Lead Camp Counselor

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Summer Camp Director, the Lead Camp Counselor is responsible for supervising a group of children. The Lead Camp Counselor establishes relationships with children and their parents while providing a safe, pleasant and caring atmosphere during Summer Camp. This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Provides direct supervision of a group of children in a seasonal day camp. Creates positive, nurturing relationships with children, while building cooperative relationships with parents/caregivers. Promotes and supports the potential of all youth in programs and facilitates peer-to-peer connections as part of the overall camp experience.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Plans, prepares and implements daily activities for groups of 16-30 children
• Creates innovative games and activities to keep children engaged
• Works to teach a variety of activities, aiding in the supervision of all activities, including field trips, leading games and any other small or large group activities
• Establishes relationships with children and their parents
• Engages each camper by name and communicate with them to ensure quality, fun, and a safe experience
• Delegates and coordinates activities as leader of a team of senior and junior counselors
• Coaches and guides counselors and children during all activities throughout the day
• Effectively communicates groups needs with camp leadership
• Effectively communicates daily happenings and incidents to parents of campers
• Maintains group backpack including group binder, camper information sheets, necessary medications when off site, and first aid kit
• Handles all behavior, medical, and other incidents within their group, requesting assistance from camp leadership when necessary
• Responsible for scheduling group counselor to swim with group daily
• Embraces camp traditions and encourages peers and campers to do so
• Attends trainings, seminars and meetings as required
• Adheres and incorporates the YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility and educates members about the YMCA mission and goals

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Ys values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.

Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.

Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.

Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. 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 18 years old
2. Experience preferred in one or more of the following areas: outdoor living, archery, boating, camping, songs/music, skits, sports, aquatics, recreational games, etc…
3. This position requires experience working with children in scouting or other child related activities
4. CPR, First Aid, AED certifications and Child Abuse Prevention training within 30 days of hire date.
5. Ability to provide stimulation, security and supervision to a variety of ages is essential

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.