Summer Preschool Day Camp Counselor: Steele Creek YMCA

Under the direction of the Camp Director or his/her designate, and consistent with the Christian mission of the YMCA, the Day Camp Counselor will be responsible for the safety and supervision of an assigned group of campers. The Day Camp Counselor will work in cooperation with other YMCA staff to provide a safe and fun experience for campers.

Culture Statement

The culture of the Y is rooted in our Christian mission and core values. We strive every day to collectively embody our purpose of serving as a catalyst to transform lives and communities through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. We are respectful – we treat each other and those we serve as we hope to be treated ourselves. We are caring – we show a sincere concern for others and their well-being. We are honest – we are truthful in what we say and what we do, and we do not make promises we do not intend to keep. We are responsible – we are good stewards of our resources, strive for excellence and our actions are accountable to those we serve. We are innovative – we harness creativity, are solution minded and forward thinking. We lead with faith.

Essential Functions

• Supervise a group of day campers during scheduled work
• Facilitate a safe and nurturing environment that promotes social connection and character
• Implement activity plans for scheduled program times, which include provisions for camper ages and abilities
• Build relationships with campers and provide individual guidance and support to campers throughout the camp week.
• Implement positive group control and behavior management
• Ensure the cleanliness of the camp areas and equipment during each activity period throughout the day.
• Maintain attendance records and other documentation as required by the
• Assist campers in the pool during group swim time and maintain active supervision of assigned
• Lead devotions, songs, games, activities, or skits as scheduled.

Performs other duties and tasks as assigned by leadership.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Must be at least 16 years of age to apply
• Excited to work with children
• Demonstrate emotional maturity, good moral character, judgment, integrity and leadership capability
• Must appreciate and enjoy working outdoors
• Ability to work within a Christian environment and promote the core values of Responsibility, Respect, Honest, Caring, and Faith. 
• Ability to adapt to changing needs and circumstances 
• Strong interpersonal skills to be able to communicate in a positive manner with participants, families, and staff.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Ability to walk, stand, and sit (including on the ground) for long periods of time.
• Must be able to lift and/or assist children up to 50 pounds in weight.
• Must be able to lift and carry supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to stand or sit while maintaining alertness for several hours at a time.
• Requires bending, pulling, crouching, leaning, kneeling, and walking, pushing, climbing, and jumping.
• Must be able to communicate verbally and in writing in such a way as to be easily understood by children, staff and parents.
• Visual and auditory ability to supervise and respond to critical situations with children.
• Must be able to move freely and quickly through the facility and alternate program locations including outdoors and field trips.

Competencies 

1. EMOTIONAL MATURITY: Demonstrates ability to understand and manage emotions effectively in all situations
2. CRITICAL THINKING & DECISION MAKING: Makes informed decisions based on logic, data, and sound judgment
3. DEVELOPING SELF & OTHERS: Develops self and supports others (e.g., staff, volunteers, members, program participants), both formally and informally, to achieve their highest potential
4. INCLUSION: Values all people for their unique talents, and takes an active role in promoting practices that support diversity, inclusion, and global work, as well as cultural competence

To learn more about our Y-USA Leadership Competencies, please click here: