Jobs: Bruin Woods: Positions

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The greatest summer job of your life starts here. For 10 weeks in summer, the north shore of Lake Arrowhead reverberates with the happy sounds of nearly 800 UCLA Alumni families. More than 50 of UCLA’s finest students join 100 Bruin Woods career staff to provide a memorable vacation for the guests.

APPLICATIONS ARE CURRENTLY BEING ACCEPTED FOR SUMMER 2019. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, Feb. 13 at 5 p.m.

Qualifications:

  • Commitment to guest services
  • Leadership experience
  • Commitment to serve as an exemplary role model for children
  • Prior work experience
  • Performing arts talent
  • Enthusiasm

Salary

Earn up to $2,500, plus $500 bonus for completion of summer plus tips (typically $750-$1000).

Housing

All staff members live in the Cedar Lodge, a two-story guesthouse. There is a lounge on the first floor where you can hang out, and you'll share a bedroom and private bath with one or two or three fellow staff members. Bruin Woods furnishes clean bed linens and towels each week.

Training & Requirement

  • A mandatory weekend of training at Lake Arrowhead, scheduled in May/June
  • On campus First Aid/CPR training prior to arrival at Lake Arrowhead
  • Employment contingent upon completion of a satisfactory background investigation

PROGRAM DIRECTOR (1) 

This position is usually filled by an experienced, returning staff member.

Duties:

  • Ensure the success of all programs around camp
  • Emcee student staff shows
  • Create programmatic games and activities with assistance of Bruin Woods Manager
  • Manage and organize supplies; conduct inventory and reordering
  • Take photos throughout the week and prepare a slide show at its conclusion

Qualifications:

  • Ability to supervise others
  • Demonstrated ability to lead
  • Good understanding of program and program goals
  • Willingness to devote necessary time to accomplish tasks
  • Knowledge of the performing arts and appropriate rehearsal methods
  • Self confidence, creativity, good physical health and broad knowledge of general recreation
  • Experience working in a recreational setting
  • Exceptional public speaking skills
  • Valid driver's license a must

ATHLETIC DIRECTOR (1) 

Duties:

  • Organize tournaments, post results and present awards
  • Promote participation in sports, games and activities
  • Take charge of tournament softball games
  • Teach sports to program groups on regularly scheduled basis
  • Coordinate and supervise morning fitness and tennis classes
  • Referee volleyball tournaments
  • Supervise athletic contests for kids
  • Inspect athletic facilities, track conditions, make repairs and recommend replacement of athletic equipment
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

  • Exceptional social skills and ability to interact with adults
  • Knowledge of the rules of popular recreational sports
  • Possess a respectable skill level and experience as player
  • Demonstrated ability to teach sports
  • Ability to facilitate games without taking over
  • Knowledge of sports equipment
  • Ability to organize tournaments
  • Ability to motivate involvement and maintain a lively level of activity
  • Enjoyment for competition but with compassion for less skilled or competitive participants
  • Willingness to devote the necessary time to accomplish tasks
  • Good physical health

POOL STAFF (5) 

One of member of the pool staff will serve as pool supervisor.

Duties:

  • Organize activities at Lake Arrowhead’s beautiful outdoor swimming pool
  • Enforce safety rules, ensure safety at the pool and handle emergency situations
  • Help plan and carry out weekly camp-wide events
  • Teach aqua fitness and give swimming lessons to young children
  • Clean and oversee the pool house and arrange poolside furniture
  • Clean, set chemicals and monitor use of the Jacuzz and Jacuzzi room.

Qualifications:

  • American Red Cross Lifeguard Certified (we can certify you if you do not already have this)
  • Strong sense of responsibility for the lives of others
  • Knowledge of commercial pools and pool chemical maintenance, or aptitude to acquire this information
  • Pool maintenance responsibility and a desire to promote maximum use

BOATING STAFF (3) 

One boating staff member will serve as boating supervisor. Boating staff members must acquire an Arrowhead Lake Association License during pre-camp training.

Duties:

  • Operate the ski boat to teach guests to water ski and wakeboard and drive skiers around the lake
  • Practice and enforce boating safety rules
  • Drive pontoon boat, take guests to the village, provide commentary during evening cruises and provide boat rides to all children’s groups
  • Clean boats, docks and dock areas and keep in good repair; keep boats moored safely, noting problems; take boats in for service as needed
  • Keep accurate record of boat use; maintain knowledge of boat use and location; make sure boats are filled with gasoline and ready for operation at all times

Qualifications:

  • Prior experience operating a motor boat
  • Experience in water safety
  • Dedicated commitment to boating rules and safety procedures
  • Patience and the ability to coach
  • Love for the lake and willingness to help passengers enjoy time on the water
  • Willingness and ability to get up early in the morning

FISHING GUIDE (3) 

Fishing guides must acquire an Arrowhead Lake Association License during pre-camp training.

Duties:

  • Transport guests and staff on three-hour fishing trips
  • Rig fishing lines and care for equipment
  • Operate pontoon boat
  • Facilitate registration process for fishing trips
  • Record day’s catch by weight and length
  • Clean and prepare fish for cooking
  • Purchase fishing equipment when needed
  • Help keep boats clean and in good condition (see Boating Staff)
  • Dedicated commitment to rules and procedures
  • Operate boats safely at all times

Qualifications:

  • Knowledge of correct use of fishing equipment
  • Ability to relate to adults and children
  • Demonstrated fishing experience
  • Willingness and ability to get up early in the morning
  • Sincere love for fishing and helping others fish for hours each day

TEEN COUNSELOR (2) 

Duties:

  • Carry out activities for 10th, 11th and 12th graders
  • Mold teens into bonded groups to achieve maximum participation
  • Supervise an overnight camping experience
  • Organize teen athletic tournaments
  • Organize weekly Teen Dance
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

  • Prerequisites: Mature judgment; desire to be a positive role model; enthusiasm; endurance; genuine love working with young people
  • Ability to influence peer pressure
  • Genuine enjoyment of teenagers
  • Ability to inspire teens to work as a group
  • Some camping and backpacking experience as well as general skill in the outdoors
  • Knowledge of sports and waterfront activities
  • Willingness and ability to state camp rules and enforce them by persuasion

GRIZZLY COUNSELOR (2) 

Duties:

  • Plan and implement activities for 8th and 9th graders
  • Supervise an overnight camping experience
  • Organize group athletic tournaments
  • Plan and lead activities
  • Take group on evening cruises
  • Help organize the weekly dance
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

  • Prerequisites: Mature judgment; desire to be a positive role model; enthusiasm; endurance; genuine love working with young people
  • Demonstrated ability to work with teens
  • Basic knowledge and skill in sports, games, waterfront activities and the outdoors
  • Willingness and ability to state camp rules and enforce them by persuasion
  • Comfort leading evening activities

POLAR BEAR COUNSELOR (2) 

Duties:

  • Plan and implement activities for 6th and 7th graders
  • Supervise Polar Bears during an overnight camping experience
  • Organize group athletic tournaments
  • Plan and lead activities
  • Supervise evening cruises
  • Organize the weekly dance
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

  • Prerequisites: Mature judgment;, desire to be a positive role model; enthusiasm; endurance; genuine love working with kids
  • Demonstrated ability to work with junior high school-age youngsters
  • Basic knowledge and skill in sports and games, waterfront activities and the outdoors
  • Willingness and ability to state camp rules and enforce them by persuasion
  • Comfort leading evening activities

KODIAK COUNSELOR (2) 

Duties:

  • Plan and supervise activities for children in 4th and 5th grades
  • Ability to guide groups with consistency, fairness, energy, cheerfulness and enthusiasm
  • Participate with and supervise youngsters during arts & crafts, waterfront and Frontier Village activities and archery
  • Supervise overnight camping

Qualifications:

  • Prerequisite: Infinite patience; good program ideas; empathy; desire to serve as a positive role model
  • Ability to work with pre-teens
  • Basic knowledge of hiking, games and activities commonly enjoyed by members of this age group
  • Basic knowledge of first aid

BRUIN COUNSELOR (2) 

Duties:

  • Plan and supervise activities for children in 2nd and 3rd grades
  • Ability to guide groups with consistency, fairness, energy, cheerfulness and enthusiasm
  • Assist and supervise children during arts & crafts, waterfront and Frontier Village activities and archery
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

  • Prerequisites: Physical stamina; infinite patience; good program ideas; empathy; ability to relate to small children; desire to be a positive role model
  • Ability to work with youngsters
  • Basic knowledge of hiking, games and activities commonly enjoyed by this age group
  • Basic knowledge of first aid

CUB COUNSELOR (2) 

Duties:

  • Provide a program of activities rich in creativity, music, games, nature lore, physical exercise, drama, storytelling and sports for children in kindergarten and 1st grade
  • Assist and supervise children during swimming lessons, arts & crafts and Frontier Village activities
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

  • Prerequisite: Ability to be "on stage" all day long and to cope with large doses of hero worship
  • Ability to work well with youngsters
  • Broad knowledge of the program areas listed above
  • Some experience in the outdoors
  • A genuine love for working with small children

TEDDY BEAR COUNSELOR (2) 

Duties:

  • Provide a program of activities rich in creativity, music, games, nature lore, physical exercise, drama, storytelling and sports for 3-4 year olds
  • Assist and supervise children during swimming lessons, arts & crafts and Frontier Village activities
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

  • Ability to work with pre-school children
  • Broad knowledge of the program skills listed above
  • Patience, compassion and tolerance
  • Some experience in the outdoors
  • A strong love for working with small children
  • A healthy dose of tact for dealing with parents

CUB/TEDDY BEAR ROVER (1) 

Duties:

  • This person works alternate days with both Cub and Teddy Bears, filling in on counselors’ days off (see duties described above)

Qualifications:

  • Ability to take charge in unfamiliar situations and determine what needs to be done
  • Big heart to relate to lots of 3-6 year olds
  • Experience responding to situations of separation anxiety
  • Self-confidence to proceed with limited direction (see qualifications described above)

ROVING COUNSELOR (3) 

