Camp Specialist-Summer's Fun Camp (Arts & Crafts & Dance Party)

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

Job summary

Join a vibrant organization dedicated to nurturing youth potential and promoting healthy living! As a Camp Specialist, you'll design and lead engaging activities that inspire creativity and cooperation among campers. This role is perfect for someone passionate about working with children and fostering their development in a fun, safe environment. You'll collaborate with fellow counselors to create memorable experiences while ensuring the highest safety standards. If you're a motivated individual ready to make a difference in young lives, this opportunity is for you!

Benefits

Professional Development Opportunities

Complimentary Use of YMCA Facilities

Sign-On Bonus

Qualifications

• High school student or equivalent with 2 years of experience working with youth.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver age-specific activities that nurture creativity and cooperation.
• Ensure safety standards and maintain positive relationships with campers.

Skills

Communication Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Creativity

Leadership

Problem Solving

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Experience in Camp/Recreational Field

Job description

Camp Specialist-Summer's Fun Camp (Arts & Crafts & Dance Party)

Greater Bergen County YMCA, 1092 Carnation Drive, New Milford, New Jersey, United States of America Req #1701

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

POSITION SUMMARY: 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.

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 other counselors on how to teach these activities. Encourage activity planning and leadership for Counselors assigned to the activity.
• Lead specialty activities with assistance from group counselors and help keep counselors focused on the activity.
• Control all supply inventory used in specialty. Assist camp director in ordering supplies. Keep supply storage area neat and organized.
• Assist the Camp Director in carrying out themes and special events, general camp activities.
• Consistently greet campers with a smile and treat them with enthusiasm.
• Learn camper’s names and 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. Do more than the minimum for campers. Treat them as special. Treat campers and fellow staff members with respect. Maintain a positive attitude and self-motivation.
• Take the initiative to be actively participatory in all activities.
• Act as needed when not leading a specialty program.
• Be knowledgeable regarding the Annual Support Campaign, its purpose and to help conduct any giving events or service learning projects done at camp.

Safety & Supervision:

• Attend regular staff meetings scheduled by supervisor.
• Must attend and complete all required trainings.
• At all times uphold camp safety standards. Maintain constant head counts. Understand and practice risk management and disaster policies and procedures.
• Follow all YMCA, ACA and NJ Licensing standards and procedures to ensure the safest and best quality camp and to help maintain ACA accreditation.

OTHER DUTIES:

• Role model and encourage a healthy lifestyle while at the Y as a role model and with members.
• Wear Camp T-shirt daily. Be punctual and reliable.
• Maintain a positive attitude, responsibility, and self-motivation. Create positive group spirit and cooperation.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school student or equivalent and/or two years experience working with youth in a camp/recreational related field.
• This position requires positive interaction with children, parents, and staff, and strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• This person must demonstrate creativity, innovation, flexibility, and energy.
• Must be an expert in a specialized activity and be able to create and convey lessons/activities appropriately.
• The successful candidate must have abilities to work productively with other staff to achieve the YMCA mission, goals, and objectives of the camp program.
• Experience in leading (staff and campers) and good judgment are significant in this position, along with understanding of age-specific characteristics of children and positive behavior management techniques.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Must be capable of being on your feet for long periods of time 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-pound weight. 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 needed to command control of the group.

Candidates whose disabilities make them unable to meet these requirements will still be considered fully qualified if they can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation.

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.