Summer Camp Counselor - June through August 2023

The Kent County YMCA is searching for enthusiastic and energetic leaders to join our team as Summer Camp Counselors!  The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, good attention to detail and passion for working with youth in an outdoor environment. NO PRIOR CAMP EXPEREINCE IS NEEDED.  Candidates should feel comfortable addressing groups, interacting with children between the ages of 5 and 12, and be able to make sound decisions under pressure. 

POSITION SUMMARY: 

Summer Camp Counselors serve as a professional role model for our campers by leading through example and guiding campers through recreational activities that teach life skills, encourage healthy and safe behaviors, and create a positive camper experience. Recreational activities with campers, include but are not limited to, arts and crafts, sports, songs, nature hikes, archery, and other games and enrichment activities. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

• Supervise and be actively engaged with assigned group of campers. Ensure that all campers are always accounted for and safe.  
• Lead age-appropriate group activities with campers, including both small and large group activities (i.e., sign-in, out/circle time/community time/enrichment activities/asset development/games & crafts). 
• Continually promote the values of inclusion and equity among all participants.
• Arrive prepared for your scheduled shift, with staff shirt, nametag and first aid kit.  Be prepared for constant concentration and visual surveillance of program participants with no distractions.
• Maintain the necessary records involving attendance and sign-in and sign-out sheets. When releasing child(ren), ensure that the proper release procedures are followed and appropriate identification is shown.
• Ensure and promote the health and safety of all children through proactive measures including role modeling.  This may include the use of sunscreen, active hydration, avoidance of environmental hazards.  
• Care for and help with maintenance of equipment and camp appearance. Includes daily clean-up of activities and site, as well as scheduled site maintenance.
• Report accidents and injuries and complete incident reports. Follow procedure for use of first aid kit.
• Actively participate in pre-camp training.
• Engage in behavior conducive to team building with other staff. Open communication, encouragement, support and tolerance for each other are all essential. 
• Other duties as assigned. 
• Act as a professional role model. Maintain good public relations with parents. Understand that you represent the YMCA and maintain a positive disposition, demeanor and attire.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Must be 18 years old and have a high-school diploma or equivalent.  
• Certifications required before working with children: Child Abuse Prevention Training, New Employee Orientation, YMCA approved basic lifesaving skills such as CPR, First Aid, AED, and Emergency Oxygen.  

OUR CULTURE: 

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. 

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES: 

Engaging Community-Builds bridges with others in the community to ensure the Y’s work is community-focused and welcoming of all, providing community benefit.  

Inclusion-Values all people for their unique talents and takes an active role in promoting practices that support diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as cultural competence.  

Communication & Influence-Listens and expresses self effectively and in a way that engages, inspires, and builds commitment to the Y’s cause.  

Critical Thinking & Decision Making-Makes informed decisions based on logic, data, and sound judgment.  

Emotional Maturity-Demonstrates ability to understand and manage emotions effectively in all situations.  

Developing Self & Others-Demonstrates ability to understand and manage emotions effectively in all situations. 

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

Work is performed in a fast-paced outdoor environment.  

Sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions of position and to safely supervise children’s activities. 

This job requires high levels of alertness and concentration. This position requires analytical abilities and multitasking in order to identify problems and recommend solutions.  

This job requires accuracy and attention to detail, organizational, and time management skills, while maintaining high levels of initiative in order to work within deadlines. 

Occasional stooping and bending with regular lifting of up to 20 pounds is required.   

The incumbent must be able to sit and stand for long periods of time, and the ability to manipulate keyboards, telephone keypads, and writing utensils is essential.