Duties:

  • This person will be assigned to work with different age groups and in several different areas every week

Qualifications:

  • Flexibility and a wide variety of skills
  • Ability to take charge in unfamiliar situations and work well with all people
  • Knowledge of "filler" games to be used while waiting between activities

ARTS & CRAFTS STUDENT SUPERVISOR (1) 

Duties:

  • Take full responsibility for the entire arts & crafts program and facility including scheduling, purchasing, cleaning, inventory and cash control, program development and guest services
  • Supervise four other UCLA students working in arts & crafts (see description below)

Qualifications:

  • An upperclassman possessing demonstrated business management skill and/or craft shop expertise
  • Ability to supervise; knowledge of cash handling procedures; commitment to excellent guest service; high energy

ARTS & CRAFTS STAFF (3) 

Duties:

  • Manage the camp-wide arts & crafts program
  • Teach ceramics, working with leather and other general mediums to 150 adult guests at the Craft House and Arts & Crafts Yurt
  • Teach crafts to children's groups
  • Balance arts & crafts accounts
  • Provide individual assistance as needed
  • Clean the Craft House and inventory supplies
  • After hours, perform other duties such as firing pottery, receiving orders, etc.

Qualifications:

  • General familiarity with arts and crafts listed above and/or willingness to learn about and excel in them
  • Ability to give clear directions
  • Patience and willingness to answer hundreds of questions a day
  • Tolerance for lots of people noise
  • Ability to appreciate and inspire the creative efforts of others

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE DIRECTOR (1) 

Duties:

  • Organize and monitor all outdoor adventure activities including overnight camping trips, hikes and nature games and activities
  • Monitor and care for camping equipment
  • Pack food supplies for all offsite outdoor adventures and cookouts including overnights, field trips, etc.
  • Re-stock unused supplies after each event
  • Inventory food and equipment as requested
  • Organize and lead field trips including hikes, mountain biking, etc.
  • Serve as the resident expert on available field trips or places to go
  • Drive program groups to scheduled offsite destinations
  • Keep camp vehicles clean and ready for use
  • Deliver guests with limited mobility to camp-wide events
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

  • Prerequisites: Assertive; self-starter; work well with others; organized, detail-minded; willing and able to perform behind-the-scenes work required to make trips a success
  • Sincere love for the outdoors
  • Desire to camp out and hike 2-3 times per week
  • Pleasant disposition, outgoing personality, physical stamina
  • Knowledge of outdoor safety practices essential
  • Confident and experienced
  • Experience in food service
  • Good driving record a must

BEAR & GRILL STAFF (5) 

The Bear & Grill is a snack bar and kiosk where guests check out games and sports equipment. Following a few simple business principles, Bear & Grill staff will organize songs, dances, chants, costume theme days and other activities that make this area a place of fun for passers-by and guests. One member of the Bear & Grill staff will serve as supervisor.

Duties:

  • Prepare food items, take inventory, operate the cash register and keep food areas clean
  • In the Games Handout area, check out games and sports equipment to guests of all ages; maintain the appearance and condition of  games
  • Work with the Athletic Director to keep sports equipment in good condition
  • Serve as a resource to guests on game rules and scoring

Qualifications:

  • Energetic personality
  • Prior food service experience recommended
  • Ability to follow cash control procedures
  • Patience and helpful personality
  • Tolerance for repetition
  • Willingness to support the Bear & Grill service goal to provide high quality fast food and drinks
  • Knowledge of games and sports
  • Possess creativity and style

FRONTIER VILLAGE (2) 

Duties:

  • Frontier Village staff help create the Frontier Village atmosphere by decorating the village, teaching outdoor skills and telling stories to guests of all ages
  • Must be creative and a self starter

Qualifications:

  • Outdoor skills
  • Food organizational skills
  • Ability to teach both children and adults
  • Enjoy the outdoors
  • Poise and self-confidence
  • Great for people with lots of outdoor camping experience

ARCHERY/FRONT DESK (2) 

Those assigned to this position must attend a pre-camp training weekend to certify as Archery Instructors.

Duties:

  • Manage the archery range and teach archery to participants of all ages
  • Devise games to add programmatic interest
  • Keep archery range and equipment  in good condition
  • Cover at the Front Desk about 25 percent of the time addressing guest requests, answering questions and preparing for the next week of guests

Qualifications:

  • A self starter; reliable; work well with both adults and children
  • Computer/typing skills
  • Poise and maturity; equanimity in the face of many questions and a quick smile are essential

ROPES COURSE STAFF (1) 

A ropes course is a series of physical events that challenge people individually and in teams to extend themselves beyond their perceived capabilities

Duties:

  • Work side-by-side with a Ropes Course professional
  • Teach and insure the safety of the course
  • Help participants secure their rigs for the high events
  • Lead group debriefing sessions after each event

Qualifications:

  • Poised and mature
  • Ability to lead effective debriefing sessions
  • Comfortable outdoors
  • Ability to learn and teach safety procedures with precision
  • Willingness to work the hours necessary to complete each day’s course
  • Good rapport with adults and teenagers
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