The Day Camp Junior Counselor Assists senior camp staff in delivering safe, developmentally appropriate programming. Supports camper supervision, activity setup, and positive behavior management across daily schedules.
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.
- Assists Senior Counselors, Unit Directors, and Directors in planning and implementing camp activities. This may include evening, overnight, and weekend events.
- Ensures that campers, program areas, and equipment are kept clean and safe
- Maintains physical presence, remains alert at all times while on duty, maintains constant visual attention to campers, and remains aware of camp surroundings.
- Knows and reviews all emergency procedures and responds to emergency situations immediately in accordance with YMCA policies, procedures, completes related reports as required.
- Knows, follows, and enforces all YMCA policies, rules, regulations, and procedures, including those for the prevention of child abuse and the Rule of Three.
- 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.
- Attends all mandatory meetings and trainings.
- Must be 16 years of age or older with desire and ability to work with and relate to children and peers outdoors.
- Experience working with children of camp age is preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to teach and assist in teaching skills and activities.
- Good role model, with integrity and adaptability.
- Remains calm and objective when under pressure or when challenged by others.
- Effective communication skills necessary to inform, counsel, motivate, and support campers.
- Must be observant, safety-conscious, and able to react calmly and quickly in an emergency.
- Must complete new employee trainings and department onboarding.
- Valid CPR/AED and First Aid certifications preferred.
