Senior Camp Counselor

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the general direction of the Summer Camp Director, the Senior Counselor oversees a group of assigned campers, ensuring a healthy and positive summer program.

OUR CULTURE:

At the YMCA of Montclair, we strive to be the Employer of Choice, provide World-Class Service, and be the Charity of Choice. Our goal is to be a place where employees are empowered and excited to come to work. All staff ensure that members experience customer centric, individual attention each and every day. We strive to be the preferred partner collaborating with others, identifying and meeting our community needs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Ensure the safety, health, well-being, and happiness of all campers in accordance with applicable NJ requirements through proper supervision.
• Plan, prepare and implement camp activities that help all campers in your group to experience success, and to ensure maximum participation from campers.
• Submit all required reports including attendance sheets, injury reports, and discipline records on time.
• Keep the Village Leader informed of any concerns and/or behavior issues within the group.
• Coordinate the distribution and cleanup of daily snacks when necessary.
• Create and maintain a safe, secure, nurturing, clean, neat, and organized environment for all program participants.
• Foster appropriate communication with parents, calling the parent of any camper when necessary or the Village Leader deems appropriate.
• Maintain all equipment and property, minimizing damage. Inform the director if new equipment is needed or equipment is in need of repair.
• Communicate positively and enthusiastically with campers, parents, staff, and volunteers.
• Treat each child with dignity and respect.
• Set a good example for campers in all areas, including cleanliness, punctuality, clean-up chores, rules, and sportsmanship.
• Accompany campers to all activities.
• Supervise campers’ participation in structured and unstructured activities.
• Facilitate group unity by promoting camper friendships and resolving conflict fairly.
• Maintain positive relationships with campers by showing sensitivity to campers’ emotional needs and problem solving any camper issues effectively.
• Promote and supervise the health, emotional, social, intellectual, and physical development of each child.
• Work with all other staff members in a cooperative effort.
• Provide direction to assistant Camp Counselors and any staff or campers in training.
• Report all accidents and incidents involving self, participants, guests, or other employees.
• Familiar with and able to implement emergency procedures.
• Ensure cleanliness of facility or property.
• Actively participate during waterfront activities by serving as a lookout, swim instructor, boater, camper swim buddy, or clipboard counselor or as directed by Waterfront Director.
• Always have a watch with/on you to ensure that you bring your group to their assigned activity on time; cell phones/electronic devices may NOT be used in lieu of a watch.
• All other duties as assigned.
• Demonstrate and model the YMCA’s four core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.
• Exhibit personal and professional behavior in a manner consistent with the best interest of the Association, so as not to bring discredit to the Association.
• Perform such other job-related duties as may be periodically assigned by the Supervisor.
• Cooperate, work effectively and congenially with all YMCA staff members, volunteers, and members of the Association.
• Adhere to policies related to boundaries with members, volunteers, staff, and participants.
• Attend required Abuse Risk Management training and adhere to procedures related to managing high-risk activities and supervising members and participants.
• Report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations and follow mandated abuse reporting procedures.
• Ensure unused rooms and closets remain locked, will routinely monitor high-risk locations (locker rooms and rest-rooms) etc.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

• Emotional Maturity
• Communication
• Critical Thinking and Decision Making
• Relationships
• Collaboration

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Previous experience in camping, recreation, teaching, childcare or physical education preferred.
• Must have knowledge of songs, crafts, group games, nature, sports and the importance of fair play.
• Excellent human relation skills, strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable to changing situations and children’s needs.
• Must have enthusiasm, be dependable, and possess an excellent work ethic.
• Must be able to accept guidance and supervision.
• Demonstrate verbally and by role modeling a sound knowledge of good teaching practices and of child growth and development.
• Knowledge of and commitment to the mission of the YMCA and its capacity to build strong kids, families, and communities. The ability to articulate and model the YMCA’s four core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibilities are essential.
• Must have a CPR/AED and First Aid Certification OR get certified within 90 days of employment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This work requires the following physical activities: climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling, twisting, reaching, sitting, standing for extended periods of time, walking, lifting, finger dexterity, grasping, repetitive motions, talking, feeling, hearing, and visual acuity (with the aid of glasses if necessary). The work is performed primarily outdoors and may require occasional travel. Must be able to lift 50 lbs.

COMPANY BENEFITS:

Free membership and 25% discount for programs and camp fees for the duration of the season.

HOURLY PAY RATE: $16.75 to $17.50

WORK SCHEDULE: Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4 pm