Assistant Day Camp Counselor

YMCA of the North; Minnetrista (MN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization as an Assistant Camp Counselor, where you'll inspire young minds and create lasting memories. This role involves working closely with a Camp Counselor to deliver engaging outdoor adventures and activities that promote the YMCA's core values of caring, respect, and responsibility. You'll have the opportunity to guide campers through crafts, canoeing, and various recreational experiences, all while ensuring their safety and well-being. If you're passionate about making a positive impact and thrive in a collaborative environment, this is the perfect opportunity for you to grow as a leader and make a difference this summer.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 16 years old and possess First Aid & CPR/AED certification.
• Ability to assist in planning and implementing activities for various age levels.

Responsibilities

• Assist Camp Counselor in supervising and organizing campers during activities.
• Maintain safety standards and provide care for campers at all times.

Skills

Communication Skills

Teamwork

Decision Making

Organizational Skills

Youth Development Principles

Education

First Aid & CPR/AED Certification

Job description

Are you ready to inspire young minds, create lasting memories, and grow as a leader? As an Assistant Camp Counselor, you’ll team up with a Camp Counselor to deliver unforgettable outdoor adventures, fun activities, and life-changing experiences for children. From crafts to canoeing, you'll help guide campers while promoting YMCA values like caring, respect, and responsibility. If you’re passionate about making a positive impact and thrive in a team setting, join us this summer and help create the magic of camp.

Salary: The salary for this position starts at $14.50 hourly. We take into consideration an individual’s background and experience in determining salary; therefore, base pay offered may vary considerably depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The compensation package includes a wide range of other benefits and earned time off that vary depending on part-time or full-time status.

1. Job Summary:

The Assistant Camp Counselor is responsible for assisting and following the lead of the Camp Counselor in planning, leading, coordinating, and implementing core and non-core programs and experiences for children in a small group setting. They will also be responsible for the general safety and development, growth, and skill achievement of the participants in their group. The incumbent will assist in providing high-quality outdoor educational and recreational experiences for participants that focus on the YMCA core values of caring, equity, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

2. Essential Responsibilities:

1. Assist the Camp Counselor in the direction, supervision, and organization of campers in their camper group within activities and throughout the camp in order to meet the intended camper outcomes.
   • Apply Social Emotional Learning concepts and basic youth development principles in working with campers through communication, relationship development, and respect for diversity, involvement, and empowerment of youth.
   • Ability to communicate and work with groups (all ages and skill levels) and provide necessary instruction to campers.
   • Assist in ensuring campers are properly supervised at all times.
   • Be aware of and implement safety guidelines and procedures within camp activities.
2. Participate in the development and implementation of program activities for campers within the mission and outcomes.
   • Responsible for assisting with the teaching of activities.
   • Actively participate in all program areas as assigned.
   • Assist in providing a progression of activities within the framework of individual and group interests and abilities.
   • Assist in a variety of small and large group activities and programs each week. Activities may include crafts, nature, songs, games, swimming, archery, canoeing, Family Night, etc.
3. Maintain high standards for health and mental health in all activities for campers.
   • Provide daily care for each camper within your supervision.
   • Ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid. Must be able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury) and possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers.
   • Ability to identify and assist Camp Counselor in responding to camper behavior, assess its appropriateness, assist in enforcing appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques in alignment with camp training and proactive response.
   • Assist the Camp Counselor in ensuring that campers receive their medications as directed by Camp Health Manager.
   • Be alert to campers needs, communicate with Camp Counselor any personal and/or health problems; discuss with camp health manager and/or camp director when appropriate.
   • Contribute to verbal and written evaluations and communication as requested.
4. Maintain high standards of safety in all activities for campers and staff.
   • Assist in maintaining accurate program records including incident reports, documentation, and daily attendance.
   • Know and understand ALL emergency procedures associated with the camp program.
   • Know and assist in enforcing, and following all safety guidelines associated with the camp and all program areas. This includes but is not limited to being responsible for your campers’ safety and their whereabouts at all times.
   • Be alert to equipment and facilities to ensure utilization, proper care, and maintenance is adhered to; report repairs needed promptly to camp leadership.
   • Provide supervision for campers while campers are transported to and from camp or during scheduled field trips off camp property.
5. Be a role model to campers in your attitude and behavior.
   • Follow and uphold all safety and security rules and procedures.
   • Set a good example to campers and others regarding general camp procedures and practices including sanitation, schedule, and sportsmanship.
   • Ensure that the site is kept clean, organized, and free of litter.
   • Understand and model the YMCA’s five core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility, and Equity to campers and other staff members.
   • Participate enthusiastically and follow the lead of the Camp Counselor in all camp activities, planning, and leading those as assigned.
6. Represent the camp when interacting with campers, families, volunteers, and community members.
   • Follow safety and security protocols when campers are in public while presenting a positive image of the camp.
   • Represent suggestions, and plans made by the Camp Counselor and respect leadership of Camp Counselor or Lead during supervision, movement, and activity of small group.
   • Assist to guide Junior Counselors and Camp Volunteers to have a deeper understanding of leadership and counseling skills.

