Unit Leader

Job Title: Unit Leader
Reports to: PE Program Manager
Department: Camps
Employment Status: Non-Exempt Seasonal
Overall Function: The Unit Leader provides 24-hour supervision and leadership for campers and staff within an assigned unit. This role leads by example, models Camp Joy values, and ensures the delivery of intentional, engaging, and safe programming.
In alignment with American Camp Association (ACA) standards, the Unit Leader supports camper well-being, staff supervision and development, behavior management, risk management practices, and emergency response readiness.
Summary of Responsibilities
1. Camp Operations & Program Support
a. Support high-quality, intentional camp experiences for campers and staff by proactively identifying and responding to operational needs.
b. Assist in overseeing the camper experience from check-in through check-out, including support for behavior intervention and mediation processes.
c. Create, maintain, and track a project and task management system to ensure timely completion of daily and weekly projects.
d. Meet daily with Camps Coordinators to review progress, priorities, and upcoming projects.
2. Camper Experience & Staff Support
a. Support camper discipline and mediation processes using positive, developmentally appropriate strategies.
b. Plan, train, and promote positive reinforcement practices that enhance camper engagement and inclusion.
c. Provide as-needed operational and supervisory support to program and activity areas and their instructors.
d. Support staff development through training, coaching, and participation in evaluation processes.
3. Events, Logistics & Administration
a. Coordinate with the Camp Registrar to accurately track and update participation for the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP).
b. Secure supplies, assist with setup and breakdown, and support implementation of opening campfires, block parties, and Unit Nights.
c. Support preparation of end-of-program slideshows and reinforce best practices for photo and video collection and organization.
d. Collaborate with Camps Managers and Coordinators to plan the End-of-Summer Celebration.
Joy Outdoor Educa􀆟on Center, P.O. Box 157, Clarksville, OH 45113 2 of 2
4. Risk Management, Leadership & Compliance
a. Assist during camp emergencies in accordance with emergency action plans.
b. Follow and uphold all Camp Joy policies, procedures, and safety guidelines; model leadership expectations for staff.
c. Actively contribute to all-staff meetings and other required trainings.
d. Complete all required documentation accurately and on time, including incident reports, health screens, and course usage forms.
Performance Measures
• Achieves an average rating of “meets or exceeds expectations” on staff evaluations.
• Receives program client evaluation scores of 3.85 or higher for specialty camps.
• Achieves 96% or higher on camper outcome evaluations related to campers reporting they had fun at camp (agency camps).
Observable Behaviors
Customer Service
• Role Model: Demonstrates positive, respectful, and safety-focused interactions with campers and clients.
• Relationship Building: Learns campers’, client coordinators’, and counselors’ names and builds supportive working relationships.
• Above & Beyond: Responds promptly and effectively to camper and client needs.
Teamwork
• Flexibility: Remains adaptable, calm under pressure, and solution-oriented in a dynamic camp environment.
• Communication: Maintains clear, professional communication with camp coordinators, campers, and staff.
Work Quality
• Professionalism: Delivers a consistently safe, high-quality, and welcoming Camp Joy experience.
• Timeliness: Arrives prepared and on time for all programs, meetings, and assigned tasks.
• Initiative: Proactively steps in to support programming, logistics, and camper needs.
Joy Outdoor Educa􀆟on Center, P.O. Box 157, Clarksville, OH 45113 3 of 2
Minimum Qualifications
• Minimum of 21 years of age or older.
• Minimum of one year of experience in a camp or youth development environment; prior supervisory and camp program experience strongly preferred.
• Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and teaching skills.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise, support, and direct others.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with staff, youth, and clients.
• Ability to remain active for extended periods (12+ hours) across varied outdoor terrain and in inclement weather.
• Valid driver’s license, if applicable.
• Physical Requirements:
o Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds, including program supplies, equipment, furniture, and materials.