Senior Camp Counselor - Oratam Camp

Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges; New Milford (NJ, PA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in community service is seeking a passionate Senior Counselor for their seasonal day camp. This role is vital in creating a supportive and engaging environment for children, ensuring their safety and enjoyment during various activities such as swimming, arts & crafts, and sports. The ideal candidate will have experience working with youth, a love for the outdoors, and the ability to foster positive relationships with campers and their families. Join a mission-driven team dedicated to nurturing potential and promoting healthy living while making a lasting impact in the community.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Complimentary use of YMCA facilities

Sign on bonus may apply

Qualifications

• High school student or equivalent with experience in day camp settings.
• Must be at least 18 years old and have prior experience with children.

Responsibilities

• Supervise campers and Junior Counselors, ensuring engagement and safety.
• Plan and lead camp activities, fostering positive relationships with campers.
• Maintain a nurturing environment that promotes youth development.

Skills

Experience with children

Outdoor living activities

Archery

Boating

Sports

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Greater Bergen County YMCA, 1092 Carnation Drive, New Milford, New Jersey, United States of America Req #1698

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. The Senior Counselor is responsible for a group of children and always supports the ongoing supervision of all campers throughout the camp day. The Senior Counselor helps children adjust to camp according to camp rules and safety precautions, form cohesive groups, and enjoy their activities. The Senior Counselor creates positive, nurturing relationships with children while building cooperative relationships with parents/caregivers. He or she is responsible for the planning and delivery of the variety of activities on regular camp days and supports the efforts of the Director and camp activities. Promotes and supports the potential of all youth in programs and facilitates peer-to-peer connections as part of the overall camp experience.

YMCA of Greater Bergen County operates traditional day and resident camps in Harriman State Park, NY, along Lake Kanawauke, providing a beautiful natural setting. The camp is 45 minutes from Hackensack, where our YMCA is located; all counselors and campers are bused to camp from the YMCA. Camp activities include swimming, boating, fishing, arts & crafts, sports & games, archery, nature, hiking, rock climbing, and challenge/low ropes course.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Supervise and keep Junior Counselors and campers focused on their camp responsibilities.
2. Assist all Specialists during activity periods, keeping all staff and campers engaged.
3. Learn camper’s names and respond to campers' needs.
4. Consistently greet campers with a smile and treat them with enthusiasm.
5. Develop positive relationships with member families and learn why they come to our Y.
6. Be knowledgeable regarding the Strong Kids Campaign and its purpose.
7. Assist in carrying out themes, special events, trips, and all camp activities.
8. Encourage camper’s youth development progress.
9. Help group maintain camp cleanliness.
10. Work cooperatively with all camp staff.
11. Plan, implement, and lead designated camp activities.
12. 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.
13. Teach and instill the Four Core Values of the YMCA in all camp activities: Caring, Respect, Honesty, & Responsibility.
14. Act as requested by the supervisor.
15. Create a positive and nurturing learning environment to instill youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
16. Safety: Must attend and complete all required trainings.
17. Uphold camp safety standards at all times. Maintain constant face counts. Understand and practice risk management and disaster policies and procedures.
18. Help maintain group control and facilitate lunch time activities.
19. Follow all Association Aquatics Policy Guidelines. 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.
20. Secure and submit all accident reports, special plans, schedule changes, and evaluations to Camp Director when appropriate.
21. Report all immediate concerns to Camp Director or nearest supervisor.
22. Follow supervision of bus counselors and help to ensure safety, expedient procedures, and fun activities on the bus. Lead bus songs, stories, and games.
23. Use two methods of discipline with campers: redirection to appropriate activities and using positive reinforcement to commend good choices.

DIRECT REPORTS: N/A

BUDGET RESPONSIBILITY: N/A

OTHER DUTIES:

Always maintain a professional demeanor, as you are a representative of the YMCA. Maintain a positive attitude, responsibility, and self-motivation. Be punctual and reliable.

Create a positive and nurturing learning environment to instill youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

QUALIFICATIONS:

High school student or equivalent.

Previous experience working with children, preferably in a day camp setting, with a minimum of two previous camp seasons as a Counselor.

Interest preferred in one or more of the following areas: outdoor living, archery, boating, camping, songs/music, skits, sports, aquatics, recreational games, etc.

At least 18 years of age.

Previous experience with diverse populations preferred.

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 whistles or alarms. A clear speaking voice is needed to command control of the 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 an extensive background check.