or work at Sherwood Forest, are required to have age appropriate vaccines as outlined but the Missouri Department of Public Health & Senior Services (Missouri Statute 167.181). https://health.mo.gov/living/wellness/immunizations/pdf/2022schoolrequirements.pdf  These immunizations are also required for students to attend school in Missouri. 

Staff are also required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 at least two weeks prior to starting employment at Sherwood Forest.  Documentation of vaccine status will be requested once a position has been offered.

Religious (Imm.P.11A) and Medical (Imm.P.12) exemptions are allowed and will be evaluated on a case by case basis. The appropriate exemption card and approval for accommodation must be on file prior to arriving at Sherwood Forest. 

To apply: Submit an application at https://sherwoodstaff.campbrainstaff.com/