Summer Camp Counselor (2027)

Foothills Area YMCA; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 14,000 - 15,000; Full time

Job summary

Foothills Area YMCA is seeking a Camp Counselor to supervise groups of children, implement developmentally appropriate activities, and ensure a safe, inclusive environment. The role requires CPR/First Aid/AED certification and adherence to camp policies.

Previous camp experience is preferred, and candidates should be comfortable engaging with diverse families and communities. The position is seasonal and on-site at the Foothills Area YMCA camp, with a focus on youth development, healthy living

Qualifications

• CPR/First Aid/AED certifications required.
• High school diploma preferred.
• Experience with children in camp settings preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supervises a group of children and program activities.
• Follows camp policies, safety and emergency procedures; maintain records as required.
• Nurtures children through purposeful programming aligned with camp goals.
• Builds positive rapport with youth and models relationship-building.
• Provides opportunities for youth leadership and decision-making.
• Maintains ongoing dialogue with parents about child progress and needs.
• Attends family nights, program activities, staff meetings and trainings.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

CPR/First Aid

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Job Title: Camp Counselor/Camp Counselor SubstituteReports to: Camp DirectorJob Type: SeasonalPay Range: $10.00 - $11.00 / hourSchedule: 40 hours weeklyCode: FLSA Status: Non-ExemptThis position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Camp Counselor at Foothills Area YMCA maintains a supportive, positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals, promotes the potential of all youth, and provides a quality experience to both youth and their families.1. Supervises a group of children and program activities.2. Follows all policies, procedures, and standards as established by the law or the Y (e.g., safety or emergency procedures, behavior guidance strategies, child abuse prevention policies); makes ADA accommodations where appropriate; maintains the program site, equipment, and required program records.3. Nurtures children through purposeful programming; plans activities that are intended to achieve program goals and outcomes, are culturally relevant, are developmentally appropriate, and are consistent with the Y’s values.4. Creates a positive rapport and shared interest with all youth; models relationship-building skills in all interactions.5. Provides opportunities for youth to lead, problem-solve, and make decisions and choices within the program and provides daily opportunities for youth to reflect on and respond to their experiences.6. Provides and welcomes ongoing dialogue with parents and caregivers about their child’s needs and progress; connects families to the Y.7. Attends and participates in family nights, program activities, staff meetings, and staff training.8. Performs other duties as assigned. High school diploma preferred Meets minimum age standards as established by state law and/or the Y. CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications required. Child Abuse Prevention training required within 30 days of hire. Previous experience working with children in a camp setting preferred. Previous experience in one or more of the following areas preferred: outdoorliving, archery, boating, camping, songs/music, skits, sports, aquatics, or recreational games. Previous experience working with diverse populations. Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds. Commitment to inclusion and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).Physical Requirements: 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 program activities in a variety of indoor and/or outdoor settings.The above statements reflect the general details considered necessary to describe the essential functions of the job as identified, and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the position.