Position Summary:

YMCA Camp Counselor should be one who is enthusiastic, attentive, support, and motivate campers as they enjoy all that the camp has to offer. The Camp Counselor will help plan events and lead group events, monitor campers and respond to incidents, such as behavioral problems or accidents, log events and maintain records relating to activities. You should be positive, proactive, and caring while focusing on giving campers a fun, safe camp experience.

To succeed as a Camp Counselor, you should be upbeat, decisive, and responsible. You should also be organized and possess strong leadership skills. To provide leadership and guidance to all campers through a variety of games and camp activities.

Specific Duties:

1. Supervise participants in the summer camp programs and Guide campers in participation of all activities as well as overnight
2. Assist in program planning based on pre-arranged
3. Notifies immediate supervisor of all incidents and when supplies are low and needed.
4. Assist / responsible for all cabin activities as assigned.
5. Assist in tidying up and cleaning after activities and end of program.
6. Inspect activity areas, ensure no hazards are present and set boundaries and the safety and well being of the participants.
7. Ensures that respect for the backgrounds and needs of all participant and staff are integrated into both program planning and implementation.
8. Maintain positive role model and attitude.
9. Attend all staff meetings, trainings and other YMCA functions as required by Supervisor.
10. Maintain open lines of communication with Branch Directors, Group Leaders, participant, staff and supervisor.
11. Perform other duties as assigned.

Experience:

Applicants should some have experience working with children preferred. We welcome college students who are currently seeking degrees in special education, medicine, physical therapy, social work or psychology. Counselors will receive a 1- week on-the-job training before camp begins. Applicants with no related experience will still be considered and will be in a co-counselor role to gain experience.

Skills:

Camp counselors must have patience and should also display energetic attitudes. Counselors must be able to identify problems and brainstorm solutions. Utilize appropriate behavior management techniques. Must be able to communicate and be a leader as a role module for the campers.

Responsibilities: 

Counselors are typically assigned a small number of children for whom they are responsible 8-10 with a Co. They must pay attention to each camper’s individual needs. Camp Oakes welcomes children ages 8-17 with varying conditions. Counselors must assist campers to be ready for the day. Counselors may lead activities. They must encourage campers to be active and to create friendships. They should instill confidence in the campers to improve their self-esteem.

YMCA Competencies (Leader):

Mission and Community Oriented: Accepts and demonstrates YMCA values. Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions and perceptions. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them.

People Oriented: Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view and remains calm in challenging situations. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.

Results Oriented: Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings.

Personal Development Oriented: Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change and seeks opportunities in the change process.

Qualifications:

1. Must be 18 years of age.
2. High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
3. Valid First Aid and CPR Certificates are a plus, but not required
4. CIT or LIT training completion recommended or 6 months -1-year experience working with children and in residential camp environment preferred.
5. Ability to connect with people of diverse backgrounds.
6. Outgoing personality with strong verbal communication skills.
7. Criminal Clearance including Fingerprints
8. Negative TB test.
9. Must pass a drug test
10. Must attend a new employee orientation within the first 90 days of employment
11. Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, and lead activities for large groups of children
12. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
13. Must be creative and energetic

Working Conditions:

Essential Functions:

The summer staff counselors and aides are to provide a leadership role in a summer camp program. Activities generally include arts and crafts, sports, nature, songs, ropes courses, Counselors should express a true love and appreciation for outdoors and natural creation and be able to work in an outdoor environment for long periods of time. He/she must have the ability to lift and carry equipment up to 35 pounds. (cooler, program equipment, etc), have the ability to observe and assess camper safety in all situations, and maintain high energy levels and enthusiasm for prolonged periods throughout the day. All staff members must be able to complete orientation and training and complete a background check prior to the start of camp. The counselor should seek to understand the campers he/she works with and use the uniqueness of the camp setting and program to help fulfill the Camp mission.

Environmental Factors: Indoor and outdoor facilities (e.g. kitchen and recreational sites); exposure to heat, cold, potentially hazardous chemicals, toxic materials; work on slippery or uneven surfaces. Noise level is usually moderate.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee frequently is required to stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, talk, hear, stand, walk, sit, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift, push, pull, and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.