Larkin's Place Day Camp Counselor

This position is seasonal from May 19, 2025- August 8, 2025. If you wish to continue employment with the Y after the summer, you will need to apply with the desired department.

GENERAL FUNCTION

The Larkin’s Place Day Camp Counselor position is responsible for supervising a group of children participating in YMCA specialty camps. Counselors are responsible for ensuring that children are in a safe environment and are constantly being engaged with age appropriate activities. Counselors will help to plan and implement activities based on a specific theme of camp, which are primarily held indoors and are half-day camps. Larkin’s Place has a focus on disability inclusion, so Larkin’s Place Day Camp counselors will also need to work with implementing inclusion plans and adapting and modifying activities when necessary.

KNOW-HOW

This position requires that the applicant be at least sixteen years of age in good academic standing. The applicant must have at least one year of experience working with children. This applicant should have prior experience working with children with disabilities as well, or must be willing to go through trainings on disability inclusion. The applicant must be able to work as an individual, as well as part of a team. The position requires that the applicant must be able and willing to provide leadership and be a role model of the YMCA values. The applicant must show patience towards children, while at the same time demonstrating enthusiasm. CPR Certification required or must be obtained within the first 60 days of employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to use their hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools or controls, reach with hands and arms and talk or hear.
• The employee will need to navigate distances and supervise children both outside and inside
• The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit and stoop, kneel or crouch.
• The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust and focus.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for the planning and implementation of a day camp program that fits into the values and philosophy of the YMCA.
• Responsible for the safety of the children in the day camp at all times.
• Responsible for working with Larkin’s Place staff to make sure children with disabilities are included in the camp programming
• Must attend all staff meetings and trainings.
• Must maintain a quality appearance and care of the facilities.
• Required to keep track of camp materials, take attendance, and report any problems to appropriate staff members in a timely manner
• Responsible for accurately completing and turning in time cards on time.
• Responsible for following the dress code as described in the employee handbook.
• May assist the Aquatic staff with supervision of campers in the pool.
• Take a leadership role in all camp activities.
• Must work all scheduled hours.
• Help plan weekly activities schedule.
• Communicate all needs, concerns and requests of the parents, campers and general day camp to the Larkin’s Place Director.
• Responsible for any other duties deemed necessary for a job well done.

EFFECT ON END RESULT

When this position’s duties are fulfilled successfully, the YMCA camp programs will be viewed as a quality day camp that focuses on the safety of children and improve the quality of life in the Champaign County area. Campers will acquire an understanding of YMCA values, an appreciation of others, a sense of belonging and life long memories of friends and fun.

BENEFITS

• Free YMCA membership
• Discount on YMCA programs and merchandise