Type: Seasonal
County: Ventura
Agency: Encampment for Citizenship
Agency Description:
The Encampment for Citizenship offers a residential summer leadership program for youth ages 15-18. Approximately 30 young people from diverse ethnic, economic, social, religious and geographic backgrounds participate in the 3-plus week program. They explore a variety of social and political issues (e.g., environmental, economic, social responsibility and action); challenge ethnic, cultural, gender and sexual orientation stereotypes; and develop their critical thinking and analytical skills. Methods are based on participatory education; the program is philosophically grounded in principles of democracy and belief in human efficacy. Additionally, the arts are a critical component of EFC. Community service projects and field trips complement the ongoing workshops. In addition, there are guest speakers and performers, forums, films, and large group discussions. Staff: youth ratio is approximately 1:5.
Job Description
Staff member will develop and facilitate a 3.5-week workshop (9-12 sessions) addressing one of the themes of our program: Land, [Migration], and Exploitation of Labor and relating it to the larger all group curriculum with the help of the program committee. S/he will create, develop, and use arts-based activities (dance, theatre, music, visual art, etc.) as a core part of the workshop to deepen understanding and promote self-expression. This is a temporary seasonal position that includes monthly phone meetings beginning in March and increases to full-time onsite for the three-week summer program, plus four-day staff training in late June and an additional day after the summer program to debrief. Staff member must be able to drive a small van for field trips, as needed. S/he will prepare the young people in their workshop to perform/present their art pieces at a group gathering. S/he will assist Site Administrator and other staff with the general functioning of the program including assisting with lunch and breakfast preparation, night supervision, driving and logistics on an as needed basis.
Dates and Compensation
The 2022 program dates are July 5-27. Staff will work full-time from June 30-July 28 (with scheduled time-off) to allow for preparation time beforehand and debriefing afterward. Prior to that time, there will be monthly conference calls, trainings and preparation time for workshop development. Compensation room and board plus $4500 and travel expenses.
Job Responsibilities and Qualifications:
Specific job duties available on request. Qualifications:
§ Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant area, or at least 5 years’ experience working with adolescents ages 15-18;
§ extensive experience in youth leadership development and/or teaching or counseling older teens;
§ expressed commitment to the mission and methodologies of the Encampment;
§ expressed commitment to practicing anti-racism in education;
§ experience planning/presenting workshop topics in a participatory, democratic environment;
§ experience in developing and implementing cultural and/or recreational programs for youth;
§ ability to work in intensive living/working/learning situation;
§ enjoy working with teenagers from diverse backgrounds;
§ capacity for self-reflection;
§ self-initiated work style;
§ ability to work in cooperation with staff and youth;
§ flexibility and a sense of humor.
§ A driver’s license is required.
§ All staff and youth will be required to be vaccinated, wear masks and be tested regularly during the summer program.
Plus qualifications are: musical and artistic ability; familiarity with the Ventura County area; CPR and Water Safety Instructor Certification; Class B (bus driver) license; experience working with older teens in a residential situation; media/technical skills.
How To Apply
Position is open until filled. We urge qualified applicants to apply as soon as possible so we can begin training. The Encampment values diversity: people of color, people who identify as LGBTQ, people with disabilities, and people from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply Please include the following:
1. Cover letter, including an explanation of your interest in employment with the Encampment for Citizenship, your experience working with youth and your particular interests and skills concerning social, political, cultural and recreational issues. Include any other pertinent personal or life experience.
2. Resume, including any camp-oriented or educational certifications that may be useful (include classification and expiration dates).
3. Names and addresses, emails, phone numbers of 4 references, including at least 3 current work-related references.
4. Describe your ideas and approach for a workshop focused either on the topic “Land” or “Exploitation of Labor” and incorporating the use of creative expression (please limit to 2 pages). If selected, there is a program committee available to help you integrate your workshop into the curriculum structure. These workshops are part of the larger curriculum and meet three times per week.
5. Written description of how you have dealt with the most challenging issue(s) and problem(s) that have arisen in your work with young people in similar programmatic situations. Include descriptions of the issues, your responses and outcomes.
Please forward the above to msilverbear at encampmentforcitizenship dot org
Or send to:
Encampment for Citizenship
PO Box 1210
Aptos, CA 95001-1210
Contact person: Marion Silverbear
Application Deadline: 3/24/2022
Name of Contact: Marion Silverbear
Contact email address: msilverbear@encampmentforcitizenship.org