Kids Camp Teen Leadership Counselor

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Kids Camp Teen Lead Counselor under the direction of the Kids Camp Director supports the mission and core values of the YMCA by creating a safe, engaging, and inclusive camp experience. This position serves as a leader and mentor to the Junior Counselors (JC’s) ages 11 + while promoting teamwork, personal growth, leadership skills and YMCA values.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Lead and participate in staff training prior to camp as well as ongoing staff meetings to ensure counselor’s understanding of job expectations with Junior Counselor’s.
• Coordinate Junior Counselor goals, tasks and meetings weekly to ensure full understanding of their role at camp.
• Review weekly Junior Counselor evaluations to celebrate current successes and clarify future growth opportunities.
• Assist in the supervision and guidance of Junior Counselors to maintain high-quality program delivery by providing guidance, direction and consistent feedback to them throughout camp.
• Cooperate and coordinate with Lead Camp Staff and counselors to create a smooth progression of quality experiences within the teen leadership program.
• Assign Junior Counselor’s to weekly camper groups and camp counselors they will work with while keeping in mind any special concerns.
• Communicate effectively with parents and guardians to provide updates, address concerns and build strong relationships that support the Junior Counselor’s success.
• Mentor Junior Counselors to help build leadership skills and improve performance through coaching and role modeling.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be at least 19 years of age and have completed high school or its equivalent.
• Prior experience working with middle school-age children preferably.
• Must be mature, have strong communication and organizational skills, a cooperative attitude and the ability to relate well with children and adults.
• Must be CPR and First Aid certified.

COMPETENCIES:

• Accountability: Takes ownership of decisions, actions, and results.  Follows through on commitments and accepts responsibility.  Completes assigned tasks on time and accepts feedback without defensiveness. Adheres to established policies and procedures.
• Adaptability: Welcomes and respects all participants by valuing diverse backgrounds and abilities. Adapts activities to ensure every child feels included and supported.
• Communication: Listens actively and speaks clearly with children, families, and team members. Shares information in a timely and respectful manner to promote understanding and cooperation.
• Teamwork and Collaboration: Works effectively with colleagues to achieve program goals. Demonstrates reliability, cooperation, and mutual respect in all interactions.
• Trustworthiness: Demonstrates honesty, integrity, and reliability in all interactions. Follows through on commitments and maintains confidentiality of sensitive information. Acts consistently with organizational values and ethical standards to build confidence and respect among children, families, and colleagues.
• Conflict Resolution: Addresses disagreements or concerns calmly and constructively. Listens to all perspectives, identifies underlying issues, and works collaboratively toward positive solutions. Seeks guidance when needed and promotes understanding, cooperation, and respect among participants and staff.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Work is done in an outdoor camp environment.
• Moving about freely is essential to assist co-workers and campers.

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, or qualifications. Additional tasks may be assigned as needed to support organizational goals.  Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.