Description
Day Camp Specialist
Position Summary
This position supports the work of the YMCA, a leading nonprofit organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Camp Specialist provides direct supervision of children in a seasonal day camp and designs and delivers programming within a designated specialty area tailored to the skills and interests of each age group.
The Camp Specialist works collaboratively with counselors to provide high-quality specialty programming that nurtures creativity, cooperation, skill development, and self-esteem. This role promotes the potential of all youth and encourages peer-to-peer connections as part of the overall camp experience.
Essential Functions
- Plan, set up, and lead age-appropriate specialty activities that maintain camper engagement.
- Instruct and support Counselors in delivering specialty activities, encouraging leadership and activity planning.
- Lead specialty activities with assistance from Counselors while maintaining focus and structure.
- Manage supply inventory for the specialty area, assist with ordering, and maintain an organized storage area.
- Assist the Camp Director with themes, special events, and general camp activities.
- Greet campers with enthusiasm and positivity.
- Learn campers’ names and respond to their needs.
- Encourage campers’ youth development and model positive behavior.
- Teach problem-solving skills and maintain basic discipline and group control.
- Ensure volunteers have a positive experience to support increased volunteer participation.
- Build positive relationships with member families and understand their connection to the YMCA.
- Help maintain cleanliness within the camp group.
- Perform all duties with enthusiasm, commitment, and initiative.
- Act as needed when not leading a specialty program.
Safety Responsibilities
- Attend and complete all required trainings.
- Uphold all camp safety standards and maintain constant camper counts.
- Understand and follow risk management and emergency procedures.
- Assist with group supervision and lunchtime activities.
- Follow all YMCA, ACA, and NJ Licensing standards and procedures to ensure camper safety and program quality.
- Complete and submit accident reports, special plans, schedule changes, and evaluations as required.
- Report immediate concerns to the Camp Director or supervising staff.
- Use appropriate behavior management techniques, including redirection and positive reinforcement.
Other Duties
- Maintain a professional demeanor as a representative of the YMCA.
- Wear the designated camp T-shirt daily.
- Demonstrate a positive attitude, responsibility, self-motivation, punctuality, and reliability.
- Create a positive and nurturing environment that supports youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
Requirements
Qualifications
- High school student or equivalent.
- Minimum of two previous camp seasons as a Counselor; prior experience working with children in a day camp setting preferred.
- Interest in one or more specialty areas such as outdoor living, art, archery, music, skits, sports, aquatics, or recreational games preferred.
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Previous experience working with diverse populations preferred.
YMCA Competencies (Leader Level)
- Mission Advancement: Demonstrates YMCA values and commitment to community service.
- Collaboration: Works effectively with individuals of diverse backgrounds, abilities, and perspectives.
- Operational Effectiveness: Exercises sound judgment, embraces innovation, and follows policies and procedures.
- Personal Growth: Seeks self-development, adapts to change, and applies best practices and current skills.
Work Environment & Physical Demands
- Ability to plan, lead, and participate in activities in both indoor and outdoor settings.
- Physical demands consistent with active supervision and program leadership.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.