Summer Camp Lead Counselor

Requirements

The Summer Camp Lead Counselor is responsible for providing leadership, guidance, effective communication, and maintaining the overall well-being and safety of summer camp participants and support staff.  They must possess high energy, enthusiasm, genuinely enjoy working with children and be team-oriented. The Summer Camp Lead Counselor is responsible for assisting the Camp Director (CD) in the planning, implementation, and facilitation of a structured daily schedule. The Summer Camp Lead Counselor must be positive, with a patient and respectful demeanor towards campers, parents, coworkers, and administration. All staff is expected to be interactive and engaging with the children throughout the day. This includes standing for long periods and participating in physical activities both indoors and outdoors.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1.  Supervises a group of children alongside Summer Camp Counselors and is responsible for their overall health and well being. Provides careful, attentive supervision; alert at all times.

2. Takes group attendance.

3. Maintains camp site and equipment. Takes care of school property (e.g., space, equipment, supplies) daily.

4. Plans and implements program activities that are engaging, developmentally appropriate, and consistent with YMCA values.

5. Adheres to program standards regarding safety, cleanliness, and adherence to licensing protocol.

6. Attends training and weekly staff meetings with summer camp leadership.

7. Follows YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to medical emergencies,  behavior policy implementation, child abuse prevention, and all other emergency situations..

8. Cultivates positive relationships and maintains effective communication with parents, children and other staff. Models relationship-building skills in all interactions.

9. Maintains ongoing communication with Summer Camp Director.

10. Sets up for and cleans up after all camp activities.

11. Performs other duties as assigned.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Team Leader):

Mission Advancement: Models and teaches the Y’s values. Ensures a high level of service with a commitment to changing lives. 

Collaboration: Champions inclusion activities, strategies, and initiatives.  Empathetically listens and communicates for understanding when negotiating and dealing with conflict. Effectively tailors communications to the appropriate audience.

Personal Growth: Shares new insights. Facilitates change; models adaptability and an awareness of the impact of change. Utilizes non-threatening methods to address sensitive issues and inappropriate behavior or performance. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Must be at least 18 years of age or older.

2. High School Diploma or equivalent.

3. Six months of programmatic experience with children, preferably in a camp setting.

4. Must complete 24 hours of training within the first 30 days of employment to meet the licensing standards of a licensed child day center.

5. Preferred CPR/First-Aid. If not certified, will receive training through the YMCA.

6. Exceptional group management, problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.

7. Experience in creating, planning, and facilitating interactive and educational/artistic activities relating to youth development, physical fitness s, and academic enrichment.  (already stated above)

8. Must possess speaking, listening, and writing skills appropriate for interacting with both children and adults.

9. Must be capable of implementing directives related to the daily program.

10. Must have the flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

11. Demonstrate a working knowledge of YMCA mission, purpose and goals, childcare policies and YMCA standards; ensures the program meets the highest standards of excellence.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

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.

Sufficient strength, agility, and mobility to perform essential functions of the position and to supervise as well as participate in program activities.