Camp AGQ Counselor

Essential Functions

• General Responsibilities: Apply basic youth development principles in working with campers through communication, relationship development, and respect for diversity, involvement and empowerment of youth.
  • Assists in the distribution of mail and printed emails to campers during rest hour.
  • Be alert to equipment and facilities to ensure utilization, proper care, and maintenance is adhered to; report repairs needed promptly to Camp Director.
  • Participates enthusiastically in all camp activities, planning, and leading those as assigned.
  • Participate as a member of the camp staff team to deliver and supervise evening programs, special events, overnights, and other all-camp activities and camp functions.
  • Maintains the cleanliness of the living space to which he/she is assigned, including cabins (inside and out), bath houses, etc.
  • Models, teaches, and upholds the Camp AGQ values and mission and protects the well being of campers.
  • Participates in the planning and coordination of evening activities and special events.
  • Takes active roles in free time and free swim, interacting and supervising children.
  • Cares for and maintains equipment, supplies and property of camp.
  • May be required to lead stayover camp between sessions or ride the bus to and from Ann Arbor.
• Community Development: Implement ice-breaker and group-building activities on the first day to ensure that the group becomes friends.
  • Establishes cabin routines and implements a system for fair rotation of cabin and service task duties.
  • Pays particular attention to group dynamics and work with co-counselor (SC, JSTAFF or CIT) to solve problems.
  • Maintains positive relationships with campers, parents and other staff.
  • Encourages physical, emotional and spiritual growth and positive character development in all campers.
  • Works to increase his/her own cultural competence and helps to create an environment that values diversity.
• Carrying Out Duties: Makes an ongoing effort to return lost items found in or around the cabin to campers in the cabin group.
  • Manages the behavior of campers, especially regarding physical, emotional or verbal abuse of others.
  • Provides the daily care of each camper within your supervision including recognition of personal health needs.
  • Ensures that campers receive their medications as directed by the Health Officer.
  • Be alert to campers and staff needs and assist them with personal and/or health problems, and discuss with camp health manager and/or resident camp director when appropriate.
  • Appropriate and diligent use of sunscreen and bug spray.
  • Washing hands before every meal, daily brushing of teeth and use of the bathroom, regular showers, checking for sniffles, coughing, rashes, sores, blisters and head (or other) scratching, ensuring they get enough rest, proper eating and drinking plenty of water.
  • Supervises cabin groups at meals and helps make the dining experience pleasant and healthy.
  • Discreetly monitors campers eating habits and models positive relationships with food.
  • Checks the Cabin Messages Board daily.
  • Communicates with parents of campers as requested, with the guidance of Cedar Leader.
• Safety and Supervision: Assure campers are properly supervised at all times.
  • Be aware of and implement safety guidelines.
  • Shares the after-bedtime supervision with other counselors in the cabin.
  • Never leave campers unsupervised after-bedtime.
  • Adhere to the one-in-one-out nighttime supervision model.
• Activity Facilitation: Plans ahead and leads “embers” time before bedtime each night.
  • Plan embers that are engaging, age-appropriate, and creative.
  • Develop a bedtime routine that allows campers to unwind and reflect on their day before sleeping.
  • Be prepared to facilitate in-cabin activities in case of severe weather.
  • Participate in the development and implementation of program activities for campers within the mission and outcomes.
  • Responsible for leading and assisting with the teaching of activities.
  • Actively participate in all program areas as assigned.
  • Provide for the progression of activities within the framework of individual and group interests and abilities.
  • Aid in the development and education of LITs and CITs.
  • Provide real-time feedback on cabin counseling skills.

Qualifications (Minimum Education and Experience)

• Must be 18 years of age or higher.
• Must be able to obtain or become certified in First Aid/CPR.
• Must submit health history record and examination form prior to first day of work.
• Ability to interact with all age levels of campers.
• Leadership ability and teamwork oriented.
• Possess a Variety Of Skills And Preferably Camping Experience.
• A commitment to working with a diverse staff and camper population for the fulfillment of YMCA goals.

Requirements

• Qualifications: (Minimum Education and Experience)
  • Must be 18 years of age or higher.
  • Must be able to obtain or become certified in First Aid/CPR.
  • Must submit health history record and examination form prior to first day of work.
  • Ability to interact with all age levels of campers.
  • Leadership ability and teamwork oriented.
  • Possess a Variety Of Skills And Camping Experience.
  • A commitment to working with a diverse staff and camper population for the fulfillment of YMCA goals.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Understand the development needs of youth.
• Ability to relate to youth and adults in a positive manner.
• Demonstrate knowledge and skill in program areas designated camp program areas.

Physical Aspects Of The Job

• Ability to communicate and work with groups participating (age and skill levels) and provide necessary instruction to campers and staff.
• Ability to observe camper behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques.
• Ability to observe staff behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate management techniques.
• Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to the activity.
• Physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid.
• Must be able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury) and possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers.
• Physical ability to endure prolonged standing, some bending, stooping, stretching, walking long distances, hiking, climbing and running.
• Requires normal range of hearing and eyesight to record, prepare and communicate appropriate camper and staff activities/programs.
• Requires ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Willingness to live in a camp setting, in shared living spaces with staff and campers and work irregular hours, delivering programs in the facilities available, with the equipment available.
• Ability to operate with daily exposure to various weather conditions, and animals such as bugs, horses, etc.

Salary Description

Starting $415/week