Counselor - EOY Camp

Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges; East Orange (NJ); On-site; USD 22,041 - 24,796; Full time

Job summary

Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges is seeking camp staff to supervise and engage groups of campers at two on-site and off-site locations in East Orange and Orange, NJ. You will greet campers, support activity periods, and assist with special events and trips to create a positive camp experience.

Ideal candidates are high school students or older with experience with children, and a willingness to learn YMCA policies and core values.

Qualifications

• High school student or equivalent required.
• Experience working with children preferred.
• Ability to commit to a camp season and follow YMCA safety rules.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct supervision of a group of campers.
• Greet and engage campers daily, build positive relationships with children and caregivers.
• Assist senior staff and specialists with camp activities and events.
• Help maintain camp cleanliness and safety throughout the day.
• Promote YMCA core values: caring, respect, honesty, responsibility.
• Attend trainings and staff meetings as required.

Skills

Supervision of children

Communication with parents

Team collaboration

Engaging activities

Education

High school student or equivalent

Job description

Become a part of the East Orange YMCA team, where we oversee two lively camps! One camp is located on-site at 100 North Arlington Ave and 159 N. Munn Ave, East Orange, NJ, serving Pre‑K through 8th Grade. Meanwhile, our offsite camp at Lincoln Avenue School, 216 Lincoln Ave, Orange, NJ 07050, invites students from First Grade through entering 8th Grade. Join us in creating an exhilarating summer experience for children across diverse age groups!

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. Creates positive, nurturing relationships with children, while building cooperative relationships with parents/caregivers. Promotes and supports the potential of all youth in programs and facilitates peer‑to‑peer connections as part of the overall camp experience.

Essential Functions

• Keeps campers focused and engaged in camp activities.
• Assist Specialist during activity periods.
• Consistently greet campers with a smile and treat them with enthusiasm.
• Develop positive relationships with member families and learn why they come to our Y. 5. Learn camper’s names. Respond to campers needs.
• Assist Senior Counselor, Specialists, and all camp staff 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 all camp activities.
• Perform the above 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.
• Use redirection to appropriate activities when needed and use positive reinforcement to commend good choices.
• Teach and instill the Four Core Values of the YMCA in all camp activities: Caring, Respect, Honesty, & Responsibility.
• Act as requested by the supervisor.

Safety

• Attend regular staff meetings scheduled by supervisor.
• 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 lunch time 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. 20. Secure and submit all accident reports.
• Report all immediate concerns to Camp Director or nearest supervisor.
• Follow supervision of bus counselors and help to ensure safety, expedient procedures and fun activities on the bus. Lead bus songs, stories and games.

Candidates who cannot perform some or all of these duties because of disabilities will nevertheless receive full consideration for the job based on their ability to perform essential functions.

Other Duties

• Always maintain a professional demeanor, as you are a representative of the YMCA. 24. Wear Camp T-shirt daily.
• Maintain positive attitude, responsibility and self-motivation. Be punctual and reliable. 26. Create a positive and nurturing learning environment to instill youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader)

Accepts and demonstrates the Ys values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund‑raising.

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.

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.

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.

Requirements

• High school student or equivalent.
• Previous experience working with children preferably in a day camp setting, preferably as a CIT.
• Interest preferred in one or more of the following areas: outdoor living, archery, boating, camping, songs/music, skits, sports, aquatics, recreational games, etc.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Previous experience with diverse populations preferred.

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.
• Ability to plan, lead and participate in a range of activities in a variety of outdoor/indoor settings.

Salary Description

$16.50-$17.50