Day Camp Counselor

General Functions:

Under the direction of the Day Camp Director you will assist with all program activities that shall include but not be limited to arts & crafts, games, sports & other physical activities, group activities (small & large), Character Education, and teambuilding. Be in the water to assist aquatics staff with swimming & supervision. Provide opportunities for all campers to build confidence, learn new life-skills, and develop friendships. Also assists with day-to-day direction and supervision of assigned program areas, ensuring that the program operates in a quality manner consistent with YMCA guidelines.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to the following:

• To be available to work daily within the hours of the camp schedule as outlined by the Day Camp Director.

• To work with other staff and Lead Counselors to develop a full recreational and educational program each week.

• To assist in the development and implementation of special programs as assigned by the Lead Counselor, Day Camp Director, and Assistant Day Camp Director

• To be involved in all activities, games, sports, arts & crafts, drama, music, etc. in which the assigned group is participating.

• To participate in the supervision of children during field trips and other activities off site. This includes transportation to and from locations.

• To be involved in a daily swim program that includes being in the water with campers while supervising and assisting with water activities. (Note: Swim attire must adhere to Lifeguard standards)

• To supervise all children in the assigned group and be aware of safety issues to eliminate accidents. This includes supervising the application of sunscreen 2-3x daily.

• To complete accident reports if a camper should receive a minor injury and follow procedures to notify parents of such injuries.

• To assist with the supervision of the lunch period and sit with a group of campers during the first 20-30 minutes to ensure that each camper is eating a proper lunch and drinking enough fluids to prevent dehydration and other heat-related illnesses.

• To be responsible for playground supervision and an assigned area of the property where lunch is eaten.

• To assist all assigned group members with the daily organization of their belongings.

• To attend all weekly camp staff meetings and participate in all extra meetings as needed. A mandatory staff meeting is held every week at 6:00pm.

• To work shifts covering AM and PM extended hours when assigned. (Shifts will be determined during staff orientation.)

• To always act in a professional manner including personal appearance, speech, and interaction with campers, their families, and other staff. The dress code must be followed.

• To understand that you are part of a team that is responsible for a group of campers and that your plans should be implemented in such a way that your campers receive a fun, meaningful, and safe experience.

• To be responsible for the cleanliness and organization of the camp area including the playground, fields, camp shed, classrooms and any portion of the YMCA building that is used by camp.

• To be responsible for clear, appropriate communication with campers, their families, and other staff.

• To be responsible for implementing all other tasks as assigned by the Lead Counselors, Day Camp Director, and Assistant Director.

Experience and Education:

o Skills in sports, crafts, group games, music/drama, nature study, water activities, and other camp-related topics are required

o Experience working with school age children is essential

o CPR & First Aid certifications are preferred. Opportunity will be provided.

Core Competencies:

1. : Understands and supports the mission of the YMCA; displays the YMCA values; displays flexibility and accepts changes; is willing to try new methods and make suggestions; shows a strong commitment to the YMCA; conveys enthusiasm for the YMCA and his/her work.

2. : Understands and embraces the role of volunteers; helps members and participants make connections to others and to the YMCA; practices effective relationship-building techniques; supports the role of fund-raising in achieving the YMCA mission.

3. : Possesses the ability to deliver outstanding experiences for members, participants, internal customers and others; builds warm and supportive relationships; consistently greets and assists everyone in a positive way; strives to provide service that will exceed expectations; responds to concerns and complaints in a way that makes each person feel valued; initiates action for prompt resolution; looks for better ways to serve in involve members, participants, internal customers and others.

4. : Demonstrates responsible actions; consistently performs duties in a safe and conscientious manner within the agreed upon timeframe; follows standards, policies and procedures; is reliable and consistently punctual; actively participates in staff meetings, required trainings, and other work-related activities; uses good judgment; uses YMCA resources appropriately and efficiently.

5. : Treats everyone with courtesy, respect and consideration; displays integrity; listens actively and genuinely; communicates in a clear and pleasant manner; embraces differences among people; demonstrates an active willingness to learn and grow; accepts constructive criticism; works cooperatively as a team member.

Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years old

• A proven desire to work with and be with kids is essential

• Mature, responsible & self-motivated

• Excellent communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills are critical to the success of this position.

• Demonstrated analytical skills.

• Demonstrated leadership qualities, organizational skills, & enthusiasm for responsibilities to children

• Demonstrated ability to multi-task and handle multiple demands simultaneously with minimal direction.

• Possess and demonstrate excellent customer service, self-supervising, decision-making, problem solving, team oriented, creative thinking, and leadership skills.

• Emotional maturity & ability to observe confidentiality

• Enjoyment of the outdoors

Trainings & Certifications:

• Must complete all on-line Training.

• Must hold CPR, AED, and First Aid certifications or successfully complete during Camp Training.

• Must attend and be involved in camp staff training and orientation.

• Must attend staff meetings throughout the camp season.

• Child Abuse/Maltreatment Prevention Certification

Effect on End Results:

This position has a direct impact on the summer camp program and the effectiveness with which the YMCA accomplishes its mission. The YMCA summer camp programs are committed to promote an environment that teaches values, is healthy, safe, and provides an opportunity for positive growing experiences:

• Strong relationships with parents and strong community image

• The summer camp program has safe and age-appropriate activities and meets the needs of the community

• Provides a service to the families and schools in the community by providing a program that promotes fun, health and fitness as well as meets the needs of the community

Physical Demands:

• Ability to frequently stand, sit, walk, talk, hear, type, run, jump, kick, catch, throw, climb, kneel, bend, reach, balance, crouch or crawl, climb and/or balance, reach with hands and arms, handle or feel, stoop, lift/move and carry approximately 35 lbs, and use hands and fingers. Must be able to lift and/or maneuver large gym equipment. Special vision abilities required: distance, peripheral, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

• Duties are performed in an outdoor day camp setting and at times summer camp employees may be exposed to undesirable working conditions, extreme outdoor temperatures, inclement weather, communicable infectious diseases, and the risk of injury from children. All childcare employees are required to always follow the preventive health policies of the Center. The noise level in the work environment is moderate to above average.

Americans with Disabilities Specifications:

• 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.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $15.50 per hour

Expected hours: 15 – 30 per week

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to Commute:

• Oswego, NY 13126 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $16