Camp Counselor Senior-Teen Camp

Fairview Lake YMCA Camps; Livingston (NJ); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a mission-driven organization as a Senior Camp Counselor, where you'll inspire and nurture youth in a vibrant camp setting. This role is perfect for someone who enjoys working with children, fostering their development, and creating a positive camp experience. You'll lead activities, build relationships, and ensure a safe and engaging environment for all campers. If you're energetic, creative, and passionate about youth development, this is your chance to make a meaningful impact in their lives. Embrace the opportunity to grow personally and professionally while being part of a supportive team dedicated to community values.

Benefits

Professional Development Opportunities

Complimentary Use of YMCA Facilities

Sign on Bonus

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of experience leading group activities with children.
• Strong communication skills with staff and parents.

Responsibilities

• Supervise campers and junior counselors, ensuring engagement in activities.
• Plan and deliver various camp activities while promoting safety.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Problem Solving

Creativity

Youth Development Principles

Education

High School Diploma

College Degree in Education

Tools

First Aid Certification

CPR Certification

AED Certification

Job description

Camp Counselor Senior-Teen Camp

West Essex YMCA, 321 S LIVINGSTON AVE, LIVINGSTON, New Jersey, United States of America
Req #1737
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
We are an all-inclusive organization joined together by a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility. As a growing, mission-focused, and future-oriented association of YMCAs, the Metro YMCA of the Oranges has an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated, mission-driven candidate to join our team.
Sign on bonus may apply

The Senior Camp Counselor is responsible for a group of children and always supports the ongoing supervision of all campers throughout the camp day. The Senior Counselor helps children adjust to camp according to camp rules and safety precautions, forms cohesive groups, and enjoys their activities. The Senior Counselor is a source of friendship, guidance, and positive redirection to the campers. He or she will be responsible for the planning and delivery of a variety of activities on regular camp days and supports the efforts of the Camp Director and Specialist in all aspects of camp activities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• At all times, maintain a professional demeanor as a representative of the YMCA. Wear Camp T-shirt every day. Encourage through positivity.
• Supervise and keep Junior Counselors and campers focused and engaged in camp activities and responsibilities. Respond to campers' needs.
• Assist all Specialists during activity periods, keeping all campers engaged.
• Learn Camper’s names.
• Consistently greet campers with a smile and treat them with respect and enthusiasm.
• Develop positive relationships with families and learn why they come to our Y.
• Be knowledgeable regarding the Annual Campaign and its purpose.
• Assist in carrying out themes, special events, trips, and all camp activities.
• Encourage camper’s youth development progress.
• Help group maintain camp cleanliness.
• Work cooperatively with all camp staff while planning camp activities.
• Perform responsibilities in an enthusiastic and committed manner. Treat each camper as if he or she is special.
• Uphold, model, teach and put the four (4) core values of the YMCA into action in all camp activities every day: Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.
• Create a positive and nurturing learning environment to instill and encourage youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Safety & Supervision:

• Must attend regular staff meetings as scheduled and complete all required trainings.
• At all times, uphold camp safety standards. Maintain constant face counts. Understand and practice risk management and disaster policies and procedures.
• Help maintain group control and facilitate lunchtime activities.
• Must follow all Association Aquatics Policy Guidelines.
• Take on designated assignments for aquatic activities. Help expedite arrival and departure from the pool (i.e. dressing rooms, etc.). Follow all YMCA, ACA, and NJ Licensing standards and procedures to ensure the safest and best quality camp and to help maintain ACA accreditation.
• Secure and submit all incident reports to Camp Director.
• Report all immediate concerns to Camp Director or nearest supervisor.
• Follow supervision of bus counselors and help ensure safety, expedient procedures, and fun activities on the bus. Lead bus songs, stories, and games.
• Use redirection to appropriate activities and positive reinforcement to commend good choices when applicable.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fundraising.

Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.

Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.

Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths, and limitations and how they impact relationships. 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.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma, college credits/degree in Education preferred.
• Basic understanding of youth development principles.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate with all levels including staff, parents, and staff.
• Ability to be creative, innovative, flexible with high energy. Ability to problem solve and take initiative that adhere to the purpose, mission, and goals of the YMCA.
• Ability to relate to children and develop professional, positive relationships with youth.
• 1-3 years’ experience leading and supervising group activities.
• Ability to work as part of a team, as a role model and take initiative to identify potential risk factors and take measures to reduce them.
• First Aid, CPR, and AED certification may be required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Must be capable of being on your feet for long periods and be able to actively supervise children in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments. Must be capable of bending, kneeling, squatting, and lifting 30 pounds. Must be able to visually account for all children in the program, whether inside or outside. Must be able to hear whistles or alarms. Clear speaking voice is needed to command control of the group.

INTERNAL CANDIDATES: Current active employees of the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges should apply via the Careers section of the Dayforce Employee Account.

Professional development opportunities and complimentary use of YMCA facilities.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA/employer M/F/D/V. Employment is subject to extensive background check.

• Pay Type: Hourly
• Hiring Rate: $16.48

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