What are the responsibilities and job description for the Respite Weekend Camp Counselor - Special Needs Camp position at Akron Area YMCA?
Description
ABOUT RESPITE WEEKENDS
GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR STUDENTS LOOKING TO GAIN EXPERIENCE OR THOSE LOOKING FOR A CAREER WORKING WITH THE SPECIAL NEEDS POPULATION.
ONLY 1 WEEKEND EACH MONTH!
Respite Weekends offer enjoyable overnight camp experiences all year round for children with disabilities. Campers arrive on Friday evening and stay until Sunday morning, engaging in a variety of traditional and seasonal camp activities. These weekends provide a great opportunity for campers to reconnect with old friends, forge new friendships, and offer first-time campers a brief overnight adventure.
Camper drop-off is from 6-7pm on Friday evening and Camper pick-up is between 10-11am Sunday morning. Campers are only able to register for 1 weekend a month, in order to give everyone a chance to enjoy a weekend at camp.
POSITION SUMMARY :
This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Provides direct leadership, instruction and motivation for students in swimming classes. The Summer Camp Counselor will be primarily responsible for the total welfare and program leadership of a cabin or day camp group. He or she is responsible for the health and safety of each camper as well as all aspects of the camper's experiences. The Counselor will utilize the programs and facilities as tools to help develop the camper in spirit mind and body. The counselor lives the mission of the Akron Area YMCA and the vision of Camping Services. Our vision is to provide camper-centered experiences that empower us all to be our best.
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.
The Akron Area YMCA stands with others in denouncing prejudice, racism, intolerance, and all other forms of discrimination. We are committed to our mission : To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. In the 150-year history of the Akron Area YMCA we have always and will continue to be dedicated to doing more, doing better, and thus becoming a champion of change in our community.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :
- Live with cabin group and help each camper adjust and grow with other campers.
- Assist in developing individual camper's independence, self-esteem, and peer relationships in the summer camping environment.
- Design / lead activities that are safe, fun and promote cabin unity.
- Organize campers for daily cabin clean up and camp improvement duties.
- Arrive on time.
- Interpret safety and health rules, as well as other camp policies, to campers.
- Actively participate in all activities including waterfront, evening programs, & special events.
- Use behavior management techniques as outlined in the policy and procedure handbook.
- Evaluate camp program and provide input in to support staff and directors.
- Abide by mandatory reporting policies, as described in the policy and procedure handbook.
- Ensures proper maintenance and upkeep of camp grounds and facilities, reporting any maintenance concerns to the Program Director.
- Provide the extra needed medical and personal attention required by campers with disabilities.
- Offer enthusiasm for camp life and programs.
- Other duties as assigned.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS | ABUSE PREVENTION :
Upholding the YMCA's commitment to the safety and well-being of youth in our programs is a core responsibility of all staff regardless of position.
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT
This position may be required to maintain residence on site and may be expected to reside on camp premises during programs. Camp will provide living quarters within the scope of our housing policy. The On-Site Staff Housing Agreement will be signed at the time of hire and always adhered to. A copy of this agreement is available upon request.
LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES :
QUALIFICATIONS :
WORK ENVIRONMENT & 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.