Leadership Spotlight: Team Leads

BY SHELBY JONES

PALS PROGRAM COORDINATOR

We are so excited to onboard this year’s Leadership Team. And, we are excited to announce that we officially have our 2022 Program Leads! These 32 individuals will be the creatives behind our most fun, inclusive and memorable programs yet! 

Our leadership applications are still open for our other leadership roles. We want you to join us! 

Leadership Spotlight: Team Leads

That’s right… Team Leads lead a team at Camp! They provide support, build camaraderie, and ensure the well-being of every participant on their team, both with and without Down syndrome. 

“PALS will forever be a part of me and the man I am today”
— PALS Volunteer Leader

Team Leads stay with their team throughout the week, leading activities, building camaraderie, and celebrating together. They are the go-to people for all the members of their team both partners and peers. Team leads work closely with the Program Leads and other Team Leads in the weeks prior to their program to ensure they are well prepared for Camp. Team Leads must be 18 years of age or older. 

Who would thrive in this role? 

Individuals that are excited about building camaraderie and relationships within a small group of people would thrive in this role! This role does not require previous PALS experience.  Are you the go-to person for a small group? Have you ever wanted to direct the microphone? Perhaps you have experience on a sports team or maybe you are a college mentor… We want you to apply for this role then! 

PALS is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. We recognize that this takes consistent work and are committed to continual improvement. We believe that diverse ideas, cultures, and traditions reflect the broad diversity of the U.S. and are essential to building our vision of a community of belonging. All individuals from historically marginalized communities including BIPOC (Black people, Indigenous peoples, and People of Color) individuals and folks who identify as LGBTQIA+ are encouraged to join us. 

What is the application process? 

Team Lead applicants will submit a Staff application, via CampDoc. Applicants will have a 30-minute interview with PALS Staff. PALS Staff will use the learnings of the interview and application profile to make Team Lead selections. 

What is the time commitment? 

Team Leads arrive at the program site on the Friday morning before full Camp arrival on Sunday and are required to be on-site for the entirety of the week through the following Saturday afternoon. Additionally, this role requires a time commitment of about 2 hours a week (virtually) from April through the start of camp. 

What is the training Program Leads will receive? 

Program Leads will receive on-site staff training, in accordance with the American Camp Association, during the preceding Friday & Saturday of the program. Additionally, Team Leads will receive training and support from Program Leads and PALS Staff in the months leading up to the program.

How do I apply? 

  1. Prepare an updated resume & 2 professional reference contacts 

  2. Submit an application, via CampDoc. (Applications are open now.)

  3. Have an interview with PALS Staff 

If you know someone that would be interested in the Team Lead role or you would like to recommend someone for this role, share this blog post with them! As always, contact support@palsprogams.org if you have any questions. 

We can’t wait to see you this summer!