Summer Day Camp Counselor - Camp Wakanda (Reading)

About the role

The Day Camp Counselor position at Wakanda is under the direction of the Site Director. This role involves leading a specific age group of children through a schedule of daily activities designed to enhance learning and play, explore the community, participate in sports and swimming, and foster positive relationships.

Responsibilities

• Emphasizes personal safety and emotional well-being with campers, parents, and other camp personnel at all times.
• Interprets the YMCA values to campers, CITs, parents, and staff, and models these values.
• Develops appropriate relationships with all campers in their care, understands, establishes, and abides by appropriate boundaries.
• Plans and implements recreational and educational programs that emphasize group participation with an appropriate amount of choice.
• Uses positive, constructive methods of discipline and positive reinforcement, and ensures that all staff does the same.
• Communicates respectfully, openly, and effectively with all staff, parents, and children.
• Aids pool staff during daily swim instruction and assists lifeguards during free swim time.
• Keeps daily attendance records for assigned group, stays alert to camper needs, and practices active listening.
• Takes name to face roll call at the beginning, during, and end of each activity period.
• Reports all accidents and unusual incidents immediately to appropriate supervisors and completes necessary documentation.
• Assists with planning and implementing of daily camp activities, camp special events, and Family Night activities.
• Participates in all aspects of camp daily leadership schedule including openings, closings, and extended hours.
• Attends all staff meetings and training sessions, becomes familiar with training materials, and actively incorporates them in their day-to-day interactions and work with campers.
• Maintains and cares for all program areas and supplies.
• Ensures that campers treat all equipment, supplies, and camp property responsibly.
• Performs other duties as required by supervisor (remains flexible).
• Demonstrates a willingness to help where needed and actively seeks to develop oneself.
• Abides by the established YMCA/DPH/ACA day camp policies, procedures, regulations, and guidelines and asks when in doubt.

Requirements

• Must be at least 16 years of age and have a passion for working with and nurturing children.
• Experience working with children (youth programs, camp settings, or related fields) and understanding the needs of children.
• Current First Aid, Oxygen, and CPR certifications or successful completion of YMCA provided First Aid, CPR, Child Abuse/Sexual Abuse Prevention Training upon hire.
• 7D license recommended for assisting with transportation to and from camp and on field trips.
• Available up to 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday for an 9 hour shift with a one hour break between the hours of 8:00am-5:00pm.
• Available for overtime as necessary.

Skills, Knowledge And Expertise

• Demonstrates cultural sensitivity and utilizes effective communication skills.
• Possesses a knowledge of group process – collaborative style of working within a team.
• Must have the physical ability to lead and participate in all physical camp games and activities.
• Works in a busy indoor environment; leads outside activities as well.
• May be expected to be in the water during all swim periods.

Benefits

The YMCA of Greater Boston offers comprehensive benefits including:

• Free YMCA Membership for you.
• Discount on Specialty Programs like Personal Training and Swimming Lessons.
• Discounted or FREE family membership.
• Robust Retirement Plan up to 10% (eligibility requirements apply).
• Health, Dental, and Vision Benefit Package.
• Vacation and Sick Time (PT receive sick time).