We are hiring for a few roles this summer. All positions will go through our Playworker training workshop in the Spring.
Playworker Job Description
We are hiring new playworkers for our 2024 Backyard Camp! Are you a playful, patient, curious, compassionate, fun-loving youth worker who enjoys supporting kids in their play? Do you like the sound of working outdoors, being part of a fantastic, dedicated team, and providing kids with the space and tools to play freely? Then you may be the perfect fit for Backyard Camp!
OYNA|Twin Cities Adventure Play is looking for curious, observant, playful summer staff interested in working with children using a particular philosophy called Playwork. Don't worry- we'll train you and help you learn! Here's a basic job description:
You must believe that children are capable and competent and be able to truly let them lead in this context.
Rate: 15-18$/hr, depending on experience
Camp Dates: June 17 - August 19th
Hours: 8:30am-4pm, M-F
Seasonal FT/PT positions available
Job Title: Playworker, Backyard Camp
Reports to: OYNA|TCAP Director, Lead Playworker On Site
FT/PT positions available.
Camp is located in a residential Backyard in NE Minneapolis.
Main role: Create and maintain open-ended, child-directed play opportunities for campers. Provide space, time, and materials for children to know themselves and their peers, and to explore through self-directed play. Collaborate with the Backyard Camp team regarding children’s health and well-being.
Organization Info: OYNA | Twin Cities Adventure Play brings PLAY back to LIFE for little kids, big kids, teens and adults based on the importance of PLAY and PLAYING at every stage of our lives.
Our main offerings are Backyard Camp, OYNA Outdoor Preschool, and Family Recess.
Backyard Camp: Our week-long summer day camps allow 4-11 year-olds to choose their own adventures while being physically active, spending time with nature, and unplugging from technology. Campers have a chance to work with an abundance of handcrafting materials, practice building new worlds and relationships, and learn new skills through concentrated explorations of their environment.
Each week of camp is unique depending on the dynamic of the group.
*Kids will have access to tools! Hammers, nails, and sometimes saws for those who are able.
Job Specifics:
Playwork is an approach to working with children that removes barriers to play. Trained playworkers support all kinds of play through active engagement and awareness. They assess the benefits and risks involved in the play, on physical, social and emotional levels. They do not interrupt, offer unsolicited advice and suggestions, or break the flow of play.
Playwork is a very particular type of work distinctive from other ways of working with children in a number of ways, specifically in the very hands-off style of adult interaction with children that is at the core. Using the methodologies of playwork, Backyard Camp staff will better understand what it is that children do in those times and places they are free to make their own choices when playing. It is not about what we think they do or what we would like them to do, but what they actually do!
Active Responsibilities of a Playworker:
Acute observation of space and campers, knowledge of surroundings at all times
Offer material support when called upon by young persons, and present ideas if asked, but be comfortable with ideas potentially being rejected
Maintain the space through resource organization, and active reporting to the lead playworker of suggestions for improving the functioning of the playground.
Maintain the adventure play site, including restocking and organizing materials as needed, making repairs, and identifying hazards, in collaboration with the team.
Routinely assess risk/benefit and inspect the space for safety.
Collaborate with the Backyard Camp team to document and reflect on play experiences through short written assessments and brief team check-ins
Represent OYNA|TCAP and educate parents regarding the role of play in child development and the importance of child-directed activities during the school day and at home
Characteristics of a playworker
A playworker is patient and playful
Ability to build trust with the children on site by providing space for children’s exploration and experimentation
Infinitely aware of the environment and all of the children within it and is able to quickly assess risk versus hazard
MUST be comfortable with allowing children to take risks and to provide feedback and guidance in a way that doesn’t impede the children’s own play
Proficiencies
Be able to actively participate in children’s play
Be willing to work outdoors all day, regardless of weather conditions
Be flexible and patient in interactions with children during the course of play
Experience / Qualifications
Have at least 2 years experience working with young people (experience in early childhood education a plus)
Experience as Playworker or knowledge of Playworker field a bonus but not required
Experience with tools is desired, building skills a plus
Current CPR/First aid certification required by first day of camp
Prerequisite
This job entails working with young people in a messy setting. Playworkers will need to be comfortable getting dirty.
Training
All hired staff must be able to participate in a Playworker staff training intensive during one weekend in the Spring
To apply: Complete the application form, through the link below, and email an attachment or link to a resume and short letter of interest to: [email protected]. Let us know what your favorite place to play was as a kid and why. Thanks!