Talisman Summer Camp

UPDATES: Hiring!

Hiring:

Join our team as a Camp Counselor, where you'll play a pivotal role in the growth and development of campers ages 6-22 with Autism and ADHD. Throughout the summer, you'll lead engaging activities, foster social and emotional well-being, and ensure a safe environment for campers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead activities with 1-2 fellow co-staff for a group of 8 campers - promoting youth development principles through communication, relationship-building, and empowerment.

• Actively participate in program activities, ensuring smooth transitions and adapting activities based on individual and group abilities.

• Maintain high standards of health and safety, including first aid care, medication administration, and equipment maintenance.

• Serve as a positive role model, upholding camp procedures and practices while fostering a supportive environment for campers and staff.

Additional Duties:

• Contribute to evaluations and communication efforts.

• Assist in evening programs, special events, and camp functions.

• Utilize conflict resolution strategies and keep supervisors informed of behavioral issues.

• Complete necessary paperwork and participate in camp clean-up.

Qualifications:

• Minimum age of 18; completion of at least one year of college preferred.

• Certification in Wilderness First Aid, CPR, and Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) or ability to obtain.

• Physical ability to carry a backpack, work outdoors, and respond to emergencies.

• Strong verbal communication skills in English.

• Understanding of child developmental stages and comfort working with diverse needs.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with special needs children.

• Lifeguard certification or willingness to acquire.

• Wilderness First Responder certification.

• Background in psychology, social work, special education, education, or outdoor leadership.

Physical Requirements:

• Visual and auditory alertness to environmental hazards.

• Ability to respond to first aid situations and maintain constant supervision.

• Endurance to work outdoors and carry necessary equipment.

Join us in creating memorable experiences for campers while fostering their personal growth and well-being in a supportive outdoor environment

Our climbing instructors oversee and execute developmentally appropriate rock and tree climbing programs for campers with Autism and ADHD in Western North Carolina! Our climbers get to experience beautiful views and moments as our campers conquer fears and achieve goals (big and small)! We are hiring two climbing instructors for the summer who collaborate and support in instructing as well as managing logistical aspects and assisting in camp management as needed.

Essential Job Functions:

1. Deliver Developmentally Appropriate Climbing Program:

   - Plan and implement safe, progressive climbing activities.

   - Evaluate program effectiveness and camper skill development.

2. Ensure Safety Protocols:

   - Train staff and campers on climbing safety.

   - Enforce safety procedures during sessions.

3. Crisis Intervention:

   - Assist with crisis management.

   - Provide individual support to campers and fellow staff as needed.

4. Equipment Management:

   - Maintain equipment safety and cleanliness.

5. Program Administration:

   - Manage schedules and records for climbing activities.

Other Job Duties:

• Attend meetings and participate in camp activities.

• Share night rounds duties.

• Assist with camp closure.

Qualifications:

• Experience working with children in outdoor settings.

• Proficiency in rock climbing instruction.

• Strong communication skills.

• Comfort with extended outdoor stays.

Desired Qualifications:

• AMGA or PCIA certification.

• Wilderness First Responder certification.

• Relevant coursework in psychology or outdoor leadership.

Physical Aspects of the Position:

• Visual and auditory acuity.

• Physical capability for first aid and supervision.

• Ability to carry equipment and work outdoors for extended periods.

As a Program Manager, you'll lead the charge in creating an unforgettable summer experience for campers ages 6-22 with Autism and ADHD. Your role involves overseeing staff, designing engaging programs, and ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment. Embrace the opportunity to inspire and guide your team, leaving a lasting impact on campers' growth and development.

Responsibilities:

• Design and deliver safe, age-appropriate, and fun activities for campers.

• Coordinate program activities, ensuring alignment with camp goals and campers' abilities.

• Evaluate program success and campers' skill development regularly.

• Support, train, and supervise staff to maintain a positive and effective team.

• Lead program-specific training sessions, providing ongoing support and feedback.

• Handle daily issues and troubleshoot challenges with a positive and decisive approach.

• Maintain open and positive communication with camp staff, parents, and the camp director

• Oversee safety procedures, health plans, and equipment guidelines for program areas

• Manage crises and assist the camp director as needed.

• Care for facilities, conducting daily safety checks and maintaining cleanliness.

• Keep accurate records, manage camper files, and communicate regularly with parents.

• Attend staff meetings and actively participate in camp activities and events.

Qualifications:

• Minimum age of 21.

• Ability to pass a pre-hiring drug test.

• Certification in Wilderness First Aid, CPR for the Professional, and CPI.

• Experience working with children, particularly those with ADHD, Asperger’s Syndrome, etc.

• Previous experience at Talisman Programs or a comparable program is preferred.

• Training and experience in teaching adults and children.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.

• Comfortable spending extended periods outdoors, including wilderness settings.

Desired Qualifications:

• Lifeguarding certification or willingness to acquire during staff training.

• Certification in Wilderness First Responder.

• Coursework in psychology, social work, special education, education, or outdoor leadership.

Physical Aspects:

• Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to hazards

• Physical ability to provide first aid and supervise campers in emergencies.

• Capability to carry a backpack weighing up to 1/3 of your weight.

• Comfortable working outdoors all day.

Join our team, make a difference, and create lasting memories for campers!

Additional Information About Talisman Summer Camp

What makes our camp so unique and successful? We’re a traditional, outdoor sleepaway camp but for not-so-typical campers. Talisman works with campers ages 6-22 with Autism and ADHD from all over the world here in Zirconia, NC. Staff are incredibly trained with two-weeks worth of training, certifications, and games under their belt. A typical day during camp may include enjoying a wholesome home-cooked breakfast, engaging in small group activities, completing a nature walk in the beautiful North Carolina mountains, jumping off an inflatable into the camp lake, kayaking down gorgeous local rivers, having a conversation with campers and there - sometimes first ever - friends who understand their world, laughing with co-staff and campers around a campfire, pitching in to clean up after evening meal, feeling pride when group group wins a camp contest, or enjoying some of the most restful sleep after a long day of activities in the fresh mountain air.

Interested? Fill out our form here to connect with our Camp Director or reach out to maddy@talismancamps.com for more information. 

Ready to apply? Fill out our application here, so we can get you on our team!