Summer Camp: Lead Counselor

Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

Responsible for the planning, execution, and overall operation of a high-quality school-age child care camp site. This includes promoting YMCA core values and encouraging life-long learning. Develops and implements summer camp activities while supporting the Camp Director in leading efforts to create a safe environment for healthy, positive child development and strong family relationships while mentoring and supporting program staff (50% of workload). Provides direct supervision of a group of children aged 5-12 in summer day camp while providing a quality experience to children and parents focused on YMCA core values: honesty, respect, responsibility, and caring (50% of workload). 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Creates and schedules all camp sessions and activities to be reviewed and approved by Camp Director. 

2. Supports camp counselors in daily implementation of lesson/activity plans. 

3. Directly supervises program participants, lead counselors, counseling staff and volunteers in accordance with organizations, policies and applicable laws.

4. Maintains program site, equipment and program records.

5. Confirm and coordination of camp field trips and events. 

6. Purchases and maintains supply expenses for camp activities that have been outlined on the camp budget and approved by the Program Coordinator.

7. Monitors transportation for field trips.

8. Ensures guidelines from program models are met such as HEPA standards and Camp Readers Program. Ensures all program records are accurate and maintained. 

9. Supports Camps and Family Program Director and Program Coordinator in assuring that YMCA best practice guidelines are being followed, program standards are met, and safety procedures are being followed.

10. Supports Camps and Family Program Director and Program Coordinator to train, develop, schedule and direct personnel and volunteers as needed. Participates in reviews and helps evaluate staff performance. 

11. Provides upkeep of program facilities and equipment, and ensures the physical environment supports healthy living.

12. Supports Camps & Family Programs Director and Program Coordinator in supervising staff, children, sites, and all activities.

13. Maintains positive relationships and effective communication with parents. Engages parents as volunteers. 

14. Supports staff with parent interaction and behavioral plans.

15. Plans, attends and participates in family nights, program activities, staff meetings, and staff professional development opportunities. 

16. Supervise a group of children with a creative, fun, positive attitude.

Requirements

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelors Degree or Associate Degree in a related field or a Child Development Credential or at least 2 years of experience in a leadership role in summer camp setting.

2. 21 years of age preferred.  

3. Must be able to pass a Criminal Background Check.

4. Infant/Child/Adult CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications within 30 days of hire date.

5. Ability to plan, organize and implement age-appropriate/developmentally appropriate   program activities.

6. Previous experience with diverse populations. Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships   with people from different backgrounds.

7. Must demonstrate leadership qualities-allowing for the development of personal and professional interpersonal relationships with staff, campers, parents, and others.

PREFERRED:

8. Previous camp program design experience.

9. Previous experience working with children in a developmental setting.

KEY FOCUS AREAS:

• Staff Supervision Program Development
• Risk Management
• Conflict Management 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to communicate and work with groups participating (age and skill levels) and provide necessary instruction to campers and staff.
• Ability to observe camper behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques.
• Ability to observe staff behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate management techniques.
• Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to the activity.
• Physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid. Must be able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury) and possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers.

GVYMCA is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and equitable work environment. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by local, state, or federal law. All job offers are contingent on the results of a background check.

**PLEASE INCLUDE 3 REFERENCE CHECKS, ONE PROFESSIONAL IN YOUR COVER LETTER.**