POSITION DESCRIPTION: Head Camp Nurse

Employment Type: Seasonal, up to full-time
Season Dates: June 15 – August 9, 2026 (approximately 9 weeks)
Compensation: Competitive weekly salary, commensurate with experience
Required Qualification: Current, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of Michigan.

Position Summary

Latvian Center Garezers seeks an experienced and highly responsible Head Camp Nurse to lead all health services during the summer camp season. The Head Camp Nurse oversees Health Center operations, manages medications, provides first aid and emergency care, and serves as a key member of the summer leadership team.

The Head Camp Nurse is available on a 24-hour on-call basis while programs are in session and plays a central role in promoting camper and staff health, safety, and wellness across all summer programs.

The Head Camp Nurse works closely with the Executive Director, Program Directors, Activity Directors, and counseling staff to support safe, well-run programs. While on duty, the Nurse is the primary authority for health-related decisions and Health Center operations and is expected to exercise sound clinical judgment consistent with camp policies and applicable laws.

Time Commitment

This position requires on-site presence for the duration of the summer season, June 15 through August 9, 2026, up to full-time. Limited pre-season preparation and planning may be requested in advance of the season as agreed.

About Latvian Center Garezers

Latvian Center Garezers is a nonprofit cultural and educational organization founded in 1965, serving youth of Latvian descent under the motto “For God and Latvia.” Garezers operates multiple summer programs serving over 300 campers ages 5–18, including GBD – Day Camp (preschool age), GBN – Overnight Camp (ages 6–11), GSS – Overnight Camp and Junior High Educational Program (ages 11–13), GVV – Overnight Camp and High School Educational Program (ages 14–18). Programs emphasize outdoor recreation, environmental education, leadership development, and community life.

Reports to: the Executive Director during the summer season and works in close coordination with Program Directors, Activity Directors, and other senior staff.

Position Purpose

To further the mission of Latvian Center Garezers by ensuring high-quality health care services, effective medication management, infection and hazard prevention, and emergency preparedness appropriate to the ages and needs of campers and staff.

The Head Camp Nurse provides clinical leadership, supports safe program operations, and oversees all Health Center activities while on duty.

Essential Responsibilities

Health Center & Clinical Care

• Provide nursing care in accordance with the nursing process and Michigan Scope of Practice
• Oversee daily Health Center operations, including medication administration, documentation, and infection control
• Provide walk-in first aid services and emergency response
• Coordinate care with outside medical providers and emergency services when needed
• Maintain accurate, confidential health records using the camp’s electronic medical record system

Leadership & Supervision

• Serve as the clinical leader for all health-related matters during summer programs
• Supervise and coordinate any supporting health staff or volunteers
• Participate as a member of the summer leadership team, contributing to daily operations and planning
• Attend scheduled leadership meetings during the summer season

Staff Training & Education

• Plan and present staff health and safety training sessions, including pre-camp and in-season trainings
• Provide education on illness prevention, injury response, medications, hydration, heat safety, and wellness
• Serve as a resource for counselors and instructional staff regarding camper health concerns
• Support continuing education and wellness initiatives throughout the camp season

Program Safety & Risk Management

• Collaborate with Activity Directors to support safe design and supervision of camp activities
• Assist with surveillance of activity areas as requested
• Address prevention strategies and crisis management issues as outlined in Program Manuals
• Support emergency preparedness planning, drills, and incident response

Qualifications (Minimum Requirements)

• Graduate of an accredited professional nursing program
• Current, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of Michigan
• American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification
• Experience working with children or youth, preferably in a camp or communal setting
• Ability to assess, treat, and respond to a wide range of health needs for ages 5–18
• Unrestricted driver’s license
• Completion of required health history record and medical examination
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively with children, parents, counselors, and leadership staff
• Knowledge of the Latvian language is not required

Teamwork & Communication

The Head Camp Nurse has daily interaction with counselors and staff and participates in regular meetings with Program Directors and the Executive Director to support coordinated, safe program operations.

Equipment & Systems Used

• Medical and first-aid equipment
• Electronic Medical Records (EMR) systems
• Camp Medical Services
• Laundry equipment (washers and dryers)
• Fire protection equipment as needed
• Camp vehicles, including golf carts, when authorized

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Ability to maintain a demanding summer schedule with extended hours
• Ability to respond quickly and effectively to medical emergencies
• Capacity for standing, walking, lifting, and assisting individuals as needed
  
• Ability to navigate uneven terrain in a rustic outdoor environment
• Comfort working in an active, communal summer camp setting

Benefits & Compensation

• Competitive weekly salary based on experience and scope of responsibility
• Daily meals provided at no cost through the Latvian Center Dining Hall
• Furnished on-site housing provided at no cost during the summer season
• Discounted program fees for children of the Head Camp Nurse

To Apply:

Go to Latvian Center Garezers website employment section and complete required forms garezers.org. Send a letter of intent to the executive director, Mara Abeltins.