Junior Camp Counselor

POSITION SUMMARY:

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:

• Assists lead and senior counselors with supervision of a group of 16-30 children
• Works with lead counselor to deliver innovative games and activities to keep children engaged
• Establishes relationships with children and their parents
• Engages each camper by name and communicate with them to ensure quality, fun, and a safe experience
• Communicates with campers, parents, peers, and leadership staff to ensure quality, fun, and safe programming
• Seeks feedback from lead and senior counselors and implements changes
• 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):

IU 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. Experience preferred in one or more of the following areas: outdoor living, archery, boating, camping, songs/music, skits, sports, aquatics, recreational games, etc…
2. At least 16 years of age (The age minimum may be higher depending on state law and YMCA policies.)
3. CPR, First Aid, AED certifications and Child Abuse Prevention training within 30 days of hire date.

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.