DREAM + ECHO Center Summer Enrichment Coordinator

This position is a new and unique opportunity to serve this summer. The DREAM/ECHO Center Summer Enrichment Coordinator will be responsible for transporting and accompanying DREAM youth enrolled in the ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain’s on-site summer camp program. ECHO has reserved 2 spots in each week of camp for DREAM youth entering grades 1st-3rd. In addition to providing transportation for DREAM youth, this Coordinator will assist ECHO staff during the day with camp operations, including the delivery of science, engineering design, and stewardship themed activities.

The DREAM Program is committed to doing work that contributes to dismantling systems of oppression that affect our youth and families. This organizational commitment means that members should join this space with an intention of learning, unlearning, and diving into ways that your involvement will directly contribute to DREAM’s mission of reducing the Opportunity Gap while also supporting youth in all of the diverse identities they hold. We seek members who contribute to The DREAM Program’s diverse community, as having different perspectives, identities, and skills are what allow us to excel in our service. DREAM seeks members who are ready to engage in and foster an inclusive environment, and who strive to deliver culturally appropriate and relevant programming to the youth we serve. Incoming members and staff should understand that we serve marginalized communities, which means that it is imperative that diversity, equity, and inclusivity are infused into every aspect of our work as an organization.

ECHO’s mission is to inspire and engage families in the joy of scientific discovery, the wonder of nature, and the care of Lake Champlain. ECHO is a dynamic learning and teaching community committed to engaging diverse public audiences in dialogue; providing experiential, relevant and lifelong educational experiences to guests; and inspiring environmental stewardship of the Lake Champlain Basin. ECHO employees are expected to contribute to a productive, respectful workplace by modeling good humor, communication, collaboration and accountability to our colleagues, creatures, and guests.

Objectives of Service as a Summer Enrichment Coordinator:

• You will work with guidance from DREAM and ECHO staff to provide seven (7) weeks of fun, memorable, enriching summer daytime activities for youth living in low income housing.
• You will proactively communicate with DREAM caregivers to ensure enrollment and help prepare youth for their upcoming week of camp.
• You will communicate on a daily basis with DREAM caregivers to provide any relevant information regarding their camper.
• You will provide transportation for two youth each week from their community to the ECHO Center for camp.
• You will develop a sense of team with fellow ECHO employees, AmeriCorps members, and DREAM staff through daily collaboration and shared responsibilities.
• You will strive to provide a physically, emotionally, and mentally safe and inclusive environment for youth and staff/members.

The Experience of Service as a Summer Enrichment Coordinator:

• You will assist ECHO’s camp staff with daily operations, including group management and the delivery of STEM-themed camp programming.
• Each day, you will pick up DREAM youth at their home and transport them to and from camp at the ECHO Center.
• Each week, you will check in with DREAM families enrolled in upcoming weeks to provide reminders regarding pick up and drop off times, what to pack for their camper, etc.

• You will be expected to communicate regularly with your co-service members, your supervisor, community members, and partners.
• This role supports development of tangible skills in youth engagement, positive behavior management, adaptability, problem solving skills, and community work.
• This role involves high levels of teamwork, collaboration, and interpersonal communication.

Required Qualifications:

• To be an AmeriCorps member you MUST be 17 years or older, and be a US Citizen, US National, or Lawful Permanent Resident Alien.
• Access to a car and willingness to drive youth in your personal vehicle.
• Current driver’s license, proof of insurance, and clean driving record.
• Excitement and passion around working with youth.
• Commitment to the entire service term (June 5th-August 11th).
• Commitment to the mission of AmeriCorps, DREAM, and ECHO.
• Desire to enhance existing skills and develop new skills necessary for service.
• Commitment to serve as a role model for youth.
• Elevated awareness of issues of social equity and social justice with a commitment to continued learning as it relates to serving your diverse communities in a manner that is respectful and aware.
• A dedicated space to complete components of service that is not at a DREAM-supported site (i.e. responding to emails, researching activities, etc.)
• Ability to regularly meet in person with your team or your service assignment in their assigned location (including responsibility for transportation to and from).
• Access to a reliable phone.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous youth work experience or motivations/preference for a career in youth services.
• Creativity, energy, and an entrepreneurial spirit.
• First aid and CPR certification by the time summer sessions begin. (If not currently certified, DREAM will offer opportunities for certification during our summer orientation.)

Compensation and Term:

• Dates of service: June 5, 2023-August 11, 2023.
• 35-45 hours per week, 300 total service hours.

• $750 biweekly, $4,500 total (6 pay periods)
  • These are PRE-TAX amounts.
• Upon completion of dates and total hours, you will receive an education award of $1,374.60 (pre-tax). Click here to learn more about the Segal Education Award.
• AmeriCorps members are also eligible for:
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (food stamps)
  • Child care assistance
  • Student loan deferment (forbearance)
  • Other publicly-funded benefits, such as heating and utility assistance.
• If you engage in work-related travel outside of your commute, DREAM will provide reimbursement for mileage.
• As an AmeriCorps member at DREAM, you will have the additional support of a DREAM AmeriCorps Director to help you navigate your service term and apply for publicly funded programs.

Work environment: This position operates in multiple spaces. The spaces included are primarily an indoor/outdoor environment with active children, within the housing communities we serve, in public/field trip spaces in the local area, and occasionally in a workplace environment for planning and meetings. You may also be visiting our rustic Camp DREAM. The role also utilizes equipment characteristic of an outdoor and indoor youth day camp (pop-up shade canopies/tents, hand tools, activity supplies, food preparation equipment, storage spaces and sports equipment/toys). This role routinely uses computers, as well as phones and printers for communications and activity planning. During the summer, conditions will be warm and activities will often be held outdoors.

Physical demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee/member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:

• This position requires comfort working in outdoor environments, regardless of the weather. This position is very active and frequently requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee/member is regularly required to communicate with individuals who talk and hear.
• The employee/member may occasionally lift and/or move items over 50 pounds.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee/member is regularly required to observe and comprehend using vision abilities that include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Travel: Travel includes local travel during the work hours described. Out-of-the-area and overnight travel may be occasionally expected.

AAP/EEO Statement: The DREAM Program is an equal opportunity employer and an incorporated 501(c)3 charitable organization. The DREAM Program prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

At will employment: The DREAM Program is an at will employer. Employment with The DREAM Program is voluntary and is subject to termination by you or The DREAM Program at will, with or without cause, and with or without notice, at any time. The policy of employment-at-will may not be modified by any officer or employee.