Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) Cabin Leader Crosslake, MN · Maple Lake, MN · Contractor Company website

Apply for Cabin Leader

A Cabin Leader serves as a group leader and provides direct support to one or more autistic campers in collaboration with Camp Counselors and other personnel. Cabin Leaders must have prior experience working at AuSM Camps and experience working with autistic people ages 8 and up. A Cabin Leader is responsible for reading camper packets and communicating with families before camp to answer family questions and to know our campers before they arrive. They participate in camp alongside campers and other staff, check in with their group of counselors each evening, and meet with on-site Camp Directors every night after campers have gone to bed.

Responsibilities and Duties

Before Camp:

• Review camper information packets to familiarize yourself with the needs of incoming campers.
• Call each camper or parents/guardians of each camper at least ten days before the start of camp. This call provides the Cabin Leader an opportunity to answer questions, confirm drop-off and pick-up dates and times, and address customer concerns.
• Participate in pre-service training and meetings.

During Camp:

• Meet parents/guardians during camper arrival and check-in.
• Act as a mentor to cabin counselors and lead group activities.
• Follow the schedule and participate in all activities.
• Implement proactive strategies that support autistic campers, help campers to self-regulate, and intervene if moods or behaviors indicate a need for help.
• If illness, injury, or unusual incidents occur, address the situation at hand and notify the on-site directors.
• Maintain camper safety, including ensuring that campers report to the nurse to receive any prescribed medications and/or special dietary meals.
• Facilitate the working team relationship between AuSM camp staff and our partners (Camp Knutson, True Friends, etc.).
• Be a fun, engaged, enthusiastic, supportive, inclusive, and encouraging role model to all campers and staff.
• Remember and demonstrate that camper needs always come first.
• Attend Cabin Leader meetings each night after campers go to bed.
• Complete any paperwork requested by the on-site directors: Camper Illness/Injury Form, Incident Report, Camp Evaluations, etc.
• Help maintain a clean and orderly cabin space.
• Communicate your needs to the on-site directors.

Last Day of Camp:

• Return all camper packets to the designated camp filing box.
• Assist campers in packing belongings, preventing lost and found as much as possible.
• Assist in cleaning all cabin common areas.
• Participate in camper pick-up, answering parent questions and sending campers home happy.
• Pack personal belongings.
• Participate in post-camp evaluations, including completion of parent feedback forms.

Qualifications and Skills

AuSM has a strong preference for candidates with experience serving autistic youth and adults in an inclusive school or camp-based setting, including:

• Prior experience working at AuSM Camps.
• Respect for the dignity of every human being.
• Experience working with autistic people ages 8 and up.
• Working knowledge of ASD and best support practices.
• Experience facilitating groups.
• Ability to collaborate with other camp staff and lead by example.
• Effective communication and organizational skills.
• Friendly, encouraging, compassionate, reflective, patient, and fun-loving.
• A team player with a good sense of humor who engages all campers and staff.

About the Autism Society of Minnesota

The mission of the Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) is to create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully. AuSM seeks to enhance the lives of all who are a part of the Minnesota autism community, with a fundamental commitment to advocacy, education, support, collaboration, and community building. 

About Camp Hand in Hand

AuSM Camps serve autistic children and adults of all abilities. Camp Hand in Hand, held at Camp Knutson in Crosslake, MN, is an overnight camp with a staff-to-camper ratio of at least 1:1. Camp Hand in Hand can accommodate the support needs of all campers except those who require extensive nursing care. 

About Camp Discovery

AuSM Camps serve autistic children and adults of all abilities. Camp Discovery, held at True Friends Camp Courage in Maple Lake, MN, is an overnight camp with a staff-to-camper ratio of at least 4:1.

Compensation

Cabin Leaders will receive a stipend of $650 for each session worked.

Nondiscrimination Policy

The Autism Society of Minnesota does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices because of race, color, age, religion, creed, sex, gender, national origin, ancestry, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under federal or state law, or local ordinance.