SUMMER DAY CAMP COUNSELOR

General Function:

A Summer Camp Counselor provides leadership and guidance for a group of campers, ensuring a quality experience to children and parents that focuses on the YMCA values: honesty, respect, responsibility, and caring. A Summer Camp Counselor creates positive, nurturing relationships with children, while building cooperative relationships with parents/caregivers. Under the direction of the Youth Services & Athletics Program Director, the Summer Camp Counselor will be responsible for assisting with the planning, development and implementation of program activities.

Qualifications:

1. Must be 18 years of age or older

2. Passion, enthusiasm, and commitment to the mission and cause of the YMCA.

3. This position requires experience working with youth.

5. Willingness to have fun, laugh, and be silly.

Know How:

A Summer Camp Counselor must possess good communication and organizational skills. A Summer Camp Counselor must have the ability to maintain control of area even when distracted by noise or activity, and work with a diverse group of people.

A Summer Camp Counselor also must possess:

• CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications and Child Abuse Prevention training within 30 days of hire date.
• Ability to implement age-appropriate/developmentally-appropriate program activities.
• Previous experience with diverse populations.
• Ability to develop positive relationships with people from different backgrounds.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to stand for long periods of time
• Lift items (up to 20 lbs)
• Carry items (up to 20 lbs)
• Must be able to communicate verbally with good voice projection

Principle Activities:

• Supervise activities of children, including but not limited to music, games, art, swimming, and outside activities.
• Plan and implement a progressive camp program, seeing to the total development of the camper mentally, physically, and spiritually.
• Provide opportunities for development of awareness in each camper.
• Provide an enjoyable experience for each camper.
• Set a good example in promptness, manners, language, appearance, and health.
• Set a good example in respect and care for the facilities and the outdoors..
• Create and maintain group unity by making everyone feel a part of the group.
• Contact parents of campers as needed during camp to maintain good public relations.
• Check group attendance each morning.
• Keep safety of campers in mind at all times. Campers are never to be left unattended.
• Know whereabouts of the group at all times, including early morning arrivals, bus, camp, YMCA, trips, etc.
• Keep all equipment in good operating condition and be responsible for returning items to their proper place.
• Maintain required program records.
• Attend staff meetings and trainings.
• Maintain positive relations with parents and other staff
• Assist in maintaining and cleaning of assigned areas.
• Report all program changes and equipment needs to Youth Site Coordinator.
• Assist activity directors while participating in their activity.
• Report to the Youth Site Coordinator any difficult or unusual situations.