Summer Day Camp Head Counselor Kindercamp/ Wee Camp Northwest Cary YMCA

POSITION SUMMARY: 

Under the supervision of the Program Director, the Head Counselor is responsible for leading the management and development of assigned staff and campers. They will support, develop, and coach all assigned staff under their direction, as well as give leadership to camp programs as a whole. The Head Counselor have the responsibility for all aspects of the assigned programs when the Director or other program leadership is unavailable. 

Kindercamp is a half day Summer Camp program for preschool aged children and runs Monday - Friday from 9a-1p seasonally.  

They are responsible for managing these functions in accordance with the stated mission, goals, and policies established by the administrative staff, governing committees, and Board of Directors of the YMCA. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

• Provide direct leadership to assigned “camp” or group of huddles and collaborates with other leadership staff in an effective manner. 
• Responsible for creating a fun, engaging experience for assigned camp including but not limited to building meaningful relationships with campers and staff, planning camp wide activities, creating spirit challenges and fostering a sense of pride and belonging. 
• Provides direct leadership and works to maintain organized camp and huddle times throughout the summer.
• Provide leadership, support and coaching to all assigned staff.
• Assists in leading staff training prior to camp and staff meetings throughout the summer.
• Hold assigned staff accountable to performance standards, including safety.
• Maintain awareness of issues with staff, campers, and parents in their charge.
• Provide regular informal coaching as well as formal mid/end of summer evaluations for staff in line with Director’s feedback and support.
• Lead assemblies as needed.
• Responsible for working with leadership staff to order necessary equipment for activities prior to the start of camp.
• Assist counselors with major camper discipline issues.
• Manages all camper and staff awards for assigned camp.
• Facilitates the daily setup of camp and maintains the upkeep of all camp materials, equipment, and signage; helps open or close programs daily as assigned.
• Keep programmed areas clean, neat and supplied at all times.
• Plans field trips for assigned camp as needed.
• Assists with taking pictures for camp communication and supports in writing of weekly camp newsletter.
• Maintains open lines of communication with parents, especially through an approachable and inviting presence at rides in and rides out.
• Ensures that program is safe, follows all safety procedures and standards and has complete knowledge of emergency procedures.
• Attend and promote all staff meetings and Family Nights.
• Implements and leads devotions for staff and participants, and contributes to the fulfillment of the YMCA mission at camp.
• Accounts for any other responsibilities assigned by supervisor.
• Models relationship-building skills in all interactions. Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with community organizations. Maintains regular, clear, and concise communication within area of responsibility. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• High School Diploma/GED required with 1 year of experience leading children.
• Must have a strong background in group control, leading activities, planning and organizing.
• Must have knowledge of how Y programs run.
• Ability to work with and motivate parents, staff, and children.
• Must be sensitive and mature and able to provide leadership for counselor staff.
• Must be able to obtain: Basic Life Support/First Aid, Emergency Oxygen, CPRO, and Epi-Pen certifications upon hire. Other trainings may be required upon hire. 
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
• Multi-lingual desired but not required. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Ability to plan, lead and participate in a range of activities in a variety of outdoor/indoor settings.
• Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range, or special accommodations made of sufficient nature for completion of assigned tasks.
• Ability to communicate clearly through speech and understanding of the English language.
• Ability to walk, run, stand, kneel, stoop, and manual dexterity.
• Ability to lift a maximum of 40 pounds.