3. Relationships:

This position reports to the Program Director who reports to the Senior Program Director or Executive Director. The incumbent may take work direction from a Camp Counselor, Camp Lead, Camp Manager, or Assistant Camp Director. The incumbent interacts regularly with camp staff, campers, volunteers, and families. This position involves interaction with individuals and communities of diverse backgrounds.

4. Qualifications:

Required:

• Adult and Pediatric First Aid & CPR/AED Provided by YMCA or other certified organization (can be obtained upon hire if needed).
• Ability to assist in planning, organizing, and implementing program activities with all age levels.
• Ability to work as a member of a team and the ability to accomplish tasks in a timely manner.
• Strong decision making, organizational, and communication skills.
• Minimum age of 16 years old.

5. Work Conditions:

• Must have the physical ability to assist in leading and participating in camp activities which include, but are not limited to, hiking, canoeing, swimming, team building initiatives, building campfires, physical games, and activities.
• Must be capable of carrying loads of up to 90 pounds and able to traverse hilly and uneven terrain without undue exertion.
• Work in conditions that will create dirt and dust.
• Work in conditions that may require staff to use fire protection equipment, washers and dryers, dishwashers, and specialty program equipment.
• Perform essential program support to camp activities and programs which may include, but not limited to the following activities: semi – reaching to full-reach overhead, crouching, kneeling, shoveling, working in narrow and/or confining spaces underground, overhead, and at ground level, twisting of the waist, shoulders, and legs, and lying on stomach and/or back.
• Must have visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to the activity.
• Must have the ability to physically manage and support children when needed for safety in general camp activities (child weighing 30 - 200 pounds).
• Ability to perform a variety of tasks outdoor in different climate with daily exposure to the sun, heat, and animals such as bugs, snakes, horses, chickens, etc.

6. Additional Notes:

This job description represents the major functions of the position but is not intended to be all-inclusive. The incumbent is also responsible for taking direction from the Program Director or their representatives in completing projects or performing duties deemed necessary for the Camp or Association success.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Pledge:

The Y of the North is committed to the work and everyday practices of eliminating disparities and eradicating unjust systems to become a multicultural, anti-racist and anti-oppressive organization. YMCA of the North team members and volunteers must exemplify the association’s mission, vision, and values of caring, equity, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

The YMCA of the North continues to develop plans and strategies to ensure team members and volunteers reflect the demographics of the communities we serve. We will continually conduct institutional racism and oppression review of our policies, procedures, and practices in recruitment and selection; compensation and benefits; professional development and training; promotions; transfers; layoffs; terminations; and the ongoing development of a multicultural, anti-racist and anti-oppressive work environment and culture that promotes equity and respect for the human dignity of all. We value and respect this diversity and choose to be inclusive through our acceptance of all.