Resident Camp Junior Counselor

Imagine being part of one of the most respected human services organizations in the world—a place where your work positively influences the lives of others, a place where you thrive in a values-based environment, a place where you are building a better future for yourself and your community. Weekly Stipend Rate Is $450.00 Per Week

General Function:

Under the supervision of the designated supervisor(s), and in harmony with the mission and purpose of the established policies and goals of the YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas, the Resident Camp Junior Counselor shall be responsible for assisting the Resident Camp Counselor with the supervision, health and safety of a cabin group of 10-12 campers between ages 8-16 on a 24-hour basis. The Resident Camp Junior Counselor shall assist campers in a safe and respectful manner through approved games, activities, special events and arts and crafts while fostering the four core values of the YMCA: Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility. With an emphasis on ensuring the highest quality service to all participants, the Resident Camp Junior Counselor will work with all staff to welcome, connect, support, and engage all campers and staff.

Qualifications:

17 years of age.

Experience working with children in a supervised setting preferred.:

Proof of a negative TB test within the last two years. Ability to be flexible to sudden changes in schedule, staff and campers. Be a strong, positive role model for campers and fellow staff members. Be safety conscious. Ability to multi-task and handle pressure. Possess excellent communication and organizational skills

Certification in CPR/First Aid/AED/O2 required prior to first day working camp. Complete and maintain required trainings to include but not limited to: New Employee Orientation (NEO), Bloodborne Pathogens, Child Abuse Prevention (CAP), and Sexual Harassment upon hire and annually thereafter. Satisfactory completion of a criminal background check, fingerprinting, sex offender registry check, and Child Protective Services Check.

Essential Functions:

• Support the mission, vision and goals of the YMCA.

Promote a professional work environment through character development by modeling the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

• Lead in a manner that advances our cause to strengthen the foundations of our community through programs that focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
• Assist in the supervision, behavior management and safety of an assigned group of 10-12 campers on a 24-hour basis.
• Follow all the rules of camp and employ conservative judgment to ensure the safety of all participants. Work effectively and cooperatively with team of other camp counselors and supervisor(s).
• Assist with camp activities. Employ good teaching and leadership techniques. Take responsibility for the equipment for each activity. Observe participant activities, enforce safety regulations, and apply appropriate policies and procedures.
• Follow closely the policies and guidelines set forth by the YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas and Camp Kekoka.
• Maintain a positive and respectful manner of communication with campers and supervisor(s).

Attend all staff meetings and trainings as scheduled.

• Follow mandated abuse reporting requirements.
• Participate in YMCA fundraising efforts to include Annual Support.

Wear staff uniform and name tag, or professional attire when appropriate.

• Report any accidents or incidents according to Emergency Communication Action Plan.
• Ensure all guests and program participants are in a safe environment and actively follow center Emergency Operations Plan (EOP).

Carry out other related duties as deemed necessary by designated supervisor(s) to assure the overall success of the program and safety of campers and staff.

YMCA Competencies (Leader):

Engaging Community, Communication & Influence, Inclusion, Collaboration, Functional Expertise

Skills and Ability Requirements:

Ability to communicate and work with assigned ages and skill levels and provide necessary instruction to campers. Ability to observe camper behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior management techniques. Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to assigned activities.

Physical ability to respond appropriately to emergencies and those situations requiring first aid. Physical strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers. Employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Must be available for training week and all six weeks of camp.

Excellent benefits, including 12% retirement upon meeting the requirements of the National YMCA Retirement Fund. Includes YMCA Adult Membership.