SUMMER CAMP COUNSELOR - (PROGRAM AIDE - S)

Job Title: Program Aide S - Summer Camp Counselor

Department: Recreation

Reports to: Youth Recreation Supervisor

Job Class: Seasonal, Non-exempt

Hours:

• Pre-Season: Roughly 20 hours of pre-camp training in late May
• June-August: up to 40 hours a week M-F; Daily hourly schedules vary (between 7 am-6:00 pm) based on program and staffing needs

Compensation: $16/hour

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Youth Programs Supervisor, the Summer Camp Counselor engages directly with the children in Summer Day Camps to lead campers in a variety of activities including sports, crafts, swimming, and field trips. Counselors may be assigned to any of the following camps, depending on qualifications and experience: General Camp, Teens, or Early Childhood. In addition, candidates over 21 may assist in driving a 14-passenger bus to transport the children as needed.

Specialty Counselor positions - Alternative to the Summer Camp group Counselors, Specialty Counselor positions will be responsible for specific areas of camp: Arts & Crafts, Theater & Dance, Science & Exploration, and Sports. Specialty counselors are responsible for preparing and leading themed activities in the different areas of camp for camp groups to complete during rotations. Specialty counselors will attend 2 of the 3 weekly field trips as support counselors while having the 3rd field trip as prep time for their activities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Attend and participate in all training prior to the start of camp
• Assist in monitoring and maintaining the safety of all campers on weekly field trips and pool visits.
• Communicate with parents/guardians about daily activities and camper progress
• Understand and communicate in enforcing camp and Park District rules or policies
• Promotes and encourages participation in the program.
• Assists with emergency procedures and building evacuation.
• Supervises children at all times.
• Attends all field trips
• Play an active role in keeping campers excited, safe, and engaged
• Initiate spontaneous activities to accommodate agenda conflicts/changes
• Assist in addressing camper behavior
• Assist in providing excellent customer service and maintaining a positive public image by addressing questions and concerns from staff, patrons, participants, and parents immediately
• Assist in keeping program supplies, equipment, and facility space clean and organized
• Assist with identifying and observing equipment daily for possible maintenance needs and adjustments and report to Recreation Coordinator
• Assist with the completion of all paperwork as required, including incident and behavior reports
• Attend all staff meetings and training programs as required
• Wear Park District staff shirt and identification during all work hours
• Performs other duties and functions as directed.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

• Adheres to all policies and procedures outlined in the Policy and Procedure Manual, Personnel Policy Manual, and Safety Manual.
• Cleans up all areas once the program is completed.
• Reports on any problems or concerns to the Recreation Supervisor.
• Promotes a positive and friendly work environment.
• Serves on various district committees.

Required Qualifications:

• Age 16 and older.
• Prior experience working with and developing programs/activities with children, ages K - 8th Grade preferred, not required.
• Ability to obtain CPR/AED/First Aide certification upon hire. The Park District provides these trainings.
• A valid State of Illinois driver's license is required for those over 21, assigned to drive the bus.
• Must successfully pass state Driver's Abstract Review (driver's only) and Criminal background screening (all).

Competencies:

• Ability to cooperate with and interpret Park District philosophies in relation to governmental, public, and private groups or agencies, and to the general public.
• Ability to work harmoniously with fellow employees, patrons, community groups and other units of local government.
• Ability to work in a team atmosphere, promoting positive work relations with both internal and external customers.
• Ability to understand and carry out verbal and/or written instructions efficiently and effectively.
• Proficiency to read and write in English and organize effectively.
• Ability to follow safety guidelines and exercise judgement in all aspects of responsibility.
• Capacity to maintain self-control and composure in difficult situations.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

• The work area is both indoors, in a smoke-free environment with controlled temperature and fluorescent lighting and outdoors at all park district locations.
• Will be exposed to occasional inclement weather including heat, humidity, cold, rain, and wind.
• Exposure to noise distractions from employees, patrons, or equipment operation.
• Lifting up to 25 pounds, occasional climbing, sitting stooping, kneeling, reaching. Frequently walking, standing, or driving.