Respite Weekend Camp Counselor

ABOUT RESPITE WEEKENDS GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR STUDENTS LOOKING TO GAIN EXPERIENCE OR THOSE LOOKING FOR A CAREER WORKING WITH THE SPECIAL NEEDS POPULATION. ONLY 1 WEEKEND EACH MONTH Respite Weekends offer enjoyable overnight camp experiences all year round for children with disabilities. Campers arrive on Friday evening and stay until Sunday morning, engaging in a variety of traditional and seasonal camp activities. These weekends provide a great opportunity for campers to reconnect with old friends, forge new friendships, and offer first-time campers a brief overnight adventure. Camper drop-off is from 6-7pm on Friday evening and Camper pick-up is between 10-11am Sunday morning. Campers are only able to register for 1 weekend a month, in order to give everyone a chance to enjoy a weekend at camp. 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 leadership, instruction and motivation for students in swimming classes. The Summer Camp Counselor will be primarily responsible for the total welfare and program leadership of a cabin or day camp group. He or she is responsible for the health and safety of each camper as well as all aspects of the camper's experiences. The Counselor will utilize the programs and facilities as tools to help develop the camper in spirit mind and body. The counselor lives the mission of the Akron Area YMCA and the vision of Camping Services. Our vision is to provide camper-centered experiences that empower us all to be our best. OUR CULTURE: Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you. The Akron Area YMCA stands with others in denouncing prejudice, racism, intolerance, and all other forms of discrimination. We are committed to our mission: To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. In the 150-year history of the Akron Area YMCA we have always and will continue to be dedicated to doing more, doing better, and thus becoming a champion of change in our community. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Live with cabin group and help each camper adjust and grow with other campers. Assist in developing individual camper's independence, self-esteem, and peer relationships in the summer camping environment. Design/lead activities that are safe, fun and promote cabin unity. Organize campers for daily cabin clean up and camp improvement duties. Arrive on time. Interpret safety and health rules, as well as other camp policies, to campers. Actively participate in all activities including waterfront, evening programs, & special events. Use behavior management techniques as outlined in the policy and procedure handbook. Evaluate camp program and provide input in to support staff and directors. Abide by mandatory reporting policies, as described in the policy and procedure handbook. Ensures proper maintenance and upkeep of camp grounds and facilities, reporting any maintenance concerns to the Program Director. Provide the extra needed medical and personal attention required by campers with disabilities. Offer enthusiasm for camp life and programs. Other duties as assigned. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS | ABUSE PREVENTION: Upholding the YMCA's commitment to the safety and well-being of youth in our programs is a core responsibility of all staff regardless of position. Attend required abuse risk management training. Adhere to policies related to boundaries with consumers. Adhere to procedures related to managing and supervising high-risk activities. Report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations. Follow mandated abuse reporting requirements. RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT This position may be required to maintain residence on site and may be expected to reside on camp premises during programs. Camp will provide living quarters within the scope of our housing policy. The On-Site Staff Housing Agreement will be signed at the time of hire and always adhered to. A copy of this agreement is available upon request. LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES: Communication & Influence: Interprets messages and body language effectively. Listens with intent to understand the perspective of others by using appropriate communication methods, including open-ended questions. Emotional Maturity: Acts in alignment with personal and organizational values in all situations. Remains calm and objective when under pressure or when challenged by others. Accepts responsibility for behavior. Leads with empathy, anticipating how actions and words impact others. Operates with openness and a willingness to receive ongoing feedback from all levels of the organization. Inclusion: Embraces all dimensions of diversity (i.e., ability, age, culture, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender identity, income, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, etc.) by treating all people with dignity, compassion, and respect. Critical Thinking & Decision Making: Recognizes own biases and suspends judgmental thinking. Responds to challenges with possible solutions in a timely manner. QUALIFICATIONS: The Counselor must be a minimum of 18 years of age and a High School graduate. At least one year of college or equivalent life/work-experience Participate in pre-season staff training. A mid-season training is offered for late hires. Must be able to receive and apply critical feedback in a fast-paced environment. Must be able to make appropriate decisions regarding childcare and program. He or she must also pass First Aid and CPR training (offered during or before staff training). 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. Regularly will works regularly from 7am to 11pm. The counselor will run, jump, and play for extended periods of time without break. Must be able to lift objects that weigh up to 50 pounds and assist campers that weigh up to 150 pounds. The counselor must be able and willing to participate in lakefront activities such as swimming and boating. Ability to walk, stand, and sit (including on the floor) for long periods of time. Exposure to communicable diseases and bodily fluids. 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.