Overnight Camp Counselor - YMCA Camp Hi-Rock

The Overnight Camp Counselor aids in supervising and effectively leading a group of campers in a resident camp setting. The Overnight Camp Counselor maintains a supportive, positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals while promoting and maintaining safe conditions in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures. This results in a cause-centered culture that is welcoming, genuine, hopeful, nurturing, and determined. Overnight Camp Counselors may be asked to work in resident camp and/or day camp depending on camp needs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Demonstrate the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility in relationships with colleagues, members, volunteers, vendors and guests.
• Creates positive, nurturing relationships with children, while building cooperative relationships with parents/caregivers.
• Promotes and supports the potential of all youth in programs and facilitates peer-to-peer connections as part of the overall camp experience.
• Respond to and provide opportunities for discussion of individual or group problems or concerns.
• Assist each camper with meeting personal goals and those established by the camp for camper development.
• Follow established procedures for supervising camper health and enforcing all safety regulations.
• Supervise all aspects of the camper’s day including waking up, Cabin/Unit Kapers, meals, Siesta, evening activities, getting ready for bed, overnights, and after-hours duty as assigned.
• Plan and lead a non-denominational devotion for campers each night.
• Instruct campers in emergency procedures including fire, severe weather, Lost Camper, and Tag Calls.
• Teach and assist Coaching Periods as assigned.
• Serve as a Lifeguard or Lookout at the waterfront as assigned.
• Participate in Weekend Program, Unit On Duty, and other events as assigned.
• Actively participate in staff training, meetings, and supervisory conferences.
• Follows all camp procedures and guidelines including those pertaining to health and safety, camper supervision, drop-off/pick-up, attendance, forms, reports, and staff expectations as required by the YMCA, licensing, and the state health department.
• Communicates with staff, campers, and parents in a timely and professional manner and answers questions that will support a positive experience with the Y.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Must be at least 18 years old with desire and ability to work with and relate to children and one's peers outdoors.
• Must have at least 4 weeks of experience working as a junior counselor; have participated in structured group camping; or have at least 4 weeks of experience in a supervisory role with children.
• Ability to communicate and work with assigned ages and skill levels and provide necessary instruction to campers.
• Ability to live in an assigned cabin with a group of campers for the duration of the season.
• Good role model, with integrity and adaptability.
• Willingness to accept supervision and guidance.
• Ability to teach and assist in teaching skills and activities.
• Effective communication skills necessary to inform, counsel, motivate, and support campers and staff.
• Remains calm and objective when under pressure or when challenged by others.
• Must be observant, safety-conscious, and able to react calmly and quickly in an emergency.
• Must complete new employee trainings and department onboarding.
• Must possess and maintain valid CPR/AED, First Aid, and O2 Administration certifications.

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.