Youth Advocate – Internship/Practicum Position

This position is open to applicants currently pursuing a Bachelors or Masters in Behavioral/Wellness Health, Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or a M.E.S.H. related field. The Youth Advocate role is critical in supporting the behavioral, mental, social and wellness health of campers throughout their time at camp. They are responsible for establishing strong, positive relationships with the youth at camp, as well as serve as a resource for other seasonal program staff. This is a residential position, requiring full-time residence at Sherwood Forest’s camp from mid-May to early August. Free room and board are provided. 

• Establish and maintain healthy and appropriate relationships with youth, focusing on safety, support, interaction, and engagement.

• Utilize strengths-based counseling with youth around issues such as homesickness, peer conflict, family issues, and mental health issues. Anticipate and mitigate situations of difficult youth behavior. 

• Facilitate training for seasonal program staff.

• Provide ongoing guidance and coaching to seasonal staff on how to appropriately respond to youth needs and behaviors.

• Identify youth needs through discussion and observation then respond using the appropriate intervention. 

• Obtain personal care items and other resources for youth as needed.

• Communicate with families to discuss their child’s successes and challenges while at camp, when necessary

• Consult with Camp Director and Camp RNs regarding youth issues and/or disclosures; complete necessary documentation related to youth issues and/or disclosures.

• Other duties which may be assigned by Camp RNs or Camp Director

• Students currently pursuing a Bachelors or Masters in Behavioral/Wellness Health, Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or a M.E.S.H. related field.

• Previous experience working with youth

• Must be 21+ years old

• Must have a valid driver’s license, the ability to obtain a Class E, pass a driver’s certification program, and be approved by insurance company

• Must be available for all trainings and programming from late May-early August

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to establish and sustain positive rapport with youth of all ages and diverse background

• Puts time and energy into listening to others and is approachable 

• Ability to assess an individual’s strengths and challenges and work with them to improve their abilities

• Ability to anticipate, identify, and resolve problems in a timely manner, gathers information skillfully, and works well with others to solve problems

• Consistently models for staff and youth appropriate and positive interactions

• Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events

• Ability to make sound decisions in a timely manner

• Open to personal growth and able to respond to constructive criticism

• Ability to effectively communicate in person or by phone, and exchange accurate information.

• Ability to work and navigate in a variety of terrain and weather conditions.

• Ability to endure and maintain constant supervision of campers.

• Ability to work long hours.

• Ability to drive camp vehicles.

• Ability to lift 25 pounds.