Traditional Camp Counselor

McGaw YMCA; Michigan; On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

Join a dynamic team as a Traditional Camp Counselor at a vibrant camp where you will play a pivotal role in shaping the experiences of campers. This position offers the chance to be a role model and mentor, ensuring the emotional and physical well-being of youth while fostering a safe and fun environment. You will lead engaging activities, support campers in their growth, and create lasting memories in a beautiful natural setting. Embrace the opportunity to work with a diverse group of campers and staff, all while making a positive impact in their lives. If you are passionate about youth development and teamwork, this is the perfect role for you.

Benefits

On-site living accommodations

All meals provided during camp

Team-building activities

Outdoor experiences

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old and certified in First Aid/CPR/AED.
• Possess skills and experience to work effectively with youth.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the well-being of campers and manage cabin routines.
• Facilitate camp activities and ensure safety and health of campers.
• Encourage personal growth and build community among campers.

Skills

First Aid/CPR/AED certification

Leadership ability

Teamwork

Self-motivation

Working with youth

Education

Minimum age of 18

Job description

Traditional Camp Counselors serve as the main role model and supervisor for Traditional Camp Campers and ensure the physical and emotional well-being of all campers under their care. Traditional Camp Counselors work to build a cohesive, friendly, safe, and fun cabin environment while getting to know individual campers to support their unique needs and growth potential. They oversee the daily routines for their cabins and focus on supporting campers to be safe, build community, and grow personally throughout their time at Camp Echo. Traditional Camp Counselor work as program staff in activity areas and support camp programming like evening programs, morning reflections, campfires, Olympics, and more.

Employment Type: Part-time/Seasonal

Reports to: Traditional Camp Unit Leaders, Camp Echo

SPECIFIC DUTIES

• Responsible for overseeing the well-being of campers in assigned cabin, as well as all cabin functions.
• Manages behavior of campers, especially regarding physical, emotional, or verbal abuse of others. (ACA HR-16)
• Ensures the health and safety of campers, especially regarding: (ACA HW-13.1)
  • • appropriate and diligent use of sunscreen and bug spray;
    • washing hands before every meal;
    • daily brushing of teeth and use of the KYBO;
    • regular showers;
    • sniffles, coughing, rashes, sores, blisters, and head (or other) scratching;
    • and getting enough rest, proper eating, and drinking plenty of water.
• Establishes cabin routines and implements a system for fair rotation of cabin and service task duties.
• Facilitates camp activities along with other counselors and team leaders.
• Prepares for the arrival of the group by reading “Personal History Forms” and other relevant material.
  • • If staffed on bus, reviews this information within first 24 hours of session.
• Implements ice-breaker and team building activities on the first day, while completing orientation rotations.
• Works with Co-Counselor to make Cabin Group requests on the first night.
• Pays particular attention to group dynamics, and works with the Co-Counselor to solve problems.
• Responsibly supervises campers at all times possible; following rule of 3 and adult supervision.
• Supervises the cabin group at meals and helps make the dining experience pleasant and healthy.
• Assists with distribution of mail and printed emails to campers at Saska.
• Actively encourages campers who receive “Bunk Reply Forms” to write and submit them on a timely basis.
• Accountable for completing Camper Experience Summaries with co-counselor each session, and submitting them before breakfast on departure day.
• Plans and leads a “Taps Talk” at bedtime each night.
• Shares the after-bedtime supervision and the during-Saska supervision with Co-Counselor or as assigned by the Traditional Camp Unit Leaders.
• Encouraged to sign-up to lead or participate in morning reflection, evening program and/or mid-session programs.
• Takes an active role in the program implementation and supervision during any free choice periods.
• Reports maintenance needs to the Property Manager via maintenance request forms.
• Is expected to work as activity leader when staffed in cabin group and camp activities. Counselors may be working as instructors in a leading or supporting capacity as trained. Counselors may or may not work with a specialist to lead activities.
• May have the opportunity to flex into other programs at camp as interest and necessity exist.
• Is assigned to work round trip bus duty to support supervision of campers to and from Evanston, IL, or one weekend (24 hour) stayover staff duty for campers staying between sessions.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum age of 18 per Michigan State Licensing requirements.
• First Aid/CPR/AED certified.
• Lifeguard preferred.
• Leadership ability, teamwork oriented, self motivated.
• Possess a variety of skills, experience, and desire to work with youth.
• A commitment to working with a diverse staff and camper population for the fulfillment of YMCA goals.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF ALL CAMP ECHO STAFF:

• Models, teaches, and upholds the Camp Echo Code of Conduct and protects the well-being of all campers and staff.
• Reports any behavior that goes against the Camp Echo Code of Conduct and/or puts any camper or staff at emotional or physical risk.
• Aids in the development and education of Teen Leadership program participants.
• Maintains positive relationships with campers and other staff.
• Encourages physical, emotional, and spiritual growth and positive character development in all campers.
• Practices cultural humility, striving to actively learn about and be sensitive to cultures different than their own.
• Is a team player, helping others to achieve their potential by enthusiastically saying “yes” when asked to help.
• Takes initiative and strives to be an active participant in creating positive programs and spaces at camp.
• Cares for and maintains any program equipment, supplies, and spaces they use including activity areas (keeping track of keys) and any shared spaces like the offices, Costume Closet and Program Office.
• Handles whatever else is necessary to ensure that programs run smoothly and safely, or anything else that is deemed necessary by supervisors.
• May be scheduled to work in-between sessions on at least one occasion to support the transition between groups.

All summer positions require living on-site at Camp Echo in Fremont, Michigan. Depending on position hired, staff members live in camper or staff cabins during employment. All meals are provided while camp is in session.

How to Apply – Returning Applicants

If you have worked at Camp Echo from 2016-2022, please log in to your CampInTouch account and follow the link on your homepage to the staff application.

If you are a new applicant or returning staff who has not worked at Camp Echo since 2015, please create a new CampInTouch account. Once your account is created, the staff application can be found on the CampInTouch home page.

All McGaw YMCA Camp Echo employees are required to support the YMCA’s commitment to child abuse prevention. The YMCA enforces its policies and practices to prevent child abuse. The McGaw YMCA will not tolerate the mistreatment or abuse of youth in its programs. All reports of suspicious or inappropriate behavior with youth or an allegation of abuse will be taken seriously. Because of our concern for the welfare of children, the McGaw YMCA has developed standards, guidelines, and training to aid in the detection and prevention of child abuse. In addition, employees are screened, and background checks are conducted as a part of the hiring process.