What are the responsibilities and job description for the Cabin Counselor position at MERRIMACK VALLEY YMCA?
This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Under the supervision of the Assistant Camp Director, the Cabin Counselor provides direct supervision to a group of children between the ages of six and thirteen in a traditional day camp program. The Cabin Counselor will help champion a culture of service excellence and support and advocate the mission and values of the YMCA.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Essential Functions:
- Possess mature judgment and sound decision making
- Ability to observe camper behavior and apply appropriate behavior management techniques
- Maintain positive relationships with parents, staff, and campers
- Relate to people in a positive but firm manner while motivating and guiding campers and staff to succeed in the camp program
- Monitor daily camp operations to adhere to all state, ACA, and YMCA regulations
- Possess a broad knowledge of camp activities, goals and objectives, risk management, programming planning and implementation techniques that help to create a fun, safe, and educational environment
- Supervise a cabin of 15 to 25 campers of various genders and ages
- Maintain safety and cleanliness standards in cabin
- Conduct attendance at least three times a day
- Guide and direct the cabin to different programs and activities
- Assist and participate in different programs and activities
- Provide a safe environment for campers and staff
- React calmly and quickly in an emergency situation in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures
- Respond to environmental and other safety hazards that relate to the camp program
- Prevent accidents by maintaining constant observation, enforcing health and safety rules, and maintaining emergency rediness
- Perform an inventory assessment at the beginning and the end of the camp season
Job Segments:
- Assist Camp Director in various areas of pre-camp staff orientation.
- Attend Family Nights
- Lead the entire camp in songs, games, and activities
Financial Development:
- Provides leadership and support of Annual Campaign that results in achievement of our annual fund-raising goal.
Other Duties:
- Perform other duties as assinged by Senior Management.
Effect on End Results:
- Development and delivery of quality programming that are both consistent with the goals and objectives of Camp Otter, as well as meet the needs and expectations of the camper families enrolled.
- Expansion of existing programs through building on traditional camp activities, while developing new program ideas relevant to that weeks theme.
- Development of quality staff and volunteers that are fully engaged in the camp and provide a safe and rich experience for all program participants.
- Must be at least 16 years of age or older
- Current state-approved first aid certification
- Current state-approved CPR/AED certification
- Previous experience working with children, preferably in a day camp setting
- Must be highly organized
- Must complete Merrimack Valley YMCA online Child Abuse Prevention Training within the first two weeks of employment
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Position will include leading programs both indoors and outdoors
- A typical camp week is Monday through Friday 7:30 am to 5:15 pm
- There are events (ie. Family Nights) that require more than a 40-hour work week
- Ability to lift 50 lbs.
- Position requires the ability to walk/run around the rough terrain of Camp Otter
- Able to stand/move without sitting for four to five hours at a time
- Able to handle all emergency situations that may arise
