Ropes Specialist for Camp Ponkapoag - Canton

Title: Ropes Specialist

Location: Camp Ponkapoag (Canton)

Position Summary: Under the supervision of the Camp Director, the Ropes Specialist creates and implements a challenging, team-building curriculum that is age appropriate and safe. Activities should provide for growth in skills, self-awareness, self-expression, team work, and relationship building.

Program Implementation

• Keeps safety of campers as the first priority. Emphasizes personal safety and emotional wellbeing with campers, parents and other camp personnel at all times.
• Creates and implements a theme related, progressively challenging, ropes and team building curriculum which uses high and low ropes equipment and activities with no equipment. Utilizes equipment and activities as a medium to educate and promote healthy activity. Thinks outside of the box.
• Documents ropes curriculum and keeps examples for following years.
• Plans and implements recreational and educational programs that emphasize group participation.
• Creates an active, engaging environment.
• Models the qualities of YMCA values to campers, CIT's, parents and staff. Develops appropriate relationships with all campers in their care. Understands, establishes, and abides by appropriate boundaries.
• Acts as staff peer leader, who sets an example for how all other staff should act and present themselves.
• Uses positive, constructive methods of discipline/positive reinforcement, and ensures that all staff does the same.
• Communicates clearly and concisely their expectations and needs for counselors during their period.
• Keeps a direct line of communication open with supervisors.
• Reports all accidents/incidents immediately to appropriate supervisors and creates necessary documentation.
• Communicates program information, problems, and concerns as they occur.
• Assists with planning and implementing Camp Special Events and Family Night Activities.
• Assists with the coordination of camp activities. Actively participates in and takes ownership of all aspects of camp program, including special events, openings, closings, and extended hours.
• Attends all staff meetings and training sessions. Becomes familiar with provided training materials and actively incorporates them in their day today interactions and work with campers.
• Maintains and cares for all program areas and supplies. Ensures that campers treat all equipment, supplies, and camp property responsibly. Takes inventory of their supplies weekly and updates camp directors with respect to supply needs.
• Assist with pre or post care and/or transportation as assigned. Ensures that a name to face is taken before and after any transitions.
• Performs other duties as required by supervisor. Demonstrates a willingness to help where needed and actively seeks to develop oneself.
• Abides by the established YMCA/DPH/ACA day camp policies, procedures, regulations, and guidelines and asks when in doubt.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to high.
• Available up to 40 hours per week Monday through Friday for an 8 hour shift between the hours of 7am-6pm.
• Works in outdoor environment/sun exposure.
• Maintains a professional image and manner consistent with the YMCA mission and goals at all times.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age or have graduated High School.
• Must have Rope Course Technical Skills or Belay Certification Training from Project Adventure or its equivalent.
• Must have high school diploma or equivalent; some college, and experience preferred. Achieved or working toward an education, outdoor education, or similar degree preferred.
• Must have a passion to work with and nurture children; understand the needs of children and appropriate boundary setting.
• Demonstrates a commitment to working with participants from a variety of backgrounds.
• Knowledge of group process -- must actively work in harmony with other staff.
• Must be committed to carry out YMCA mission, camp philosophy, policies and goals.
• Must utilize effective communication skills.
• Must possess current First Aid, Oxygen administration, and CPR certifications and all others as required by the specific camp.
• Child Abuse Prevention (within first four weeks of employment).