Day Camp Counselor

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of the Director of Camping Services and Leadership team the Day Camp Counselor works with 8 to 12 campers as their caregiver, role model, mentor and leader. They will earn valuable experience not only as a care giver but as a leader. Counselors develop skills in communication, attention to detail, teamwork, leadership, workplace flexibility, experience in healthcare and overall professionalism. The work of a counselor is to create a fun, safe environment that enriches lives.

Our Culture:

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.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. To do what is necessary to create a safe and positive experience for others.
2. Guide and direct a camper group in a variety of camp activities
3. Participate in staff training and all staff meetings
4. Be a professional role model for your campers and fellow staff
5. Interpret and supervise safety and health regulations
6. Take responsibility for the hygiene of campers and yourself
7. Maintain professional appearance and decorum
8. Provide quality instruction of assigned activity
9. Assist with inventory and upkeep of activity equipment
10. Assist with set up and take down of activities
11. Assume and active role to incorporate nature, conservation and earth awareness.
12. Ensure your activity program is safe, fun, challenging, and promotes youth development and skill progression.
13. Assist in emergency procedures
14. Assist in opening/closing activities as needed
15. Maintain certifications necessary for employment
16. To be on time and work when scheduled
17. Assume additional responsibilities as directed by camp directors
18. Must be committed to carrying out the purpose of Camp Westwood and the Pawtucket YMCA with the four core values of honesty, caring, respect and responsibility.
19. Ability to serve and respond in a positive, respectful, timely, caring manner to all campers.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Team Leader):

Mission Advancement: Models and teaches the Ys values. Ensures a high level of service with a commitment to changing lives. Provides volunteers with orientation, training, development, and recognition. Cultivates relationships to support fund-raising.

Collaboration: Champions inclusion activities, strategies, and initiatives. Builds relationships to create small communities. Empathetically listens and communicates for understanding when negotiating and dealing with conflict. Effectively tailors communications to the appropriate audience. Provides staff with feedback, coaching, guidance and support.

Operational Effectiveness: Provides others with frameworks for making decisions. Conducts prototypes to support the launching of programs and activities. Develops plans and manages best practices through engagement of team. Effectively creates and manages budgets. Holds staff accountable for high-quality results using a formal process to measure progress.

Personal Growth: Shares new insights. Facilitates change; models adaptability and an awareness of the impact of change. Utilizes non-threatening methods to address sensitive issues and inappropriate behavior or performance. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Minimum of 18 years of age (Junior Counselors can be 17)
2. Minimum of rising Senior in High School
3. Child Abuse Prevention training required before hire.
4. Current or willing to obtain Lifeguard certification and First Aid and CPR
5. Previous experience in one or more of the following areas preferred: outdoor living, archery, boating, camping, songs/music, skits, sports, aquatics, or recreational games.
6. Passing Criminal Background check
7. Like children and have the ability to work with them and to understand their needs

Physical Requirements:

• Running and playing with children
• Ability to swim
• Ability to walk, stand, and sit (including on the floor) for long periods of time.
• Possible exposure to communicable diseases and bodily fluids.
• Must be able to lift and carry/or assist children us to 50 pounds in weight
• Must be able to lift and carry food and supplies weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to stand or sit while maintaining alertness for several hours at a time.
• Position may require bending, leaning, kneeling, and walking.
• Ability to speak concisely and effectively communicate.
• Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical situations and physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency.

Benefits:

• Training in First Aid and CPR
• Lifeguard Training Available
• Valuable experience in childcare, leadership and professionalism.