Applicants over the age of 18 years old will be paid at the rate of $15.00 per hour.

YMCA Camp Counselor

Reports to: Camp Director

FLSA Status: Non-exempt / Seasonal Part Time

Prepared Date: April 2022

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Camp Counselor is responsible for planning and implementing high quality camp programs while and supervising a specific tribe of campers, and maintaining high safety standards.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be at least 16 years old or past working experience at camp or with youth
• Accepts and demonstrates the values of the YMCA (caring, honesty, respect, responsibility).
• Enjoys working outdoors and understands the potential hazards of an outdoor setting.
• Has the ability to communicate effectively with children, teens, staff members and parents.
• Has an understanding of the developmental characteristics of children and teens.
• Flexible and able to adjust to various working situations.
• Has the ability to teach some skills

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:

• Must hold (or have the ability to obtain) certifications in First Aid and CPR.
• Must complete Praesidium Learn to Protect Trainings online (all except the Mandated Reporter Training which will be covered at Camp) for YMCA Policy Preventing the Abuse of Mistreatment of Youths (see hiring paperwork for details)
• Must be physically, emotionally and mentally fit
• Able to hear distress signals and project voice across a distance
• Able to demonstrate the skills of running, jumping, throwing and catching
• Able to lift 1/3 his/her own body weight

PRINCIPLE ACTIVITIES:

• Arrive at camp no later than 8:45 and stay until buses have left and group is dismissed
• Greet campers and families daily, participate in morning flag and accurately complete attendance and all other camp paperwork.
• Assist with leadership and guidance to assigned group while acting as a positive role model
• Attend camp daily including all staff meetings, parents' nights, and other gatherings.
• Plan and organize appropriate and enriching camp activities that are fun and also instill the YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility
• Assist in supervising activities at the Ropes Course, Archery Range, Boating Area, Arts & Crafts, and Environmental Studies program.
• Maintain safety of children at all times ensuring that children are supervised, well hydrated, receive sunscreen and do not feel threatened or bullied.
• Serve as an assistant on the waterfront or as a swim instructor when needed.
• Provide appropriate discipline as discussed at staff training and in the camp manual
• Organize and perform opening flag programs as assigned.
• Assist the bus monitors at dismissal and arrival with the checking of children onto, and off of, the bus by helping to keep order in the bus lines and other assigned tasks.
• Work with CIT Director to encourage the development of CIT’s
• Follow all camp rules and policies
• Make first day phone calls to camper’s parents
• Making diverse and mission driven schedules and leading tribe in planned activities
• Help to keep the camp clean by:
• Making sure that the tribe cleans up after all projects and lunches.
• Assisting with cleanup of areas as assigned.
• Returning all equipment to the appropriate place before moving to the next activity.

The YMCA strives to deliver positive change in communities throughout Northern Middlesex County. Every day, our staff - of all ages, backgrounds and life experiences - works to bridge the gaps in community needs by nurturing the potential of children and teens, improving individuals' health and well-being and providing support to our neighbors.

The Northern Middlesex YMCA is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, and training. The Northern Middlesex YMCA makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.