Lead Camp Counselor

Shelby American, Inc.; Somerville (NJ); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a vibrant nonprofit organization dedicated to community strength and youth development as a Junior Camp Counselor. In this engaging role, you'll supervise and support children in a seasonal day camp, fostering positive relationships and encouraging their growth. You'll work collaboratively with a dedicated team, creating a safe and nurturing environment that embodies the core values of caring, respect, honesty, and responsibility. This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children while enjoying the great outdoors and contributing to a mission-driven organization. If you have a passion for youth development and community service, this role is perfect for you!

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age and have previous experience working with children.
• CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications required within 30 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Supervise a group of children in a seasonal day camp.
• Promote positive relationships with campers and their families.
• Ensure safety standards and maintain a nurturing environment.

Skills

Youth Development

Communication Skills

Teamwork

Problem Solving

Education

High School Student or Equivalent

Tools

CPR Certification

First Aid Certification

AED Certification

Job description

Description

An exciting opportunity to join the team of a progressive YMCA located in vibrant Somerset County, New Jersey. The YMCA is one of the nation’s leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. With a 150-year-old history, Greater Somerset County YMCA (GSCY) is a pillar of the community and has seven locations across three counties, which collectively serve upwards of 30,000 individuals. GSCY has 100 full-time and 950 part-time employees along with operating revenues to $22+ million.

The Y empowers everyone—no matter who they are or where they are from. To fulfill our purpose of strengthening community for all, GSCY is committed to being an inclusive organization and leveraging our collective impact to address social inequities. To learn more about GSCY, visit our website: http://gscymca.org

POSITION SUMMARY

Somerville YMCA - Camp Sunburst

Camp Sunburst is seeking a Junior Camp Counselor to support 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 co-counselors 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 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.

OTHER DUTIES:

1. Always maintain a professional demeanor, as you are a representative of the YMCA.
2. Wear Camp T-shirt daily.
3. Maintain positive attitude, responsibility and self-motivation. Be punctual and reliable.
4. Create a positive and nurturing learning environment to instill youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
5. Uphold GSCY’s More Quality At The Y principles at all times.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. High school student or equivalent.
2. Previous experience working with children preferably in a day camp setting, with a minimum of two previous camp seasons.
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 18 years of age.
5. CPR, First Aid, AED certifications and Child Abuse Prevention training within 30 days of hire date.
6. Previous experience with diverse populations preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

1. 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.
2. Sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions and to supervise program activities in a wide variety of indoor and outdoor locations (depending upon the programs).
3. Ability to work in a variety of environments, specifically those subject to extreme heat and humidity.
4. Physically and mentally able to respond to emergencies and administer CPR and First Aid.
5. Ability to plan, lead and participate in a range of activities in a variety of outdoor/indoor settings.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):

1. Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Ys values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working