What are the responsibilities and job description for the Residential Summer Camp Head Counselor (Seasonal - for Middle-School-Aged Camper Group) position at YWCA Vermont Camp Hochelaga?
Overview: YWCA Vermont seeks an experienced professional to provide leadership and management for Camp Hochelaga’s middle-school-aged cabin group, and respective cabin counselors. An ideal Head of Line candidate is someone who is friendly, inclusive, able to effectively regulate their own emotions during times of stress, a role-model to both younger people and peers, and someone who understands how to navigate and facilitate complex social situations.
For all seasonal staff, the camp season is June to August*. YWCA Vermont Camp Hochelaga serves more than 1,000 people each summer through camp programs, facilities use, and volunteer opportunities that engage the community in YWCA’s mission, eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.
*The exact dates are dependent on your specific role, which certifications/trainings you will be a part of, and our seasonal calendar for camp – we will discuss with you the exact dates during the interview/hiring process
Salary: This position is classified as seasonal, exempt. Salary is based upon the applicant's skills and experience, and includes room & board.
Responsible to: Camp Director & Assistant Camp Director
Expectations:
- This is a residential position and must live at the camp for the season
- Ability to take initiative; proactive without waiting for direction; strong sense of personal accountability
- Demonstrate exceptional leadership skills in alignment with our community practices
- Manage and supervise up to around 40 campers and 10 staff each week of the summer
Responsibilities:
- Attend pre-summer Leadership Training (will likely be virtual over 2-3 sessions)
- Set up the cabin area (“line”) prior to and during staff training, order supplies and check equipment
- During staff training, assist with teaching staff their responsibilities and expectations
- Conduct or delegate responsibility for a daily check of the line and equipment for safety, cleanliness, need for reordering, and good repair
- Communicate with the Assistant Camp Director and Camp Director regarding program needs in a timely fashion
- Attend all staff meetings (typically during breakfasts)
- Create, establish, and maintain a balanced line schedule for staff responsibilities on the line (including time off each day)
- Take an active role in creating the cabin assignments for staff and campers throughout the summer
- Teach and monitor proper use of equipment and supplies with safety considerations
- Evaluate current season and make recommendations for equipment, supplies, staff needs and program improvements for the following season
- Provide time for one-on-one check-ins and evaluations of all assigned staff
- Discuss with the Camp Director & Assistant Camp Director the performance of staff assigned to line and program feedback
- Monitor that cabin counselors and specialists take responsibility for groups, materials, and safety considerations at appropriate times
- Maintains longstanding Hochelaga traditions and emphasizing a camp culture that is relevant, healthy and fun, while keeping in mind our lens on social justice to ensure all programming is being run to standard
- Lead by example in observing and modeling camp rules, safety regulations, and community guidelines
- Supervise all assigned aspects of the campers’ day including morning bugle/reveille, cabin clean-up, meal times, rest hour, activities or classes, bed-time and other on-duty times
- Model active engagement within camp community
- Observe, evaluate, and provide constructive feedback to all assigned staff and campers on a regular basis in their roles on the line
- These are not the only duties to be performed. Some duties may be reassigned and other duties may be assigned as required
Essential Functions:
- Maintain a balanced schedule that includes rest and self care along with work and play
- Communicate and work with a variety of age and skill level groups and provide necessary instruction to staff and campers
- Identify and respond appropriately to environmental and other hazards related to the activity or situation
- Plan and conduct activities and supervise camper safety
- Strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers in all assigned areas while on duty (camp days can be long - typically from 8am-10pm)
- Set up, demonstrate, guide, and to teach class specific skills to campers of all ages
- Understanding of when to request, and accept guidance and supervision
- Respect and cooperate with fellow staff and administration
- Participate in a strenuous camp program with campers, while maintaining a high level of energy and enthusiasm
- Ability to self-motivate, and lead as a role model to our campers
YWCA of Vermont, Inc. does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.
YWCA Vermont Camp Hochelaga
34 Hochelaga Rd, South Hero VT 05486 | 802.372.4510
www.ywcavt.org | contactus@ywcavt.org
Job Types: Full-time, Temporary
Pay: From $400.00 per week
Benefits:
- Employee discount
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed
Work Location: In person
Salary : $400