Senior Counselor - Yknots

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

• Supervise and keep Junior Counselors and campers focused on their camp responsibilities.
• Assist all Specialists during activity periods, keeping all staff and campers engaged.
• Learn camper’s names. Respond to campers needs.
• To consistently greet campers with a smile and treat them with enthusiasm.
• Develop positive relationships with member families and learn why they come to our Y.
• Be knowledgeable regarding the Strong Kids Campaign and its purpose.
• Aid in carrying out themes, special events, trips, and all camp activities.
• Encourage camper’s youth development progress.
• Help group maintain camp cleanliness.
• Work cooperatively with all camp staff. Plan, implement, and lead designated camp activities.
• Perform the above responsibilities in an enthusiastic and committed manner. Do more than the minimum for campers. Treat them as special. Treat campers and fellow staff members with respect.
• Teach and instill the Four Core Values of the YMCA in all camp activities: Caring, Respect, Honesty, & Responsibility.
• Act as requested by the supervisor.
• Create a positive and nurturing learning environment to instill youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

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 lunch time activities.
• Must 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 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.
• Follow supervision of bus counselors and help to insure safety, expedient procedures and fun activities on the bus. Lead bus songs, stories and games.
• 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

• HS or college student or equivalent.
• Previous experience working with children preferably in a day camp setting, with a minimum of two previous camp seasons as a Counselor.
• Interest preferred 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.
• Previous experience with diverse populations preferred.