Program Specialist- Sparks Summer Camp

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• Plan, setup and deliver a variety of activities within specialty area that are age specific and that keep children’s interests high. Sparks is a half-day camp which will require Specialists to design their camp around the offered subject.
• Instruct Counselors on how to teach activities within specialty. Encourage activity planning and leadership for Counselors assigned to the activity.
• Lead specialty activities with assistance from Counselors and help keep campers focused on the activity.
• Control all supply inventory used in specialty. Assist Camp Director with ordering supplies. Keep supply storage area neat and organized.
• Aid the Camp Director in carrying out general camp activities where needed.
• Greet campers with a smile and treat them with enthusiasm.
• Learn camper’s names. Respond to campers needs.
• Encourage camper’s youth development progress. As a leader, set a good example for the children. Teach campers how to solve problems and maintain basic discipline and group control.
• Ensure that all volunteers have a great experience to help our association increase volunteer participation.
• Develop positive relationships with member families and learn why they come to our Y.
• Help group maintain camp cleanliness.
• Perform all responsibilities in an enthusiastic and committed manner.
• Take the initiative to be actively participatory in all activities.
• Act as needed when not leading a specialty program.

Safety

• Must attend and complete all required trainings.
• At all times, uphold camp safety standards. Maintain constant face counts. Will understand and practice risk management and disaster policies and procedures.
• Help maintain group control and facilitate lunchtime activities.
• Follow all YMCA, ACA, and NJ Licensing standards and procedures to ensure the safest and best quality camp and to help maintain ACA accreditation.
• Secure and submit all accident reports, special plans, schedule changes, and evaluations to Camp Director when appropriate.
• Report all immediate concerns to Camp Director or nearest supervisor.
• Use two methods of discipline with campers to include redirection to appropriate activities and using positive reinforcement to commend good choices.

Other Duties

• Always maintain a professional demeanor, as you are a representative of the YMCA.
• Wear Camp T-shirt daily.
• Maintain positive attitude, responsibility and self-motivation. Be punctual and reliable.
• Create a positive and nurturing learning environment to instill youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Qualifications

• High school student or equivalent.
• Previous experience working with children preferably in a day camp or enrichment class setting.
• Interest preferred in one or more of the following areas: Visual Arts, CAD, Coding, Robotics, Sculpture, Performing Arts, Chess, Academics, etc.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Previous experience with diverse populations preferred.