Seasonal Day Camp Counselor

Under the supervision of the Executive Director and Leadership team the Day Camp Counselor works with 8 to 12 campers as their role model, mentor and leader. They will earn valuable experience not only as a YMCA staff member but as a leader. Counselors develop skills in communication, attention to detail, teamwork, leadership, workplace flexibility, experience in wellbeing and overall professionalism. The work of a counselor is to create a fun, safe environment that enriches lives.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• To do what is necessary to create a safe and positive experience for others.

• Guide and direct a camper group in a variety of camp activities

• Participate in staff training and all staff meetings

• Be a professional role model for your campers and fellow staff

• Interpret and supervise safety and health regulations

• Take responsibility for the hygiene of campers and yourself

• Maintain professional appearance and decorum

• Provide quality instruction of assigned activities

• Assist with inventory and upkeep of activity equipment

• Assist with set up and take down of activities; ensuring that the spaces are cleaned/ trash picked up after use.

• Assume an active role to incorporate nature, conservation and earth awareness.

• Ensure your activity program is safe, fun, challenging, and promotes youth development and skill progression.

• Assist in emergency procedures

• Assist in opening/closing activities as needed

• Maintain certifications necessary for employment

• To be on time and work when scheduled

• Assume additional responsibilities as directed by camp directors

• Must be committed to carrying out the purpose of Camp MacColl with the four core values of honesty, caring, respect and responsibility.

• Ability to serve and respond in a positive, respectful, timely, caring manner to a diverse background of campers

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Team Leader):

Mission Advancement: Models and teaches the Ys values. Ensures a high level of service with a commitment to changing lives. Provides volunteers with orientation, training, development, and recognition. Cultivates relationships to support fund-raising.

Collaboration: Champions inclusion activities, strategies, and initiatives. Builds relationships to create small communities. Empathetically listens and communicates for understanding when negotiating and dealing with conflict. Effectively tailors communications to the appropriate audience. Provides staff with feedback, coaching, guidance and support.

Operational Effectiveness: Provides others with frameworks for making decisions. Conducts prototypes to support the launching of programs and activities. Develops plans and manages best practices through engagement of team. Effectively creates and manages budgets. Holds staff accountable for high-quality results using a formal process to measure progress.

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

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of 18 years of age (Junior Counselors can be 17)

• Child Abuse Prevention training required within 30 days of hire.

• Current or willing to obtain Lifeguard certification and First Aid and CPR

• Previous experience in one or more of the following areas preferred: outdoor living, archery, boating, camping, songs/music, skits, sports, aquatics, or recreational games.

• Clean Criminal Background check

• Like children and have the ability to work with them and to understand their needs

• Good moral character

Physical Requirements:

• Running and playing with children

• Ability to swim

• Ability to walk, stand, and sit (including on the floor) for long periods of time.

• Exposure to communicable diseases and bodily fluids.

• Must be able to lift and carry/or assist children us to 50 pounds in weight

• Must be able to lift and carry food and supplies weighing up to 25 pounds.

• Ability to stand or sit while maintaining alertness for several hours at a time.

• Position may require bending, leaning, kneeling, and walking.

• Ability to speak concisely and effectively communicate.

• Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical situations and physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency.

Benefits:

• Training in First Aid and CPR

• Lifeguard Training Available

• Extremely valuable experience in childcare, leadership and professionalism.