Summer Camp Leader
YMCA Camp Kern
Oregonia, OH
Seasonal/Exempt
$530/Weekly
*Required to live on site at Camp Kern. Required to work at least one weekend stay over. Experience in Summer Camp leadership roles is preferred. Must be over 21 years of age*
Position Summary:
Responsible for providing leadership during the camp experience for children; ensuring their safety and growth. Also responsible for the physical and emotional safety of children participating in activities. Furthers the mission of Camp Kern through the mentoring and leadership of staff. Supports staff in the planning and delivery of activities that are safe, fun and appropriate to the camper’s age and abilities.
At the YMCA, 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 make our community stronger beginning with you.
Essential Functions:
- Assists counselors and directors with child management, de-escalation, and day to day preparation.
- Plans cabin specific and village activities according to camp schedule.
- Communicates camper behavioral issues to directors as needed.
- Communicates effectively with parents during check in and check out or as directed by Summer Camp Director, Equestrian Director, or Family and Teen Director.
- Provides support to cabins on an on-call basis if issues arise during the middle of the night.
- Mentors staff to develop skills and effectively provide a positive camp experience.
- Substitutes as a cabin counselor as needed when absences or emergencies arise.
- Effectively assists in implementation of weekly lesson plans that fit the children’s needs, interests, and developmental levels at camp.
- Work effectively as a team with all Camp Kern Staff
- Assist with the Planning and implementing of staff training.
- Regularly monitor the work of camp staff.
- Provide feedback and guidance to camp staff.
- Provide recommendations and concerns to camp director regarding staff’s performances.
- Assist Camp Director with assigning and modifying staff responsibilities as necessary
- Assist Camp Director with performance evaluation on all staff throughout the season
- Provide ongoing ideas to counselors and activity area staff.
- Takes lead with the camp staff team to deliver and supervise evening programs, special events, overnights, and other all-camp activities and camp functions.
- Learn and teach camp songs around a campfire
- Participate in dining hall set up
- Effectively lead large group activities such as games, campfires, high ropes course, climbing wall, hayrides, canoeing, night hikes, campfire gatherings, and more.
- Ensure safety by firmly and tactfully enforcing all aquatic rules, policies, and guidelines.
- To implement all ACA and Camp Kern rules and regulation.
- Responsible for the welfare and safety of children enrolled in the group and in the program including always maintaining appropriate ratio and supervision with heightened awareness on field trips.
- Effectively communicates verbal and written reports to parents.
- Possesses working knowledge of child abuse and neglect laws and follows proper reporting procedures including confidentiality regarding children and families participating in camp.
- Implement set standards, guidelines, and programs.
- Monitor and maintain accurate records including attendance, absenteeism, transitions, minor disciplines, and incidents for each child in counselors’ group.
- Ensure safety by checking for hazardous conditions and making sure all safety equipment is properly placed and in proper working condition.
- Provide excellence in program service and delivery.
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or GED required. 2-year college degree preferred.
- Must be over the age of 21.
- One or more years of related childcare experience required.
- Must know how to actively engage children in activities that will enhance their self-esteem.
- Creativity, initiative, flexibility, eagerness to serve, ability to involve others, strong verbal and written communication skills, as well as the ability to establish and maintain excellent relationships with guests are necessary.
