The Camp Counselor at the Greendale Family Branch YMCA maintains a supportive, positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals, promotes the potential of all youth, and provides quality experience to both youth and their families. Under the supervision of the Camp Directors, the Camp Counselor oversees the safety of all children in their care. They will facilitate activities and be a positive role model for all youth. In addition, they adhere to all YMCA Child Protection policies.
This is a summer seasonal position with a start date of June 15th going through August 23rd. Shifts will be between the hours of 7:30am and 6:00pm. Please let us know your availability when filling out your application!
Essential Functions:
- Work with Camp Directors before camp opening to set up camp program areas and the program for campers.
- Attend and participate in all staff trainings and meetings.
- Take initiative to make sure campers are engaged in activities throughout the camp day and limit down time.
- Be flexible and show willingness to work in any age group as needed.
- Commit to working at least 8 weeks of camp. If you need time-off, it MUST be approved prior to hiring.
- Must be able to work a consistent 6-8 hour shift every day of the week.
- Keep daily attendance records of campers in assigned groups.
- Plan creative and interesting activities for assigned group of campers as the daily schedule permits.
- Maintain camp area in an orderly fashion and keep free of trash and garbage.
- Assist specialists in planned activities.
- Actively supervise swimming activities from the pool deck and accompany the campers in the swimming area. All counselors must be competent with their swimming ability.
- Know the whereabouts of all campers in the group at all times.
- Observe and enforce all safety regulations.
- Learn the likes and dislikes of each participant in the assigned group.
- Recognize and respond to opportunities for problem solving in the group.
- Develop opportunities for interaction between campers and staff.
- Provide opportunities for the group so that each individual experiences success during camp.
- Provide opportunities for discussion of individual or group problems or concerns.
- Be able to supervise your group of children on off-site field trips.
- Work in tandem with our directors and Integration Specialists to ensure each camper has the opportunity to excel.
- Supervise all assigned aspects of the camper’s day including mealtimes and the general camp program.
- Instruct campers in emergency procedures such as fire drills, missing child drill, etc.
- Help campers plan their participation in camp-wide programs and special events.
- Set a good example for campers/others including cleanliness, punctuality, sharing, clean up, chores and sportsmanship.
- Encourage respect for personal property, camp equipment and facilities.
- Maintain good public relations with camper’s parents/guardians.
- Fill out injury and incident reports correctly and thoroughly for all cases of camper misbehavior and injury.
- Fill out injury report form for self and let supervisor know immediately if injured on job.
- Help supervise the morning and afternoon drop-off and pick-up of campers.
- Administer first-aid and CPR as necessary.
- Evaluate the current season and make suggestions for the following season.
- Assist in storing all materials and supplies at the end of day, week, and season.
- Support the mission of the YMCA of Central Massachusetts
- Follows all policies, procedures, and standards as established by the law or the Y (e.g., safety and emergency procedures, behavior guidance strategies, child abuse prevention policies); makes ADA accommodations where appropriate; maintains program site, equipment, and required program records.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Previous experience working with children preferred.
- At least 16 years of age required.
- Previous experience working with diverse populations preferred.
- Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.
- CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications required with on-boarding process.
- Child Abuse Prevention training required within 30 days of hire.
- Previous experience working with children in a camp setting preferred.
- Commitment to inclusion and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Job Type: Seasonal
Schedule: 30-40 hours per week. Shifts include 7:30am-1:00pm, 12:30pm-6:00pm, and 9:00am-5:00pm.
Pay: $16.50/hr for new hires, $17.50/hr for returning camp staff with 1 year employment history, $18.00 for returning camp staff with 2+ years of employment history. Plus, access to YMCA facilities for all YMCA Employees & Employee Assistance Program available
If this sounds like something you are eager and qualified to do and want to apply, please submit your online application with your resume today.
About Us:
The Y: We’re for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
OUR CULTURE: Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are a safe place for children, teens and vulnerable populations, and all staff, regardless of their role within the organization, are required to ensure the trust that families place in us is earned each and every day. Child protection is every employee’s job, and employees may not begin work until they are trained. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to strengthen our community, beginning with you.