Overnight Camp Counselor - YMCA Camp Hi-Rock

The Overnight Camp Counselor aids in supervising and effectively leading a group of campers in a resident camp setting. The Overnight Camp Counselor 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. Overnight Camp Counselors m ay be asked to work in resident camp and / or day camp depending on camp needs.

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.
• Respond to and provide opportunities for discussion of individual or group problems or concerns.
• Assist each camper with meeting personal goals and those established by the camp for camper development.
• Follow established procedures for supervising camper health and enforcing all safety regulations.
• Supervise all aspects of the camper's day including waking up, Cabin / Unit Kapers, meals, Siesta, evening activities, getting ready for bed, overnights, and after-hours duty as assigned.
• Plan and lead a non-denominational devotion for campers each night.
• Instruct campers in emergency procedures including fire, severe weather, Lost Camper, and Tag Calls.
• Teach and assist Coaching Periods as assigned.
• Serve as a Lifeguard or Lookout at the waterfront as assigned.
• Participate in Weekend Program, Unit On Duty, and other events as assigned.
• Actively participate in staff training, meetings, and supervisory conferences.
• 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.
• Communicates with staff, campers, and parents in a timely and professional manner and answers questions that will support a positive experience with the Y.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Must be at least 18 years old with desire and ability to work with and relate to children and one's peers outdoors.
• Must have at least 4 weeks of experience working as a junior counselor; have participated in structured group camping; or have at least 4 weeks of experience in a supervisory role with children.
• Ability to communicate and work with assigned ages and skill levels and provide necessary instruction to campers.
• Ability to live in an assigned cabin with a group of campers for the duration of the season.
• Good role model, with integrity and adaptability.
• Willingness to accept supervision and guidance.
• Ability to teach and assist in teaching skills and activities.
• Effective communication skills necessary to inform, counsel, motivate, and support campers and staff.
• Remains calm and objective when under pressure or when challenged by others.
• Must be observant, safety-conscious, and able to react calmly and quickly in an emergency.
• Must complete new employee trainings and department onboarding.
• Must possess and maintain valid CPR / AED, First Aid, and O2 Administrationcertifications.

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