Head Counselor (Buckaroo/Pathfinder, Blazer, Ranger) - YMCA Camp Cosby

YMCA of the Cedar Rapids Metro Area; Alabama; On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

YMCA Camp Cosby in Alpine, AL seeks a Head Counselor to lead staff during training and supervise campers, ensuring safety and a positive camp experience. You will mentor staff, coordinate activities, and maintain adherence to camp policies and ACA standards.

Must be 20+ and have 2 years of camp/youth work experience, plus CPR/First Aid certifications. This part-time role requires teamwork, dedication, and the ability to work with diverse staff and campers.

Qualifications

• Belief in YMCA mission and high moral standards.
• Teamwork attitude and enthusiasm for service to others.
• 2 years of prior experience with children in camping or related youth work.
• Prior experience as a peer leader or supervisor.
• Physical ability to cover entire camp grounds and participate in all camp activities.
• Ability to positively work with staff from different backgrounds.
• Train and mentor staff.
• Must obtain CPR/First Aid certifications.
• Must be 20 years of age or older.

Responsibilities

• Lead assigned sessions during staff training.
• Support all staff and inspire them to be great leaders with campers.
• Ensure safety, health, welfare and happiness of staff and campers in your village.
• Attend all staff meetings.
• Assist Activities Director with camper sign ups each evening.
• Ensure cabin staff assist campers with writing home.
• Follow ACA, Department or Health and YMCA of Greater Birmingham standards in all areas.
• Supervise and support during activity periods and lead activities as needed.
• Keep activity equipment in good condition and report replacements.
• Ensure counselors monitor camper headcounts and never leave groups unsupervised.
• Adhere to schedules and planned activities.
• Coordinate with camp leaders to maintain a safe and excellent camp program.
• Manage camper behavior and document disciplinary matters.

Skills

Teamwork

Youth work experience

Staff leadership

Camp safety awareness

Diversity & inclusion

Policy compliance

CPR/First Aid certified

Age 20+

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: Camp Cosby - Alpine, AL 35014, Position Type: Part Time, General Function:

Know How:

• Belief in the YMCA Mission and sets an example of high moral standards, Christian character and values.
• An attitude of teamwork and enthusiasm of service to others.
• Have 2 years of prior experience with children in camping or related youth work.
• Prior experience as a peer leader or supervisor.
• Physical ability to cover entire camp grounds and participate in all camp activities.
• Ability to positively work with staff from different backgrounds.
• Train and mentor staff.
• Know all Camp Cosby and YMCA of Greater Birmingham policies and procedures, adhere to these policies and assure all staff adhere to these policies.
• Must be able to obtain CPR/First Aid certifications.
• Must be 20 years of age or older.

Principle Activities:

1. Lead assigned sessions during staff training.
2. Support all staff at camp and know how to inspire them to be great leaders with our campers.
3. Be responsible of the safety, health, welfare and happiness of each staff member and camper in your village and at your accountability areas.
4. Attend all staff meetings.
5. Assist Activities Director with camper sign ups each evening.
6. Assure that cabin staff assist campers with writing home.
7. Assure ACA, Department or Health and YMCA of Greater Birmingham standards are followed in all areas of camp.
8. Supervise and support during activity period, accountability communication and leading activities as needed.
9. Assure all activity equipment is properly cared for, returned where it belongs and reported to Activities Director if replacement is needed.
10. Assure that your counselors know their camper head counts and never leave a group unsupervised.
11. Adhere to schedules and planned activities of the camp.
12. Support the decision of camp leaders and work in unison with other Head Counselors, Activities Director and Cabin Life Director to assure a safe and excellent camp program.
13. If counselor needs assistance or ask for help, manage camper behavior and disciplinary needs. Record all matters and assure proper documentation.
14. Notify Cabin Life Director of all incidents, behavior concerns and discipline problems.
15. Lead Morning Watch to include devotion and our pledge of allegiance. When not leading morning watch sit with your cabins.
16. Assure that your village is on time for all meetings, activities, meals.
17. During check in and check out days greet parents, assure campers are comfortable, maintain order and assure all cabins have cabin/group activities planned for downtime.
18. Assure all camper items are claimed to the right owner minimizing lost and found.
19. Create an environment that cares for staff and campers socially, emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually.
20. Write and facilitate evaluations of your villagers counselors with the assistance of the Activities Director and the Cabin Life Director.
21. Assure there is always a staff member 19 or older within earshot or eyesight of the campers.

Effects on End Result:

The effectiveness of this position can be measured by Head Counselors who show an aptitude to lead in an attitude of enthusiasm of service to others providing a safe and engaging program that builds a positive image of Camp Cosby and the YMCA. This positions effectiveness is measured in staff and camper safety, enjoyment and desire to return to YMCA Camp Cosby.