Senior Camp Counselors - Fairfield YMCA

Central Connecticut Coast YMCA; Fairfield (CT); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization is seeking a Day Camp Senior Counselor responsible for supervising children in a day camp environment. The role involves creating a positive atmosphere, planning activities, and ensuring safety. Ideal candidates will have experience working with youth and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old or entering senior year of high school.
• One or more years of experience working with youth and/or teens.

Responsibilities

• Provides direct supervision to children in a seasonal day camp setting.
• Promotes and supports the potential of all youth in programs.
• Implements camp programs in accordance with YMCA guidelines.

Skills

Communication

Adaptability

Integrity

Safety-consciousness

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

The Day Camp Senior Counselor provides direct supervision to a group of children in a seasonal day camp setting and maintains a supportive, positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals while promoting and maintaining safe conditions in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures. This results in a cause-centered culture that is welcoming, genuine, hopeful, nurturing, and determined.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Demonstrate the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility in relationships with colleagues, members, volunteers, vendors and guests.
• 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.
• Assists in planning and implementing camp activities.
• Implements camp programs in accordance with YMCA guidelines, having prepared lesson plans accordingly, and supports campers in achieving their goals.
• Ensures that campers, program areas, and equipment are kept clean and safe.
• Maintains physical presence, remains alert at all times while on duty, maintains constant visual attention to campers, and remains aware of camp surroundings.
• Knows and reviews all emergency procedures and responds to emergency situations immediately in accordance with YMCA policies, procedures, completes related reports as required.
• Knows, follows, and enforces all YMCA policies, rules, regulations, and procedures, including those for the prevention of child abuse and the Rule of Three.
• Follows all Camp procedures and guidelines including those pertaining to health and safety, camper supervision, drop-off/pick-up, attendance, forms, reports, and staff expectations as required by the YMCA, licensing, and the state health department.
• Attends all mandatory meetings and trainings.

• Must be at least 18 years old (or entering senior year of high school in the fall) with desire and ability to work with and relate to children and peers outdoors.
• One or more years of experience working with youth and/or teens, preferably in licensed day camp or child care setting.
• Demonstrated ability to teach and assist in teaching skills and activities.
• Good role model, with integrity and adaptability.
• Remains calm and objective when under pressure or when challenged by others.
• Effective communication skills necessary to inform, counsel, motivate, and support campers.
• Must be observant, safety-conscious, and able to react calmly and quickly in an emergency.
• Must complete new employee trainings and department onboarding.
• Valid CPR/AED and First Aid certifications preferred.