Lead Camp Counselor

YMCA of Metro Atlanta; Marietta (GA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization dedicated to youth development and community-building! As a Lead Counselor, you will play a pivotal role in creating a safe and engaging environment for children at camp. You will develop and implement activities that promote growth and learning while embodying the core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of children, helping them to thrive and enjoy their time outdoors. If you are passionate about working with youth and committed to providing exceptional service, this role is perfect for you!

Qualifications

• High School Diploma required; 2-4 years experience with children preferred.
• Must have First Aid/CPR certification and pass a background check.

Responsibilities

• Develop program-specific activities for campers under supervision.
• Maintain safety protocols and provide guidance and leadership.

Skills

First Aid/CPR certification

Interpersonal communication

Time management

Customer service

Knowledge of environmental education

Problem-solving

Leadership

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

MS Word

MS Excel

Database management

Job description

As a thought-leader and best-in-class provider in education, wellness, youth development, and community-building, The YMCA of Metro Atlanta is one of the oldest and most essential non-profits serving in Atlanta. Today, we’re looking for you to join us as we carry out our mission to positively impact lives and communities across the state.

At the Y, we’re an association of like-minded people (staff, volunteers, and members), on the forefront of a movement to ensure that everyone -- especially children -- experience an equal opportunity to reach their full potential. In the course of a year, we provide more than 3,000 children, ages 6 weeks through Pre-K with high-quality literacy and STEAM-infused learning; give 58,000 youth and teens access to sports, aquatics, day and resident camps, teen leadership development programs, and employment opportunities; provide over 200,000 members with programs, services, and facilities to enjoy connection and maintain wellness regardless of age; and engage over 25,000 volunteers and donors from across Atlanta to share in the gift of supporting their communities.

The opportunities to serve are vast, and we’re looking for a diverse mix of people, who share our values of CARING, HONESTY, RESPECT, and RESPONSIBILITY, to join us and do their best work. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in our people, our members, and our partners. We are fully focused on equality and believe deeply in diversity of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin and all the other wonderful characteristics that make us different.

Commitment to Health and Safety

The YMCA of Metro Atlanta has implemented a COVID-19 Vaccination requirement for all Full-Time positions. For further information, please visit our Vaccine Hub, or speak to your recruiter. Reasonable accommodations for medical and religious objections will be considered.

Nature and Scope:

Under the supervision of the Youth Development Director and in cooperation with other staff, the Lead Counselor is responsible for developing program-specific activities for campers. They are responsible for achieving the goals of the day camp by assisting in the implementation of activities which provide guidance, leadership, values education and enjoyment for children served by camp. The Lead Counselor is responsible for assisting the counselor/leadership personnel and providing a safe environment. The ideal candidate embraces responsibility, loves to engage others and has the ability to facilitate creative activities.

Minimum Requirements:

• High School Diploma completed.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• 2-4 years’ experience working with children in a structured setting.
• Required certifications current First Aid/CPR; must obtain any other certifications required for the position.
• Complete PPE and safety protocol training prior to first shift.
• A working knowledge of computers: MS Word, MS Excel, database management.
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, work independently, problem solve and possess effective time management skills.
• Strong customer service skills and personal commitment to service and hospitality.
• Knowledge of the outdoors and environmental education.
• Pass a criminal background check to include a drug screen.
• Pass a Motor Vehicles Record and have own transportation.

Responsibilities:

• Perform COVID-19 safety procedures and all other necessary protocols before, during, and post camp.
  • To include: Personal temperature checks, camper and parent temperature checks and prescreen questions, sanitation of camp areas.
• Assure that all necessary PPE are available to provide an effective and safe program.
• Assist in planning and implementation of social distancing programs and safety protocol which will assist in the development of the camper physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually and which promote YMCA values: caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.
• Assist in teaching the basic skills of various programs to campers in a safe and respectful manner.
• Assist in the social adjustment of a camper through positive group experiences.
• Report to the Camp Director/Unit Leader any difficult or unusual situations.
• Share problems with the Camp Director/Unit Leader so they can be solved.
• Assist in facilitating proper group behavior at all times.
• Stay updated on current issues regarding camp programs.
• Promote, monitor, evaluate and ensure that all camp programs run smoothly with a high level of service to participants.
• Maintain branch and association certifications in Metro Atlanta YMCA New Staff Orientation and Branch off-site Emergency procedures, Keeping Kids Safe and any other required certifications and/or training required by the YMCA of Metro Atlanta.
• Responsible for maintaining and reporting incident/accident paperwork.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Adhere to YMCA of Metro Atlanta policies and procedures.

CRITICAL COMPETENCIES BASED ON NEEDS SPECIFIC TO ROLE:

• Be able to set an example and lead counselors on a daily basis.
• Be able to maintain a safe and healthy environment for staff and children.
• Be able to provide sound, caring and positive leadership for children.
• Able to maintain a safe and fun environment for children.
• Provide, to everyone, extraordinary customer service to parent(s).
• Be able to recognize and implement safety standards in all program activities.
• Be able to participate effectively with other staff in implementing creative and fun camp activities for camp.
• Have a good understanding of the mission and values of the YMCA and be able to demonstrate and teach based on those values.
• Communicate positively with parents and staff as required.
• Attend all staff camp trainings.

ERGONOMIC REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to climb, walk, run, stoop, squat or kneel. Ability to lift and carry equipment to appropriate destinations or affect the carrying of such equipment. Ability to use senses which enable safe supervision including seeing and/or hearing.

END RESULT:

Safe, quality day camp programs that meet the YMCA goals and objectives of providing campers with a positive growth experience. Meets the mission of the YMCA. Helps to provide a fun, creative experience, which reflects an enjoyment and appreciation of the outdoors.

Location:

McCleskey East Cobb YMCA