Position: Summer Health & Wellness Program Specialist (Seasonal) (June - August) $18.50/hr - $21.75/hr

Location: Camp Fowler, Orefield, PA

The Organization:

Valley Youth House empowers and strengthens the lives of children, youth, and families through inclusive programming that builds resilience and fosters growth and independence. VYH works from a trauma-informed / healing-centered perspective, incorporating positive youth and human development, and cultural awareness into all aspects of its services. The agency is committed to ensuring that clients and staff feel safe, have choice and voice, collaborate in a trusting environment, and are empowered to make a difference in their own lives and the agency.

Why Join Us?

• We offer a competitive compensation package with paid time off (PTO) to promote work-life balance.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage, including prescription benefits.
• Enroll in our 401(k)-retirement plan and enjoy a company match up to 6% to secure your financial future.
• Short- and Long-Term Disability coverage for peace of mind.
• Take advantage of our pre-tax spending accounts (Health Care and Dependent Care FSA).
• Health and wellness programs to support your overall well-being.
• Referral program where you can earn rewards for bringing talented individuals to our team.
• Tuition reimbursement program to fuel your professional growth
• An extensive orientation program to ensure a smooth onboarding process.

Essential Functions of the Summer Health & Wellness Program Specialist:

• Writes detailed lesson plans that include clear outcomes and objectives aligned with the camp's vision, mission, and applicable academic standards, ensuring each program supports holistic wellness and educational goals.
• Garden Program Development: Design and implement a hands-on gardening curriculum, including planting, maintaining, and harvesting crops. Introduce campers to sustainable gardening practices and the ecological importance of biodiversity.
• Wellness and Mindfulness Activities: Lead mindfulness sessions in natural settings to promote relaxation, focus, and self-awareness. Facilitate age-appropriate yoga classes, emphasizing physical health and mental well-being.
• Nutrition Education: Conduct engaging workshops on healthy eating habits, focusing on the benefits of fresh, garden-grown produce. Collaborate with kitchen staff to incorporate fresh ingredients into camp meals and educate campers on meal planning.
• Community Engagement: Foster teamwork and social skills through collaborative gardening projects and group activities. Organize nature walks, outdoor cooking sessions, and gardening competitions to enhance camper experiences.
• Program Assessment and Improvement: Collect feedback from campers and staff to evaluate program effectiveness and make adjustments as needed. Document garden progress and wellness initiative impacts on camper experiences.

Minimal Qualifications for the Summer Health & Wellness Program Specialist:

• Experience in gardening, nutrition education, and wellness practices, including yoga and mindfulness.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective engagement with campers and staff. Ability to create an inclusive and supportive environment for diverse youth.
• Previous experience in a camp or educational setting is a plus.
• Background check and child safety clearances are required.
• First Aid and CPR certification preferred

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a camp or youth development setting.
• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Nutrition, Health Education, or a related field preferred. Certification in gardening, horticulture, or environmental education.
• Training in mindfulness practices or wellness coaching.
• Knowledge of nutrition education and sustainable gardening.
• Strong leadership and teamwork skills.
• Ability to create a safe and inclusive environment for diverse youth.
• Passion for outdoor education and connecting youth with nature.

Physical Requirements for the Summer Health & Wellness Program Specialist

• Capacity to work long hours in various weather conditions, including heat, humidity, and rain, while maintaining energy and enthusiasm. X Constant
• Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing. X Occasionally
• Walking, hiking, and movement across the camp's 43-acre property, which includes uneven terrain, wooded areas, and hills, multiple times a day. X Constant
• Willingness and ability to participate in and demonstrate camp activities, such as hiking, swimming, team-building exercises, and other outdoor activities. X Constant
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25-50 pounds, which may include supplies, equipment, or assisting with setting up activities. X Occasionally
• Capacity to perform basic first aid and CPR, including kneeling, bending, and other physical movements required in emergency situations. X Constantly
• Ability to navigate stairs. X Constantly

**If eligible: Medical, vision, and prescription benefits available after the first month of hire, Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time Off, 401k -6% match, Employer-paid clearances, physical, and training, Opportunities for Tuition reimbursement, Opportunities for licensure supervision hours for LCSW and LPC.

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