Summer Camp Counselor

Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direct supervision of the Youth and Family Director, Camp Counselors will provide day-to-day direction and supervision of the children in the YMCA or off-site location. Camp Counselors will implement curriculum, and assist with the operation of the program.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Camp Counselors provide a positive role model to youth in the YMCA Day Camp program by developing and implementing age appropriate activities, carrying out all aspects of day camp responsibilities, and effectively communicating the daily activities to all those involved with the program.
2. Leads activities and supervises an assigned group of campers ages 4-14.
3. Ensures and maintains accountability of all campers at all times, whether at the YMCA, on the bus, at a field trip or during transition periods.
4. Facilitates socialization, participation and interaction of all campers; maintaining active involvement with campers at all times.
5. Utilizes positive behavior management techniques with campers throughout the day.
6. Develops and implements thematic and age appropriate activities.
7. Assumes a lead role in assessing and managing emergency situations, involving and informing supervisor as situations arise.
8. Coordinates daily and weekly camp responsibilities with other counselors.
9. Collaborates with other counselors to plan activities, update activity sheets to stay current as needed, and communicates changes to the Youth and Family Director and other designated YMCA staff.
10. Ensures that all activity areas and equipment are clean and safe prior to each use.
11. Supervises and participates in swimming activities with campers during designated swim times.
12. Documents and submits paperwork including but not limited to accident, incident and behavior reports within the required time frame.
13. Works to maintain the daily schedule. Communicates behavioral expectations and planned activities to campers at the beginning of each week.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Ys values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.

Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.

Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience.

Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings.  Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.

Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Minimum age of 18.
2. Certifications: CPR, AED, Basic First Aid certification. 
3. Strong leadership and decision making skills.
4. Effective communication and teaching techniques.
5. Qualification Letter, or able to obtain one prior to start date.

Physical Demands:

1. Must be able to remain alert.
2. Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods.
3. Adequate ability to hear noises and distinguish distress signals.
4. Ability to communicate verbally, including projecting voice across distance in normal and
   loud situations.