Camp Support Counselor

: Description:

A Career with a Cause:

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. Our mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. The Y strengthens the foundations of communities and families through our key areas of focus; youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility and our core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. We are committed to this cause because a strong community is achieved when we invest in our children, health, neighbors, and values.

We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and grow. We are genuine : we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

General Functions:

Under the direction of the Assistant Camp Director and Inclusion Director, the Camp Support Counselor is responsible for working with staff and unit leaders in an active outdoor day camp program that will meet the objectives of the YMCA and will be appropriate for both campers and campers with special needs within the unit they are assigned. The Camp Support Counselor will be responsible for up to 3 campers with disabilities per session, be in water to assist aquatics staff with swimming and supervision, provide inclusive opportunities for all campers that build confidence, teach new life-skills, and foster friendships, assist with daily pick-up assignment and attend overnights as needed.

YMCA Summer Day Camp Quality Service Theme:

By acting as role models and building lasting relationships, we make a positive difference in families' lives.

Responsibilities/Duties/Functions/Tasks:

The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to the following:

• To supervise assigned camper(s) with special needs in the group ensuring their enjoyment and safety; be aware of safety issues to eliminate accidents. This includes supervising the application of sunscreen and bug spray 2-3x daily, ensuring they are drinking enough fluids regularly to prevent any dehydration; assist campers with the daily organization of their belongings; handle all discipline problems in a consistent manner as they occur. Seek advice from Lead Support Counselor, Camp Director, Assistant Camp Director, or Inclusion Director as needed.
• To assist assigned camper(s) with personal care or feeding needs.
• To be responsible for clear, appropriate communication with campers, their families, and other staff when needed. Regularly communicating with parent/guardians of assigned camper(s).
• Assist with daily pick-up procedures and assignments.
• To attend and be actively involved in staff trainings, orientation, staff meetings, and a weekly in-service meeting prior to the beginning of the camp day.
• To work with other staff to develop a fully inclusive, recreational and educational program each session. Assist in specialty areas of: swimming, arts, horseback riding, archery, nature studies, and adventure. To assist in the development and implementation of special programs as assigned by the Program Director or Unit Director.
• To be involved in a daily swim program that includes being in the water with camper(s) while supervising and assisting with water activities (note: Female staff are required to wear a one-piece bathing suit).
• To assist with the supervision of the lunch period (assigned by Unit Director) ensure your camper(s) are eating within a group of campers to foster peer relationships. Ensure that each camper is eating a proper lunch and drinking enough fluids to prevent dehydration and other heat related illnesses.
• To act in a professional manner at all times including personal appearance, speech, and interaction with campers, their families, and other staff.
• To understand that you are part of a team that is responsible for a group of campers and that activities should be implemented in such a way that your campers receive a fun, meaningful, and safe experience. Making modifications as needed so children with special needs are able to participate.
• To be responsible for the cleanliness and organization of the camp area including the pavilion, fields, camp shed, buildings, trails, and the playhouse.
• To be available to assist with overnights as assigned (for which you will be compensated) and all Family Nights.
• To be available after camp hours on the last day of the season and participate in the close up of camp.
• To be responsible for implementing all other tasks as assigned by the Inclusion Director or Camp Director.

Requirements:

Experience and Education:

• High school graduate with some college experience preferred but not required.
• Minimum of one year experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities and/ or experience working with children in a camp/ child care group setting.
• Experience working with children with developmental disabilities in sports, games, music/drama, and or outdoor activities.

Qualifications:

• Must be 17 years of age.
• Excellent organizational and communications skills both verbal and written are essential to the success of this position.
• Brings to this position maturity, responsibility and a sincere interest in working with people.
• Possess a general knowledge and understanding of YMCA, its goals, and its mission.
• Possess knowledge of various resources for programming ideas and the skills to utilize that information in program implementation.
• Possess knowledge of age appropriate activities and expectations of children ages 3 to 14.

Trainings & Certifications:

• CPR/AED and/or First Aid certifications preferred (opportunity provided).
• Must attend and complete YMCA Child Abuse Prevention and other related training at Camp Iroquois Orientation.

Core Competencies:

• Supports the Mission, Vision and Direction of the YMCA: Understands and supports the mission of the YMCA; displays the YMCA values; displays flexibility and accepts changes; is willing to try new methods and make suggestions; shows a strong commitment to the YMCA; conveys enthusiasm for the YMCA and his/her work.
• Builds Community: Understands and embraces the role of volunteers; helps members and participants make connections to others and to the YMCA; practices effective relationship-building techniques; supports the role of fund-raising in achieving the YMCA mission.
• Provides a Quality Experience for Members, Participants, Internal Customer and Other: Possesses the ability to deliver outstanding experiences for members, participants, internal customers and others; builds warm and supportive relationships; consistently greets and assists everyone in a positive way; strives to provide service that will exceed expectations; responds to concerns and complaints in a way that makes each person feel valued; initiates action for prompt resolution; looks for better ways to serve in involve members, participants, internal customers and others.
• Works Productively: Demonstrates responsible actions; consistently performs duties in a safe and conscientious manner within the agreed upon timeframe; follows standards, policies and procedures; is reliable and consistently punctual; actively participates in staff meetings, required trainings, and other work related activities; uses good judgment; uses YMCA resources appropriately and efficiently.
• Uses Effective Personal Behaviors/Communicates Effectively: Treats everyone with courtesy, respect and consideration; displays integrity; listens actively and genuinely; communicates in a clear and pleasant manner; embraces differences among people; demonstrates an active willingness to learn and grow; accepts constructive criticism; works cooperatively as a team member.

Effect on End Results:

This position strongly impacts the effectiveness with which the YMCA accomplishes its mission. The Camp Support Counselor is committed to promote an inclusive environment that teaches values, is healthy, safe and provides an opportunity for positive growing experiences:

• Strong lasting relationships with parents, campers, and co-workers
• The Camp team provides safe and age-appropriate activities
• Build a strong, positive community image

Physical Demands:

Ability to frequently stand, sit, walk, talk, hear, type, run, jump, kick, catch, throw, climb, kneel, bend, reach, balance, crouch or crawl, climb and/or balance, reach with hands and arms, handle or feel, stoop, lift/move and carry approximately 35 pounds, and use hands and fingers. Must be able to lift and/or maneuver large gym equipment. Special vision abilities required: distance, peripheral, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Must have basic swim abilities which include: swim at least 4 lengths of the pool (100 yards) and tread water for a minimum of 3 minutes.

Work Environment:

Duties are performed in an outdoor environment and in a camp group setting; at times camp employees may be exposed to undesirable working conditions, communicable infectious diseases, and the risk of injury from children. All camp employees are required to follow the preventive health policies of the Camp at all times. The noise level in the work environment is moderate to above average. Employees will be frequently exposed to a wet/cold, hot/humid climate.

Americans with Disabilities Specifications:

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