Camp Specialist - Somapy Camp

Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges; New London, Maplewood (NJ, CT, MN); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established organization is seeking a passionate Camp Specialist to lead and inspire school-aged children in a dynamic day camp setting. This role involves designing and delivering engaging programming that fosters creativity, teamwork, and personal growth. The ideal candidate will have experience working with children and a strong commitment to nurturing youth development. Join a mission-driven team dedicated to making a positive impact in the community, where your enthusiasm and creativity can shine. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to a vibrant camp experience while developing your skills in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Professional Development Opportunities

Complimentary Use of YMCA Facilities

Sign on Bonus

Qualifications

• Previous experience working with children, preferably in a day camp setting.
• Interest in activities like camping, songs/music, skits, etc.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver age-specific activities to engage children.
• Supervise counselors and support positive camper experiences.
• Uphold safety standards and maintain a nurturing environment.

Skills

Child Supervision

Activity Planning

Team Leadership

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Job description

South Mountain YMCA, 13 JEFFERSON AVE, MAPLEWOOD, New Jersey, United States of America Req #1719

Monday, April 7, 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

Looking for individuals who are passionate about a particular craft and/or activity. Leading activities for school-aged children and developing enriching programming daily! Looking for STEAM, Art, Performing Arts, Sports, Active Games, Team building games, and more.

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Provides direct supervision of a group of children in a seasonal day camp. The Camp Specialist shall design and deliver a program specialty in their designated area tailored to the skills and interests of each age group. He or she will work with other counselors to bring about quality programming in that specialty area. Activities should nurture creativity, cooperation, skill, and self-esteem and support the potential of all youth in programs and facilitate peer-to-peer connections as part of the overall camp experience.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Plan, setup, and deliver a variety of activities within specialty area that are age-specific and that keep children’s interests high.
• Instruct Counselors on how to teach activities within specialty. Encourage activity planning and leadership for Counselors assigned to the activity.
• Lead specialty activities with assistance from Counselors and help keep Counselors focused on the activity.
• Control all supply inventory used in specialty. Assist Camp Director with ordering supplies. Keep supply storage area neat and organized.
• Assist the Camp Director in carrying out themes and special events, general camp activities.
• Greet campers with a smile and treat them with enthusiasm.
• Learn camper’s names. Respond to campers' needs.
• Encourage camper’s youth development progress. As a leader, set a good example for the children. Teach campers how to solve problems and maintain basic discipline and group control.
• Ensure that all volunteers have a great experience to help our association increase volunteer participation.
• Develop positive relationships with member families and learn why they come to our Y.
• Help group maintain camp cleanliness.
• Perform all responsibilities in an enthusiastic and committed manner.
• Take the initiative to be actively participatory in all activities.
• Act as needed when not leading a specialty program.

SAFETY:

• Must attend and complete all required trainings.
• At all times, uphold camp safety standards. Maintain constant face counts. Will understand and practice risk management and disaster policies and procedures.
• Help maintain group control and facilitate lunchtime activities.
• 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 accident reports, special plans, schedule changes, and evaluations to Camp Director when appropriate.
• Report all immediate concerns to Camp Director or nearest supervisor.
• Use two methods of discipline with campers to include redirection to appropriate activities and using positive reinforcement to commend good choices.

OTHER DUTIES:

• Always maintain a professional demeanor, as you are a representative of the YMCA.
• Maintain a positive attitude, responsibility, and self-motivation. Be punctual and reliable.
• Create a positive and nurturing learning environment to instill youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school student or equivalent.
• Previous experience working with children, preferably in a day camp setting, with a minimum of two previous camp seasons as a Counselor.
• Interest preferred in one or more of the following areas: camping, songs/music, skits, etc.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Previous experience with diverse populations preferred.

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.

• 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. A 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 an extensive background check.