Do you love camping and being outside?  Are you looking for a fun interactive summer work environment working with youth and families?  The YMCA is looking to hire fun, energetic, leaders that love working with children and families as a Camp Counselor in a summer seasonal “full time” role.

Do you like to play games, lead activities or are you creative?  Do you want to make a difference in the lives of others? The camp counselor is a great mission to get behind and is a FUN environment. 

As a Camp Counselor you must enjoy a fun and interactive work environment, live entertainment (camp songs, etc.), and a lot of kid questions! At the YMCA Camp Counselors have a passion for having a positive impact on children and families each summer. 

As a Camp Counselor you can get paid to play with the kids all summer.  You will help to develop and explore creative and imaginative curriculum, activities and games. You will have fun teaching kids a love of reading, leading art activities, leading a gym activity, teaching being a good sport and social skills. Become a role model and engage with children, helping them discover the fun in playing, learning and making new lifelong friends over the summer.

Our goal at the YMCA summer Camp program is to provide kids with a safe, fun space at the Y to thrive! As a Camp Counselor you will interact with camper and parents from a diverse background.

Day Camps provide free bus transportation to campers and camp staff may have the opportunity to ride the bus to camp as well!  Busses are located in South Minneapolis, Edina, Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Shakopee, New Prague and Lakeville.

1.  Job Summary: 

The Camp Counselor is responsible for planning, leading, coordinating, and implementing core and non-core programs and experiences for children in a small group setting. They will also be responsible for the general safety and development, growth, and skill achievement of the participants in their group. The incumbent will provide high quality outdoor educational and recreational experiences for participants that focus on the YMCA core values of caring, equity, honesty, respect, and responsibility. 

2.  Essential Responsibilities: 

• Assist in the direction, supervision, and organization of campers in their camper group within activities and throughout the camp in order to meet the intended camper outcomes. 
  • Apply Social Emotional Learning concepts and basic youth development principles in working with campers through communication, relationship development, respect for diversity, involvement, and empowerment of youth.
  • Ability to communicate and work with groups (all ages and skill levels) and provide necessary instruction to campers.
  • Assures campers are properly supervised at all times.
  • Be aware of and implement safety guidelines and procedures within camp activities. 

• Participate in the development and implementation of program activities for campers within the mission and outcomes.
  • Responsible for leading or assisting with the teaching of activities.
  • Actively participate in all program areas as assigned.
  • Provide a progression of activities within the framework of individual and group interests and abilities.
  • Organize and lead a variety of small and large group activities and programs each week.  Activities may include crafts, nature, songs, games, swimming, archery, canoeing, Family Night, etc.  

• Maintain high standards for health and mental health in all activities for campers.
  • Provide daily care for each camper within your supervision.
  • Ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid. Must be able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury) and possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers.
  • Ability to identify and respond to camper behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques in alignment with camp training and proactive response.
  • Ensure that campers receive their medications as directed by Camp Health Manager.
  • Be alert to campers needs and assist them with personal and/or health problems; discuss with camp health manager and/or camp director when appropriate.
  • Contribute to verbal and written evaluations and communication as requested. 

• Maintain high standards of safety in all activities for campers and staff.
  • Assist in maintaining accurate program records including incident reports, documentation, and daily attendance.
  • Know and understand ALL emergency procedures associated with the camp program.
  • Know, enforce, and follow all safety guidelines associated with the camp and all program areas. This includes but is not limited to being responsible for your campers’ safety and their whereabouts at all times.
  • Be alert to equipment and facilities to ensure utilization, proper care, and maintenance is adhered to; report repairs needed promptly to camp leadership.
  • Provide supervision for campers while campers are transported to and from camp or during scheduled field trips off camp property. 

• Be a role model to campers and staff in your attitude and behavior.
  • Follow and uphold all safety and security rules and procedures.
  • Set a good example to campers and others regarding general camp procedures and practices including sanitation, schedule, and sportsmanship.
  • Ensure that the site is kept clean, organized, and free of litter.
  • Understand and model the YMCA’s five core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility, and Equity to campers and other staff members.
  • Participate enthusiastically in all camp activities, planning, and leading those as assigned.  

• Represent the camp when interacting with families, volunteers, and community members.
  • Communicate with families regarding participant’s experiences and provide appropriate feedback and information as needed for their campers to have a successful camp experience.
  • Follow safety and security protocols when campers are in public while presenting a positive image of the camp.
  • Help guide Junior Counselors and Camp Volunteers to have a deeper understanding of leadership and counseling skills.

3.  Relationships: 

This position reports to the Program Director who reports to the Senior Program Director or Executive Director. The incumbent may take work direction from a Camp Lead, Camp Manager, or Assistant Camp Director. The incumbent interacts regularly with camp staff, campers, volunteers, and families. This position involves interaction with individuals and communities of diverse backgrounds. 

4.  Qualifications: 

Required

• Upon Hire, First Aid and BLS certification provided by YMCA or other certified organization.
• Education classes or experience in camp, youth programs, recreation, working with children, or in a related field.
• Ability to lead, plan, organize, and implement program activities with all age levels.
• Ability to work as a member of a team and the ability to accomplish tasks with little direct supervision.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Minimum age of 18 years old. 

5.  Work Conditions: 

• Must have the physical ability to lead and participate in camp activities which include, but are not limited to, hiking, canoeing, swimming, team building initiatives, building campfires, physical games, and activities.
• Must be capable of carrying loads of up to 90 pounds and able to traverse hilly and uneven terrain without undue exertion.
• Work in conditions that will create dirt and dust.
• Work in conditions that may require staff to use fire protection equipment, washers and dryers, dishwashers, and specialty program equipment. Some may be asked to drive camp vehicles or watercraft.
• Perform essential program support to camp activities and programs which may include, but not limited to the following activities: semi – reaching to full-reach overhead, crouching, kneeling, shoveling, working in narrow and/or confining spaces underground, overhead, and at ground level, twisting of the waist, shoulders, and legs, and lying on stomach and/or back.
• Must have visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to the activity.
• Must have the ability to physically manage and support children when needed for safety in general camp activities (child weighing 30 – 200 pounds).
• Ability to perform a variety of tasks outdoor in different climate with daily exposure to the sun, heat, and animals such as bugs, snakes, horses, chickens, etc.  

6.  Additional Notes: 

This job description represents the major functions of the position but is not intended to be all-inclusive. The incumbent is also responsible for taking direction from the Program Director or their representatives in completing projects or performing duties deemed necessary for the Camp or Association success.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Pledge 

The Y of the North is committed to the work and everyday practices of eliminating disparities and eradicating of unjust systems to become a multicultural, anti-racist and anti-oppressive organization. YMCA of the North team members and volunteers must exemplify the association’s mission, vision, and values of caring, equity, honesty, respect, and responsibility. 

The YMCA of the North continues to develop plans and strategies to ensure team members and volunteers reflect the demographics of the communities we serve. We will continually conduct institutional racism and oppression review of our policies, procedures and practices in recruitment and selection; compensation and benefits; professional development and training; promotions; transfers; layoffs; terminations; and the ongoing development of a multicultural, anti-racist and anti-oppressive work environment and culture that promotes equity and respect for the human dignity of all. We value and respect this diversity and choose to be inclusive through our acceptance of all.