Camp Counselor

Whatcomymca; Bellingham (WA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization is seeking a seasonal Camp Counselor to supervise children and facilitate engaging activities at the Whatcom Family YMCA. The ideal candidate will be responsible for ensuring safety, planning developmentally appropriate programs, and fostering positive relationships with campers and families. This role requires strong leadership, organizational skills, and the ability to work in both indoor and outdoor settings. Join us in creating a nurturing environment where children can thrive and grow.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older and a high school graduate.
• Current CPR and First Aid certifications required.

Responsibilities

• Supervises children and program activities, ensuring safety.
• Plans age-appropriate activities aligned with program goals.
• Communicates with parents about children's needs and progress.

Skills

Leadership

Collaboration

Communication

Critical Thinking

Organizational Skills

Education

High School Graduate

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Whatcom Family YMCA - Bellingham, WA

Position Type: Seasonal

Salary Range: $19.80 - $19.80 Hourly

Description

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Supervises a group of children and program activities; knows whereabouts of each camper in group at all times.
• Follows all policies, procedures, and standards as established by the law or the Y (e.g., safety or emergency procedures, behavior guidance strategies, child abuse prevention policies); makes ADA accommodations where appropriate; maintains the program site, equipment, and required program records.
• Nurtures children through purposeful programming; plans activities that are intended to achieve program goals and outcomes, are culturally relevant, are developmentally appropriate, and are consistent with the Y’s values.
• Creates a positive rapport and shared interest with all youth; models relationship-building skills in all interactions.
• Provides opportunities for youth to lead, problem-solve, and make decisions and choices within the program and provides daily opportunities for youth to reflect on and respond to their experiences.
• Provides and welcomes ongoing dialogue with parents and caregivers about their child’s needs and progress; connects families to the Y.
• Attends and participates in family nights, program activities, staff meetings, and staff training.
• Work with and provide general supervision/coaching of volunteer Jr. Counselors and communicate with Camp Director regarding the performance of Jr. Counselors.
• Follows organization’s policies and procedures regarding protecting youth from abuse; including screening and selection, training and supervision, and responding to allegations. Communicate to all staff and volunteers the organization’s commitment to protect youth from abuse.
• Follows mandated reporting requirements.

OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUITY:

Everything we do at the YMCA is based on the ideal that everyone should have the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or identity, diverse abilities, age, religion, socioeconomic status or any other statuses or identities. Our work is focused on eliminating barriers to access, eliminating disparities in health, providing educational support, supporting working families, and growing our next generation of change makers for our country.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):

Advancing Our Mission & Cause: Engaging Community, Volunteerism, Philanthropy, Change Leadership

Building Relationships: Collaboration, Communication & Influence, Inclusion

Leading Operations: Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Fiscal Management, Functional Expertise, Innovation, Program/Project Management

Developing & Inspiring People: Developing Self & Others, Emotional Maturity

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Must be 18 years of age or older and a high school graduate (or equivalent).
2. Previous experience working with children in a camp setting preferred.
3. Previous experience in one or more of the following areas preferred: outdoor living, camping, song/music, skits, sports, aquatics, or recreational games.
4. Ability to plan, organize and implement age-appropriate/developmentally appropriate program activities.
5. Previous experience with diverse populations. Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.
6. Current CPR (Adult, Infant & Child) and First Aid, AED certifications.
7. Complete Praesidium Child Abuse prevention training within 15 days of hire.
8. Must have or be in the process of obtaining the following:

___ Negative TB Test

___ HIV/Bloodborne Pathogen training

___ MERIT ID account

___ DCYF Required Trainings

___ Food Handlers Card

___ Cleared Portable Background Check from MERIT

___ MMR Immunization Record

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.

• The employee needs sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions and to safely supervise program activities.
• Ability to plan, lead, and participate in program activities in a variety of indoor and/or outdoor settings.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to high.