Junior Camp Counselor- Oratam Camp

Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges; New Milford (NJ, PA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a mission-driven organization dedicated to youth development and community strength! This role offers a unique opportunity to work directly with children in a vibrant day camp setting. You will create a nurturing environment, foster positive relationships, and encourage the growth of young campers. Enjoy the chance to engage in fun activities, all while upholding the core values of caring, respect, honesty, and responsibility. If you are enthusiastic about making a difference in the lives of youth and enjoy working in a collaborative team, this position is perfect for you!

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Complimentary use of YMCA facilities

Sign on bonus may apply

Qualifications

• Must be at least 16 years old with a high school equivalent.
• Experience working with children, preferably in a camp setting.

Responsibilities

• Supervise children in a seasonal day camp and promote healthy relationships.
• Assist with camp activities and ensure camper safety.

Skills

Child supervision

Communication skills

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Education

High school student or equivalent

Job description

Greater Bergen County YMCA, 1092 Carnation Drive, New Milford, New Jersey, United States of America Req #1696

Thursday, February 6, 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:

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:

1. Keeps campers focused and engaged in camp activities.
2. Assist Specialist during activity periods.
3. Consistently greet campers with a smile and treat them with enthusiasm.
4. Develop positive relationships with member families and learn why they come to our Y.
5. Learn camper’s names. Respond to campers needs.
6. Assist Senior Counselor, Specialists, and all camp staff in carrying out themes, special events, trips, and all camp activities.
7. Encourage camper’s youth development progress.
8. Help group maintain camp cleanliness.
9. Work cooperatively with all camp staff while planning all camp activities.
10. 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.
11. Use redirection to appropriate activities when needed and use positive reinforcement to commend good choices.
12. Teach and instill the Four Core Values of the YMCA in all camp activities: Caring, Respect, Honesty, & Responsibility.
13. Act as requested by the supervisor.

Safety:

1. Attend regular staff meetings scheduled by supervisor.
2. Must attend and complete all required trainings.
3. At all times uphold camp safety standards. Maintain constant face counts. Will understand and practice risk management and disaster policies and procedures.
4. Help maintain group control and facilitate lunch time activities.
5. Must follow all Association Aquatics Policy Guidelines.
6. 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.
7. Secure and submit all accident reports.
8. Report all immediate concerns to Camp Director or nearest supervisor.
9. Follow supervision of bus counselors and help to ensure safety, expedient procedures and fun activities on the bus. Lead bus songs, stories and games.

DIRECT REPORTS: N/A

BUDGET RESPONSIBILITY: N/A

OTHER DUTIES:

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

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. High school student or equivalent.
2. Previous experience working with children preferably in a day camp setting, preferably as a CIT.
3. Interest preferred in one or more of the following areas: outdoor living, archery, boating, camping, songs/music, skits, sports, aquatics, recreational games, etc.
4. At least 16 years of age.
5. 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.

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

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.