Camp Evergreen Junior Counselor - Seasonal

Description:

$3200/season Staff Training $16.00/hour Monday-Friday (8 weeks)

A Career with a Cause:

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. Our mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. The Y strengthens the foundations of communities and families through our key areas of focus; youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility and our core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. We are committed to this cause because a strong community is achieved when we invest in our children, health, neighbors, and values.

We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and grow. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

General Functions:

Under the direction of the Senior Program Director, the Junior Camp Counselor is responsible for working with staff and unit leader in an active outdoor day camp program that will meet the objectives of the East Area Family YMCA and will be appropriate for campers within the unit they are assigned. Assist camp counselor in supervision of 12-16 campers (over 12 campers will have assistant) per session. Take over counselor duties as needed. Be in water to assist aquatics staff with swimming and supervision. Provide opportunities for all campers to build confidence, learn new life-skills, and develop friendships. Attend at least 2 overnights.

YMCA Summer Day Camp Quality Service Theme:

By acting as role models and building lasting relationships, we make a positive difference in families’ lives.

Responsibilities/Duties/Functions/Tasks:

The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to the following:

To attend and be involved in staff training and orientation. To attend all weekly camp staff meetings and participate in all extra meetings as needed. To be available to work daily within the hours of the camp schedule as outlined by the Camp Director. To work with other staff to develop a full recreational and educational program each session.

To be involved in a daily swim program that includes being in the water with campers while supervising and assisting with water activities (note: Female staff are required to wear a one-piece bathing suit). To assist in the development and implementation of special programs as assigned by the Program Director or Unit Director.

To assist with the supervision of the lunch period (assigned by Unit Director) and sit with a group of campers to ensure that each camper is eating a proper lunch and drinking enough fluids to prevent dehydration and other heat related illnesses. To keep track of all children in the assigned group and be aware of safety issues to eliminate accidents. This includes supervising the application of sunscreen 2-3x daily and are drinking water throughout the camp day to avoid any dehydration. To assist all campers the daily organization of their belongings.

To act in a professional manner at all times including personal appearance, speech, and interaction with campers, their families, and other staff. To understand that you are part of a team that is responsible for a group of campers and that your activities should be implemented in such a way that your campers receive a fun, meaningful, and safe experience.

To be responsible for the cleanliness and organization of the camp area including the pavilion, fields, camp shed, and any portion of the YMCA building used by the camp.

• Handle all discipline problems in a consistent manner as they occur. Seek advice from Camp Counselor, Unit Director, Camp Director, Assistant Camp Director or Program Director as needed.
• Assist in specialty areas of: swimming, arts, horseback riding, archery, nature studies, and adventure.
• Assist in end of the day procedures as well as assignments

To be available after camp hours on the last day of the season and participate in the close up of camp Attend at least 2 overnights and all family nights To be responsible for implementing all other tasks as assigned by the Camp Counselor, Unit Director, Program Director, Assistant Camp Director or Camp Director.

Requirements:

Experience and Education:

Have prior experience working in a camp setting/environment, and supervision of children. Completion of the Camp Evergreen C.I.T program (preferred).

Qualifications:

Must be 16 years of age. Excellent organizational and communications skills both verbal and written are essential to the success of this position. Brings to this position maturity, responsibility and a sincere interest in working with people. Possess a general knowledge and understanding of YMCA, its goals, and its mission.

Possess knowledge of various resources for programming ideas and the skills to utilize that information in program implementation. Possess knowledge of age appropriate activities and expectations of children ages 3 to 14.

Trainings & Certifications:

CPR/AED and/or First Aid certifications preferred (opportunity provided). Must attend and complete YMCA Child Abuse Prevention and other related training at Camp Iroquois Orientation.

Core Competencies:

• Supports the Mission, Vision and Direction of the YMCA: Understands and supports the mission of the YMCA; displays the YMCA values; displays flexibility and accepts changes; is willing to try new methods and make suggestions; shows a strong commitment to the YMCA; conveys enthusiasm for the YMCA and his/her work.
• Builds Community: Understands and embraces the role of volunteers; helps members and participants make connections to others and to the YMCA; practices effective relationship-building techniques; supports the role of fund-raising in achieving the YMCA mission.
• Provides a Quality Experience for Members, Participants, Internal Customer and Other: Possesses the ability to deliver outstanding experiences for members, participants, internal customers and others; builds warm and supportive relationships; consistently greets and assists everyone in a positive way; strives to provide service that will exceed expectations; responds to concerns and complaints in a way that makes each person feel valued; initiates action for prompt resolution; looks for better ways to serve in involve members, participants, internal customers and others.

Works Productively: Demonstrates responsible actions; consistently performs duties in a safe and conscientious manner within the agreed upon timeframe; follows standards, policies and procedures; is reliable and consistently punctual; actively participates in staff meetings, required trainings, and other work related activities; uses good judgment; uses YMCA resources appropriately and efficiently.

Uses Effective Personal Behaviors/Communicates Effectively: Treats everyone with courtesy, respect and consideration; displays integrity; listens actively and genuinely; communicates in a clear and pleasant manner; embraces differences among people; demonstrates an active willingness to learn and grow; accepts constructive criticism; works cooperatively as a team member.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. In accordance with applicable law, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform these essential functions.

Work Environment:

Duties are performed in an outdoor environment and in a camp group setting; at times camp employees may be exposed to undesirable working conditions, communicable infectious diseases, and the risk of injury from children. All camp employees are required to follow the preventive health policies of the Camp at all times. The noise level in the work environment is moderate to above average. Employees will be frequently exposed to a wet/cold, hot/humid climate.