Camp Specialist-Somapy Camp

Position Summary This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Provides direct supervision of a group of children in a seasonal day camp. The Camp Specialist shall design and deliver a program specialty in their designated area tailored to the skills and interests of each age group. He or she will work with other counselors to bring about quality programming in that specialty area. Activities should nurture creativity, cooperation, skill and self-esteem and support the potential of all youth in programs and facilitate peer‑to‑peer connections as part of the overall camp experience. Essential Functions Plan, set up and deliver a variety of activities within the specialty area that are age‑specific and keep children’s interests high. Instruct counselors on how to teach activities within the specialty and encourage activity planning and leadership for counselors assigned to the activity. Lead specialty activities with assistance from counselors and help keep counselors focused on the activity. Control all supply inventory used in the specialty. Assist the Camp Director with ordering supplies and keep the supply storage area neat and organized. Assist the Camp Director in carrying out themes and special events, general camp activities. Greet campers with a smile and treat them with enthusiasm. Learn campers’ names and respond to campers’ needs. Encourage camper’s youth development progress. As a leader, set a good example for the children. Teach campers how to solve problems and maintain basic discipline and group control. Ensure that all volunteers have a great experience to help our association increase volunteer participation. Develop positive relationships with member families and learn why they come to our Y. Help the group maintain camp cleanliness. Perform all responsibilities in an enthusiastic and committed manner. Take the initiative to be actively participatory in all activities. Act as needed when not leading a specialty program. Safety Must attend and complete all required trainings. At all times, uphold camp safety standards. Maintain constant face counts. Understand and practice risk management and disaster policies and procedures. Help maintain group control and facilitate lunchtime activities. Follow all YMCA, ACA, and NJ Licensing standards and procedures to ensure the safest and best quality camp and to help maintain ACA accreditation. Secure and submit all accident reports, special plans, schedule changes, and evaluations to Camp Director when appropriate. Report all immediate concerns to Camp Director or nearest supervisor. Use two methods of discipline with campers to include redirection to appropriate activities and using positive reinforcement to commend good choices. Other Duties Always maintain a professional demeanor, as you are a representative of the YMCA. Wear Camp T‑shirt daily. Maintain positive attitude, responsibility and self‑motivation. Be punctual and reliable. YMCA Competencies Mission Advancement: Accept and demonstrate the Y’s values. Demonstrate a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruit volunteers and build effective, supportive working relationships with them. Support fundraising. Collaboration: Work effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Build rapport and relate well to others. Seek first to understand the other person’s point of view and remain calm in challenging situations. Listen for understanding and meaning; speak and write effectively. Take initiative to assist in developing others. Operational Effectiveness: Make sound judgments, and transfer learning from one situation to another. Embrace new approaches and discover ideas to create a better member experience. Establish goals, clarify tasks, plan work and actively participate in meetings. Follow budgeting policies and procedures, and report all financial irregularities immediately. Strive to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high‑value experience for members. Personal Growth: Pursue self‑development that enhances job performance. Demonstrate an openness to change, and seek opportunities in the change process. Accurately assess personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Have the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; use best practices and demonstrate up‑to‑date knowledge and skills in technology. Qualifications High school student or equivalent. Previous experience working with children preferably in a day camp setting, with a minimum of two previous camp seasons as a Counselor. Interest preferred in one or more of the following areas: outdoor living, archery, boating, camping, songs/music, skits, sports, aquatics, recreational games, etc. At least 18 years of age. Previous experience with diverse populations preferred. Work Environment & 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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Ability to plan, lead and participate in a range of activities in a variety of outdoor/indoor settings. #J-18808-Ljbffr YMCA of Greater Bergen County