1. Job Summary:

The Camp Counselor is responsible for planning, leading, and implementing core and non-core programs and experiences for children and families in both small and large group settings. They will also be responsible for the general safety and development, growth, and skill achievement of the participants in his/her group or program area. The incumbent will provide high quality outdoor educational and recreational experiences for participants that focus on the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, equity, respect and responsibility.

2. Essential Responsibilities:

Help create and implement a schedule for your camp group each session.

Organize and lead a variety of small and large group activities each week. Activities may include crafts, nature programs, songs, games, evening programs, swimming, canoeing, etc.

Identify and respond to camper behavior issues.

Ensure that program areas are kept clean, organized, and free of litter.

Communicate with parents about children’s experiences and report concerns to Camp Leadership.

Assist in maintaining accurate program records including incident reports, logbook 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.

Help guide Leadership Development Participants and Resource Families to have a deeper understanding of leadership and counseling skills.

If applicable, maintain constant surveillance of the body of water, know/review all emergency procedures and respond to emergency situations immediately. Attend monthly in-service trainings.

See camp specific addendum for program details.

3. Relationships:

This position reports to the Camp Program Director who reports to the Executive Camp Director. The incumbent interacts regularly with camp staff, campers, parents and volunteers. This position involves interaction with camp staff, campers, and parents from a diverse background.

4. Qualifications:

Required

Upon hire, completion of YMCA provided First Aid and BLS certification.

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.

Ability to work as a member of a team and the ability to accomplish tasks with little direct supervision.

Strong organizational and communication skills.

If applicable, current nationally accredited lifeguard and waterfront certification (applicable for body of water being guarded).

If applicable, Oxygen Administration certification (may not guard until certification is complete).

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.

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 the ability to physically manage and support children when needed for safety in general camp activities (child weighing 50 – 200 pounds).

Ability to perform a variety of tasks outdoor in different climate.

If applicable, ability to pass lifeguard water test.

If applicable, physically perform all skills required of a lifeguard.

If applicable, hear noises and distress signals in the aquatic environment, including in the water and anywhere around the zone of responsibility, with or without reasonable accommodation.

If applicable, remain alert with no lapses of consciousness.

If applicable, see and observe all sections of an assigned zone of responsibility, with or without reasonable accommodation.

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 Camp Program Director and Assistant Program Director or their representatives in completing projects or performing duties deemed necessary for the Camp success.