The Day Camp Junior Counselor provides direct supervision to a group of children in a seasonal day camp setting and maintains a supportive, positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals while promoting and maintaining safe conditions in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures. This results in a cause-centered culture that is welcoming, genuine, hopeful, nurturing, and determined.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Demonstrate the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility in relationships with colleagues, members, volunteers, vendors and guests.
• Creates positive, nurturing relationships with children, while building cooperative relationships with parents/caregivers.
• Promotes and supports the potential of all youth in programs and facilitates peer-to-peer connections as part of the overall camp experience.
• Assists Senior Counselors, Unit Directors, and Directors in planning and implementing camp activities. This may include evening, overnight, and weekend events.
• Ensures that campers, program areas, and equipment are kept clean and safe
• Maintains physical presence, remains alert at all times while on duty, maintains constant visual attention to campers, and remains aware of camp surroundings.
• Knows and reviews all emergency procedures and responds to emergency situations immediately in accordance with YMCA policies, procedures, completes related reports as required.
• Knows, follows, and enforces all YMCA policies, rules, regulations, and procedures, including those for the prevention of child abuse and the Rule of Three.
• Follows all Camp procedures and guidelines including those pertaining to health and safety, camper supervision, drop-off/pick-up, attendance, forms, reports, and staff expectations as required by the YMCA, licensing, and the state health department.
• Attends all mandatory meetings and trainings.

• Must be 16 years of age or older with desire and ability to work with and relate to children and peers outdoors.
• Experience working with children of camp age is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to teach and assist in teaching skills and activities.
• Good role model, with integrity and adaptability.
• Remains calm and objective when under pressure or when challenged by others.
• Effective communication skills necessary to inform, counsel, motivate, and support campers.
• Must be observant, safety-conscious, and able to react calmly and quickly in an emergency.
• Must complete new employee trainings and department onboarding.
• Valid CPR/AED and First Aid certifications preferred.

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.