Under the direction of the Camp Director, or his/her designate, and consistent with the Christian mission of the YMCA and in cooperation with other YMCA staff, the Aquatics Camp Counselor will be directly responsible for the safety, supervision, leadership and guidance for a group of campers related to Aquatics functions.

General Functions

• Provide leadership and guidance for a group of campers.
• Provide growth and development opportunities for each camper.
• Development and operation of all aspects of program schedule.
• Provide opportunities for development of awareness in each camper.
• Implement Character Development Traits in daily activities.
• Provide an enjoyable experience for each camper.
• Set a good example in promptness, manners, language, appearance and health.
• Set a good example in respect and care for facilities, woods and out-of-doors.

Principle activities

• Build and maintain a positive environment for all campers.
• Make pre-camp phone calls to assigned campers each session.
• Ensure the cleanliness of the camp areas during each activity period throughout the day.
• Supervise and ensure the safety of campers before and after program hours. (at the Director’s request on the first day of each session and certain other days one may have to arrive early or stay late for camp)
• Check groups attendance each morning and report absences to the Camp Office Manager.
• Implement lesson plans for scheduled program times, which include provisions for a safe program opportunities and camper age and ability difference.
• Execute your lesson plans, as an integral part of the daily program, making changes, as they become necessary.
• Incorporate weekly themes into daily activities.
• Prepare and present morning devotion, song, or skit as scheduled.
• Facilitate proper group behavior in assemblies.
• Attend all training’s required for position.
• Ensure the proper documentation is maintained for child abuse, first aide, etc.
• Assist in providing a positive learning experience for CILT, CIT or any teen camper assigned to you, when applicable. (Branch specific)
• Assist in lifeguarding and swim with your group during group swim time. (Proper dress always required)
• Manage appropriate behavior with all children and implement the Camp’s discipline policy when necessary.
• Maintain all equipment used in one’s program segment in good order.
• Report all program changes and equipment needs to the Camp Director/ Leadership Staff.
• Attend staff meetings and scheduled sleepovers/family nights.
• Participate in all assigned activities like sleepovers, family nights, etc.
• Report to the Camp Director/ Leadership Staff any difficult or unusual situations.
• Share problems with Camp Director/ Leadership Staff so they can be solved
• Maintain responsibility of “special duty” assigned weekly.
• Complete Metro Staff Orientation, BBP and any other training provided by the YMCA.
• Implement the camp reward system to ensure positive reinforcement for all campers.
• Maintain a positive relationship with parents, co-workers, supervisors.
• Willingness to take the initiative in daily activities and programs.
• Maintaining all equipment that you use during camp.
• Provide guidance and awareness of camp program to other departments
• Attend all training’s required for employment for the YMCA.
• All other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

•  Must be at least 16 years of age (minimum 18 years of age for licensed programs).
• Experience and training significant for camp programs.
• Interest in children and significant evidence of emotional maturity, good moral character, judgement, integrity and leadership capability.
• Enjoyment and appreciation of the outdoors.
• Ability to create and work within a Christian environment so that each camper has the opportunity for growth.
• Ability to adapt to changing needs and circumstances.
• Safety certifications and all trainings and certifications in accordance with the Quality Standards within required timeframe.
• Desire to learn and apply experiences as necessary.
• Strong interpersonal skills to be able to communicate in a positive manner with member, participants and staff.

Physical Requirements

• Standing
• Hearing
• Swimming
• Sitting
• Walking
• Lifting (50 lbs)
• Vision
• Running
• Pulling