Senior Camp Counselor

Position Summary

Camp Star Hillsborough is seeking a Senior Camp Counselor to support the Y's mission of strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. This role involves direct supervision of a group of children, creating positive relationships, and facilitating various camp activities.

Essential Functions

• Keeps campers focused and engaged in camp activities.
• Aid Specialists during activity periods.
• Consistently greet campers with a smile and treat them with enthusiasm.
• Develop positive relationships with member families and learn why they come to the Y.
• Learn camper’s names, respond to their needs, and assist Specialists and all camp staff in carrying out themes, special events, trips, and all camp activities.
• Encourage camper’s youth development progress, help maintain camp cleanliness, and work cooperatively with all camp staff while planning all camp activities.
• Perform the above responsibilities in an enthusiastic and committed manner, treating campers and fellow staff members with respect, using redirection to appropriate activities when needed, and using positive reinforcement to commend good choices.
• Teach and instill the Four Core Values of the YMCA in all camp activities: Caring, Respect, Honesty, & Responsibility.
• Act as requested by the supervisor.

Safety

• Attend regular staff meetings scheduled by supervisor.
• Complete all required trainings.
• Uphold camp safety standards.
• Maintain constant face counts.
• Understand and practice risk management and disaster policies and procedures.
• Help maintain group control and facilitate lunch time activities.
• Follow all Association Aquatics Policy Guidelines.
• Take on designated assignments for aquatic activities.
• Help expedite arrival and departure from the pool (i.e., dressing rooms, etc.).
• Follow YMCA, ACA, and NJ Licensing standards and procedures to ensure the safest and best quality camp and help maintain ACA accreditation.
• Secure and submit all accident reports.
• Report all immediate concerns to Camp Director or nearest supervisor.
• Follow supervision of bus counselors and help ensure safety, expedient procedures, and fun activities on the bus.
• Lead bus songs, stories, and games.

Requirements

• High school student or equivalent.
• Previous experience working with children, preferably in a day camp setting, preferably as a CIT.
• Interest in one or more of the following areas: outdoor living, archery, boating, camping, songs/music, skits, sports, aquatics, recreational games, etc.
• At least 18 years of age.
• CPR, First Aid, AED certifications and Child Abuse Prevention training within 30 days of hire date.
• Previous experience with diverse populations preferred.

Benefits

• FREE Individual Membership Access to any YMCA in the Nation.
• 10% Discount on most programming at Greater Somerset County YMCA.
• Access to one of the leading retirement programs "Y Retirement Fund" from the first day of employment.
• Opportunities for professional development, mentoring, growth, and promotion throughout the YMCA Movement.
• Supportive and inclusive community for people of all backgrounds and access to Employee Resource Networks.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Sufficient strength, agility, and mobility to perform essential functions and to supervise program activities in a wide variety of indoor and outdoor locations (depending upon the programs).
• Ability to work in a variety of environments, specifically those subject to extreme heat and humidity.
• Physically and mentally able to respond to emergencies and administer CPR and First Aid.
• Ability to plan, lead, and participate in a range of activities in a variety of outdoor/indoor settings.

YMCA Competencies (Leader)

• Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y's 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.