Lead Camp Counselor

GREATER SOMERSET COUNTY YMCA • Bernards Township, NJ

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Camp Acorn - Somerset Hills YMCA - June 22 through August 28
Camp Acorn is seeking a Lead Camp Counselor responsible for supervising a group of children. The Lead Camp Counselor establishes relationships with children and their parents while providing a safe, pleasant and caring atmosphere during Summer Camp. 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. Creates positive, nurturing relationships with children, while building cooperative relationships with parents/caregivers. Promotes and supports the potential of all youth in programs and facilitates peer-to-peer connections as part of the overall camp experience.

Requirements

• High school student or equivalent.
• Previous experience working with children preferably in a day camp setting, with a minimum of two previous camp seasons
• 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.
• CPR, First Aid, AED certifications and Child Abuse Prevention training within 30 days of hire date.
• Previous experience with diverse populations preferred.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Keeps campers and counselors focused and engaged in camp activities.
• Assist Specialist 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 our Y. Effectively communicates daily happenings and incidents to parents/guardians of campers
• Learn camper’s names. Respond to campers needs.
• Assist Specialists and all camp staff 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 while planning all 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.
• Use redirection to appropriate activities when needed and use positive reinforcement to commend good choices.
• Teach and instill the Four Core Values of the YMCA in all camp activities: Caring, Respect, Honesty, & Responsibility.
• Maintains group backpack including group binder, camper information sheets, necessary medications when off site, and first aid kit
• Handles all behavior, medical, and other incidents within their group, requesting assistance from camp leadership when necessary
• Act as requested by the supervisor.
• Attend regular staff meetings scheduled by supervisor.
• 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.
• Report all immediate concerns to Camp Director or nearest supervisor.
• Follow supervision of bus counselors and help to ensure safety, expedient procedures and fun activities on the bus. Lead bus songs, stories and games.
• 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.
• Uphold GSCY’s More Quality At The Y principles at all times.

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED