Counselor-Onsite Day Camp

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

Job summary

Join a mission-driven organization that is dedicated to nurturing the potential of children and promoting healthy living. As a Camp Counselor, you will play a crucial role in supervising and guiding campers, ensuring their safety and enjoyment throughout the camp day. This position requires strong interpersonal skills, creativity, and the ability to foster positive relationships with children and families. With a focus on youth development, you will help create a nurturing environment that encourages growth and responsibility. This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young campers while working in a supportive and dynamic team environment.

Benefits

Professional Development Opportunities

Complimentary Use of YMCA Facilities

Sign-On Bonus

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of experience leading and supervising group activities.
• Ability to develop positive relationships with youth and families.

Responsibilities

• Supervise campers and Junior Camp Counselors during camp activities.
• Plan and implement a variety of camp activities and themes.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Creativity

Problem Solving

Youth Development Principles

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma

College Degree in Education

Tools

First Aid Certification

CPR Certification

AED Certification

Job description

Counselor-Onsite Day Camp Fairview Lake YMCA Camps, 1035 FAIRVIEW LAKE RD, NEWTON, New Jersey, United States of America Req #1778 Wednesday, April 9, 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 Camp Counselor is responsible for a group of children and support the ongoing supervision of all campers throughout the camp day. The Counselor helps children adjust to camp according to camp rules and safety precautions, form cohesive groups and enjoy their activities. The Counselor is a source of friendship, guidance and discipline 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 activities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Maintain a professional demeanor, as a representative of the YMCA. Wear Camp T-shirt every day. Encourage through positivity.
• Supervise campers and Junior Camp Counselors focused on their camp responsibilities.
• Assist all Specialists during activity periods, keeping all staff and campers engaged.
• Learn Camper’s names. Respond to camper needs.
• 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. Plan, implement, and lead designated camp activities.
• Perform the above responsibilities in an enthusiastic and committed manner. Treat each camp as if they are special.
• Uphold, model, teach and put the four (4) core values of the YMCA into action in all camp activities: 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 and complete all required trainings.
• 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.
• Follow all Association Aquatics Policy Guidelines. 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, special plans, schedule changes, and evaluations 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 fund-raising.

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 whistle or alarms. Clear speaking voice is needed to command control of 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
• Min Hiring Rate $15.59

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