Camp Grady Spruce Junior Counselor

Junior Counselor 

GENERAL FUNCTION: 

Under direct supervision of the Program Coordinator and the Camp Director, Junior Counselors will work with Senior Counselors to create a positive and safe environment for campers and staff alike. Junior Counselors will be in cabins with campers and usually two senior counselors. Junior Counselors will take an active role in working with campers and leading activities while learning from the Senior Counselors they work with. Food and lodging is provided during the resident care of campers and/or program delivery. The staff at all times is representative of the philosophy, mission and goals of the YMCA and its Camping Program. Staff must strive to work cooperatively with the Camp Director and fellow employees to achieve the goals and objectives of the YMCA. 

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES / POSITION RESPONSIBILITY: 

Will assist in all functions related to running of camp. Will work with an assigned group of 8-10 campers. Typically, with the ages of 7-12 but may be placed in a cabin with older campers. Will assist in creating camper relationships and managing behavioral issues in cabin. Will be responsive to campers’ needs and whenever possible involve group in decision making. Will ensure safety of campers throughout the camping season. Will keep camp clean and safe for all campers. Will insure the preservation of the natural environment of the camp setting. Will take responsibility for the proper use, care and storage of all camp equipment. Will maintain a neat appearance; wearing an appropriate staff shirt during opening and closing day. 

All camp staff will at all times have the opportunity to meet with the Assistant Camp Director or Camp Director to discuss any problems, needs or concerns he/she may have. Will accurately complete and return Accident Reports to Camp Director. Will follow scheduled activities. Will be responsible for maintaining discipline in assigned group, as well as other campers when needed. Will review and understand all emergency drills and be prepared to implement them. Will be required to perform any appropriate duties as assigned by Program Coordinator, Assistant Camp Director, Program Director and in some cases the Unit leader of the unit they are apart of. 

KNOW-HOW: 

• Minimum Age 17
• CPR Certification and Basic First Aid
• Must be an example of good moral behavior
• Must be motivated to interact with children
• Must be able to build positive relationships with Campers, Staff, and Parents
• Must be willing to live in a cabin group with campers
• Physical and Mental Requirements: Will closely supervise a group of campers in a scheduled activity in camp. Must be alert to children’s activities to recognize potential hazards and accidents. Such supervision will consist of visual and auditory awareness, as well as a pattern of circulation among the children. Will be completely responsible for the safety and wellbeing of each child in the camp. Must quickly move to attend to injured or ill children and initiate first aid procedures. All staff will treat all staff and campers with equal respect. 

Requirements  

• Minimum Age 17
• CPR Certification and Basic First Aid
• Some not all will be lifeguard trained and ropes trained
• Must be an example of good moral behavior
• Must be motivated to interact with children
• Must be able to build positive relationships with Campers, Staff, and Parents
• Must be willing to live in a cabin group with campers. Physical and Mental Requirements
• Will closely supervise a group of campers in a scheduled activity in camp
• Must be alert to children’s activities to recognize potential hazards and accidents
• Such supervision will consist of visual and auditory awareness, as well as a pattern of circulation among the children
• Will be completely responsible for the safety and wellbeing of each child in the camp
• Must quickly move to attend to injured or ill children and initiate first aid procedures
• All staff will treat all staff and campers with equal respect
• Need to work at least 2 weekends to get some basic activity trainings in spring or fall
• Will work at least 5 of the 8 weeks of summer camp if not all and will also work at least 1 stayover weekend.