The Minnesota Writing Project is a local site of the National Writing Project, established in 1990. The mission of the Minnesota Writing Project is to leverage the expertise, experience, and leadership of educators and community partners to improve the teaching of writing and learning in schools and communities across Minnesota. For over thirty years, the Minnesota Writing Project has engaged great educators at all levels and in all subjects in deepening their understanding of the teaching of writing and working as leaders in their schools, communities, and in the profession at large.
We are looking for an individual to join our team who is inspired by our mission to ignite the curiosity and passion of young writers, support teacher leaders, and to serve our Minnesota community. We believe that difference is a strength and are looking for candidates that reflect and respect diversity. We encourage you to apply for the position even if you do not believe you meet every qualification.
Position Summary:
The Youth Camps Coordinator will coordinate, facilitate, and assist with developing literacy-based (reading, writing, and more) programming for youth audiences in the form of summer camps. This role will regularly collaborate with the rest of the Minnesota Writing Project team including the Director and Administrator.
The Youth Camps Coordinator will ensure camp curriculum and experiences are innovative, engaging, accessible, effective, and aligned with the Minnesota Writing Projectâ™s mission. They will be a strong advocate for literacy education and inspire a passion for learning by drawing from Kâ“University research and resources as well as the broader mission of the National Writing Project. This person will have the ability to keep camps running smoothly, managing timelines, schedules, and information across multiple platforms, to navigate conflict, communicate with intention, and adapt to challenges. We are looking for someone who finds joy in making connections with children and families and who operates with empathy and curiosity.
This is an hourly position.
- 40 hours total during the months of February through May (collaborating with the MWP Director to plan and promote camps, recruit and hire teachers and undergrad assistants, and procure materials) - 40 hours per week for each week of camps during the summer. There will be 5 camps in summer 2025 (overseeing and managing the administration of camps) - Work schedule: June 16â“27, July 14â“25, and August 18â“22. - Tentative Schedule: - 8:00â“8:30: Arrive and prepare for drop off - 8:30â“9:00: Camper drop off - 9:00â“12:00: Morning camp programming - 12:00â“12:30: Lunch for campers, teachers, and assistants - 12:30â“3:00: Afternoon camp programming, including field trips around campus - 3:00â“3:30: Camp pick up - 3:30â“4:00: Check in with staff and wrap up for the day - 10 hours after camps end for the summer (coordinating feedback from families, campers, and employees and meeting with MWP Director to reflect and make initial suggestions for future camps)
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
Camp Supervision and Coordination (90%)
Recruit, hire, train and supervise hourly seasonal staff, including camp leaders and assistants, in alignment with practices that support DEAI.
Supervise the development and updating of weekly curriculum for camps with hands-on, experiential, and project-based activities that are accessible to diverse audiences, reflect best practices for campers entering 3rd to 8th grades with particular attention to curriculum and pedagogy that supports DEAI.
Create and maintain a master schedule for camp classes, including but not limited to: room reservations, special guests, and field trips.
Manage and adapt staffing schedules, including breaks and lunches to remain in compliance with ratio policies and staffing needs.
Work with camp staff to resolve any performance issues.
Ensure professional and safe operation of the overall program as well as the safety of the campers.
Serve as the point person for conflict resolution and resolving behavioral issues with campers.
Build and maintain positive relationships with participants and families through clear communication, timely resolution of concerns, and a commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion. Ensure all participants feel valued and gather feedback for continuous improvement.
Manage the campâ™s budget by overseeing purchasing of camp supplies and tracking expenses in collaboration with the Minnesota Writing Project Director and Administrator.
Learn the Destiny One Registration System and work with their team to coordinate camp registration and scholarship management.
Facilitate camp programming as-needed.
Internal and External Relations (10%)
Attend team meetings as well as occasional project-based meetings that relate to youth camps.
Build relationships within the University to support collaborations and awareness of youth camps.
Build relationships within the local community to support content development and participation in summer camps to help meet the Minnesota Writing Projectâ™s mission of making high quality literacy education accessible to all.
Other Duties as Assigned
Required Qualifications:
BA or BS in Education or a related field
Strong organizational or project management skills
Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience delivering or administering youth-based education programming (can include classroom teaching)
Demonstrated capacity to support and engage cultural and economic diversity
Demonstrated capacity to communicate effectively with colleagues, students/campers, and external contacts.
Ability to walk, bend, and lift 20 pounds, in a variety of settings.
Preferred Qualifications:
A working knowledge of the developments and trends in the fields of education, informal literacy learning, and experience with program evaluation.
Post-secondary degree in education, literacy, or other related field with two years relevant experience OR 6 or more years experience in development and implementation of informal education programs for grades K-8
Creativity, flexibility, and ability to problem solve.
Fluency in Spanish, Somali, or another language in addition to English
Experienced working with youth with special needs.
Strong conflict management skills when communicating with guardians, youth participants, and program staff.
The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.
