Senior Camp Counselor

Senior Camp Counselor for Camp Acorn at the Greater Somerset County YMCA. Seasonal position from June 22 through August 28.

POSITION SUMMARY

Provide direct supervision of a group of children in a seasonal day camp. Build positive, nurturing relationships with children and parents/caregivers. Promote and support the potential of all youth in programs and facilitate peer‑to‑peer connections as part of the overall camp experience.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Keep campers focused and engaged in camp activities. Assist Specialist during activity periods. Consistently greet campers with a smile and treat them with enthusiasm. Develop positive relationships with member families and learn why they come to our Y. Learn campers’ names and respond to their needs. Assist Specialists and all camp staff in carrying out themes, special events, trips, and all camp activities. Encourage campers’ youth development progress. Help group maintain camp cleanliness. Work cooperatively with all camp staff while planning all camp activities. Perform the above responsibilities in an enthusiastic and committed manner, treating campers and fellow staff members with respect. Use redirection to appropriate activities when needed and use positive reinforcement to commend good choices. Teach and instill the Four Core Values of the YMCA in all camp activities: Caring, Respect, Honesty, and Responsibility. Act as requested by the supervisor.

SAFETY

Attend regular staff meetings scheduled by supervisor. Must attend and complete all required trainings. At all times uphold camp safety standards; maintain constant face counts; know and practice risk management and disaster policies and procedures. Help maintain group control and facilitate lunch time activities. Follow all Association Aquatics Policy Guidelines. Take on designated assignments for aquatic activities; help expedite arrival and departure from the pool (e.g., dressing rooms, etc.). 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. Report all immediate concerns to Camp Director or nearest supervisor. Follow supervision of bus counselors and help to ensure safety, expedient procedures and fun activities on the bus. Lead bus songs, stories and games.

OTHER DUTIES

Always maintain a professional demeanor as a representative of the YMCA. Wear Camp T‑shirt daily. Maintain positive attitude, responsibility and self‑motivation; be punctual and reliable. Create a positive and nurturing learning environment to instill youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Uphold GSCY’s More Quality At The Y principles at all times.

QUALIFICATIONS

High school student or equivalent. Previous experience working with children, preferably in a day camp setting and preferably as a CIT. 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. CPR, First Aid, AED certifications and Child Abuse Prevention training within 30 days of hire date. Previous experience with diverse populations preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Require sufficient strength, agility and mobility to supervise program activities in indoor and outdoor locations. Ability to work in environments subject to extreme heat and humidity. Physically and mentally able to respond to emergencies and administer CPR and First Aid. Ability to plan, lead and participate in a range of activities in a variety of outdoor and indoor settings. YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader) Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s values; recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships; supports fund‑raising. Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds and abilities; builds rapport and relates well to others; remains calm in challenging situations; listens for understanding and speaks and writes effectively. Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments and transfers learning from one situation to another; embraces new approaches; establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work, and actively participates in meetings; reports all financial irregularities immediately. Personal Growth: Pursues self‑development that enhances job performance; demonstrates openness to change; accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations.

BENEFITS OF PART‑TIME POSITION AT GSCY

Free Individual Membership Access to any YMCA in the Nation. 10% discount on most programming at Greater Somerset County YMCA. Access to the Y Retirement Fund from the first day of employment. Opportunities for professional development, mentoring, growth, and promotion throughout the YMCA Movement. Supportive and inclusive community with Employee Resource Networks. Greater Somerset County YMCA is a drug‑free work environment. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information who share our values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility. #J-18808-Ljbffr GREATER SOMERSET COUNTY YMCA