Y Summer Camp Program Aide - Rockbridge

The Summer Camp Aide (SCA) provides leadership, guidance, and effective communication and maintains summer camp participants' overall well-being and safety. They must possess high energy and enthusiasm, genuinely enjoy working with children, and be team-oriented. The Summer Camp Aide assists the Summer Camp Director (SCD) and the Summer Camp Lead (SCL) in planning, implementing, and facilitating a structured daily schedule. The Summer Camp Aide must be positive, patient, and respectful toward campers, parents, coworkers, and administration. All staff are expected to interact and engage with the children throughout the day. This includes standing for long periods and participating in indoor and outdoor physical activities. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Supervises a group of children alongside the Summer Camp Lead, being responsible for their overall health and well-being. Provides careful, attentive supervision; alert at all times. 
2. Take group attendance daily. 
3. Maintains campsite and equipment daily. 
4. Implements program activities that are engaging, developmentally appropriate, and consistent with YMCA values. 
5. Adheres to program standards regarding safety, cleanliness, and adherence to licensing protocol. 
6. Attends training and staff meetings with summer camp leadership.
7. Able to attend and participate in scheduled field trips and off-site activities.
8. Follows YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to medical emergencies, behavior policy implementation, child abuse prevention, and all other emergency situations. 
9. Cultivates positive relationships and effectively communicates with parents, children, and other staff- models positive relationship-building skills in all interactions. 
10. Maintains ongoing communication with the Summer Camp Lead and Director. 
11. Sets up for and cleans up after all camp activities. 
12. Performs other duties as assigned. 

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Team Leader):

Mission Advancement: Models and teaches the Y’s values. Ensures a high level of service with a commitment to changing lives.  

Collaboration: Champions inclusion activities, strategies, and initiatives.  Empathetically listens and communicates for understanding when negotiating and dealing with conflict. Effectively tailors communications to the appropriate audience.

Personal Growth: Shares new insights. Facilitates change; models adaptability and an awareness of the impact of change. Utilizes non-threatening methods to address sensitive issues and inappropriate behavior or performance. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

1. Must be at least 16 years of age or older. 
2. Six months of programmatic experience with children, preferably in a camp setting, is preferred.
3. Must complete 24 hours of training to meet the licensing standards of a licensed child day center.
4. Preferred CPR/First-Aid. If not certified, will receive training through the YMCA. 
5. Exceptional group management, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills. 
6. Experience in creating, planning, and facilitating interactive and educational/artistic activities relating to youth development, physical fitness, and academic enrichment is preferred.
7. Must possess speaking, listening, and writing skills appropriate for interacting with children and adults. 
8. Must be capable of implementing directives related to the daily program.
9. Must have the flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. 
10. Demonstrate a working knowledge of the YMCA mission, purpose and goals, childcare policies, and YMCA standards; ensure the program meets the highest standards of excellence. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

1.  An employee must meet the physical demands described here to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 
2.  Sufficient strength, agility, and mobility to perform essential position functions and supervise and participate in program activities.