Senior Camp Counselor - Valley Summer Day Camp

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 Judeo-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.
Requirements
Position Summary:
This position supports the mission and work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization. The Day Camp Senior Counselor at the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA provides direct supervision and leadership to a group of children in a seasonal Day Camp in a variety of activities. Maintains a supportive, positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals while promoting and maintaining safe conditions in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures. Creates positive, nurturing relationships with children, while building cooperative relationships with parents/caregivers. Promotes and supports the potential of all youth in programs and facilitates peer-to-peer connections as part of the overall camp experience. The Day Camp Senior Counselor assures the well-being for each participant in line with YMCA of the USA guidelines and association policies in accordance with their training.
Essential Functions:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to the following:

• Models the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility with members, colleagues, guests, volunteers, and vendors.
• Develops and maintains positive relationships with volunteers, members, program participants, and colleagues at all levels of the organization; helps participants and families connect with each other and the YMCA; and encourages family involvement.
• Assists Unit Directors, and Directors in planning and implementing camp activities. This may include evening, overnight, and weekend events. Supervises Junior Counselor and LIT's as assigned. Ensures that counselors have opportunities to plan and lead small and large group activities. Provides coaching to staff to prepare them for increased responsibilities.
• Positively and proactively communicates with and responds to supervisor, staff, campers, and parents.
• Ensures that campers, program areas, and equipment are kept clean and safe.
• Implements camp programs in accordance with YMCA guidelines, having prepared lesson plans accordingly, and supports campers in achieving their goals.
• Maintains physical presence, remains alert at all times while on duty, maintains constant visual attention to campers, remains aware of camp surroundings, and actively participates in all camper activities.
• Knows and reviews all emergency procedures and responds to emergency situations immediately in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures, and completes related reports as required.
• Knows, follows, and enforces all YMCA policies, rules, regulations, and procedures, including those for the prevention of child abuse and the rule of three.
• Ambassador of all YMCA programs with a focus on Camp programs and member engagement.
• Follows all Camp procedures and guidelines including those pertaining to health and safety, camper supervision, drop-off/pick-up, attendance, forms, reports, and staff expectations as required by the YMCA, licensing, and the state health department.
• Attends all mandatory meetings and trainings.

YMCA Leadership Competencies:

• Collaboration: Creates sustainable relationships within the Y and with other organizations in service to the community.
• Communication & Influence: Listens and expresses self effectively and in a way that engages, inspires, and builds commitment to the Y's cause.
• Developing Self & Others: Develops self and supports others (e.g., staff, volunteers, members, program participants), both formally and informally, to achieve their highest potential.
• Program/Project Management: Ensures program or project goals are met and intended impact occurs.
• Critical Thinking & Decision Making: Makes informed decisions based on logic, data, and sound judgment.
• Inclusion: Values all people for their unique talents, and takes an active role in promoting practices that support diversity, inclusion, and global work, as well as cultural competence.
• Functional Expertise: Executes superior technical skills for the role.

Experience, Education, and Qualifications:

• At least 18 years old or entering senior year of high school in the fall.
• At least one year of successful experience working with youth and/or teens, preferably in licensed Day Camp or child care setting.
• Desire and ability to work outdoors with and relate to children and one's peers.
• Experience working with children of camp age is preferred.
• Willingness to accept supervision and guidance.
• Demonstrated ability to teach and assist in teaching skills and activities.
• Good role model, of high integrity and adaptable.
• Remains calm and objective when under pressure or when challenged by others.
• Effective communication skills necessary to inform, counsel, motivate, and support members.
• Must be observant, safety-conscious, and able to react calmly and quickly in an emergency.
• Able to work flexible schedules.

Trainings & Certifications:

• Must complete online New Employee Orientation, Sexual Harassment, Child Abuse Prevention, Mandated Reporter, Bloodborne Pathogens, Hazard Communication, and Employee Safety trainings prior to start of position.
• Must complete department onboarding prior to start of position.
• Certification in CPR, AED, O2, and First Aid - preferred.