Summer Day Camp Senior Counselor

About us

Flushing YMCA Beacon 189 is a small business in Flushing, NY. We are professional, fast-paced and social.

Who are we looking to hire?
We are looking for people who enjoy working with youth. People who are creative, have a passion for teaching youth new skills, are enthusiastic, and model our four core values: Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility. We are looking for people who can provide a safe and positive environment for school-age children to provide opportunities for learning, interaction, and academic/personal growth.

A Day in the Life of a Day Camp Senior Counselor
The Day Camp Senior Counselor plays a critical role in the successful operation of the Summer Day Camp program. The Day Camp Senior Counselor is responsible for providing a safe and positive environment for school-age children to provide opportunities for learning, interaction, and academic/personal growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of participants in the program by providing appropriate supervision at all times.
• Understand, maintain, and ensure that participants follow Risk Management and safety procedures.
• Keep the immediate supervisor informed daily of any concerns regarding participants, staff, or the facility.
• Plan and implement meaningful activities, lesson plans, and special events that are structured, age-appropriate, fun, exciting, challenging, and values-based in the areas of arts, STEM, character development, literacy, creative expression, community service, physical fitness, and nutrition.
• Perform specific scheduled assignments, including but not limited to arrival and departure and lunch duty.
• Prepare the learning environment, lessons, and necessary supplies for program activities. Assume responsibility for the cleanliness and organization of the camp room, program supplies, and activity space.
• Support the planning and implementation of all camp activities, including but not limited to summer learning initiatives, field trips, in-camp events, and culminating performances.
• Provide support to Activity Specialists with activity implementation.
• Work cooperatively with all program staff.
• Provide guidance and support to Counselor in Training (CITs), hold CITs accountable for program expectations, and complete and maintain all required CIT paperwork.
• Promote an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful environment that embraces the diversity of all staff and participants.
• Create and maintain a strength-based, youth-focused atmosphere that is consistent and sensitive to the needs of participants with learning, emotional, or behavioral differences.
• Serve as a positive role model for participants.
• Maintain accurate program documentation (attendance, sign-in/out forms, behavior reports, incident reports, and accident reports, as appropriate).
• Understand and communicate the YMCA’s core values and the goals of the Summer Day Camp program to staff, participants, and caregivers.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with parents and guardians through regular communication about their child’s strengths and areas of growth. Take a leadership role in providing caregivers with regular updates (including Snapshots, behavior updates, success stories, etc.)
• Attend all required pre-camp trainings. Actively participate in training sessions, designated meetings, and special events.
• Ensure that groups are in ratio. Provide support and accountability to Day Camp Senior Counselors and ensure that they maintain all program standards, even in your absence.
• Adhere to all Department of Health, YMCA of Greater New York, and funder standards, expectations, and regulations.

Desired Skills & Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; college credits preferred.
• Minimum one year of experience working with youth.
• General knowledge of MS Word

Key Dates
The summer camp season begins on July 2st and ends on August 16. You must also attend, and successfully complete, 40 hours of pre-camp training (paid)!

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $17.17 per hour

Expected hours: 30 – 35 per week

Schedule:

• Afternoon shift
• Evening shift
• Monday to Friday
• Morning shift

Application Question(s):

• In order to apply, you would need a High School Diploma, do you have your High School Diploma, or a higher degree?
• Please list 2-3 dates and time ranges that you could do an online Zoom interview.
• Are you available to work Monday - Thursday (11:30am - 6pm) & Friday (8am - 6pm) until the end of August 2024?

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:

• Childcare: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person