Specialist

JOB TITLE: CAMP SPECIALIST

REPORTS TO: CAMP DIRECTOR

DATE: 6/1/2025-8/23/25

Name: _________________

General Description of Job:

The Camp Specialist shall design and deliver a program specialty in their designated area tailored to the skills and interests of each age group. He or she will work with other counselors to bring about quality programming in that specialty area. Activities should nurture creativity, cooperation, skill and self-esteem.

Daily Responsibilities:

1. Plan, setup and deliver a variety of activities within specialty area that are age specific and that keep children’s interests high. They must instruct other counselors on how to teach these activities. Encourage activity planning and leadership for Counselors assigned to the activity
2. Lead specialty activities with assistance from group counselors and help keep counselors focused on the activity. 
3. Control all supply inventory used in specialty. Assist camp director in ordering supplies. Keep supply storage area neat and organized.
4. Assist the Camp Director in carrying out themes and special events, general camp activities.
5. To consistently greet campers with a smile and treat them with enthusiasm.
6. Learn camper’s names. Respond to campers needs. 
7. Encourage camper’s youth development progress. As a leader, set a good example for the children. Teach campers how to solve problems and maintain basic discipline and group control.
8. Ensure that all volunteers have a great experience to help our association increase volunteer participation. 
9. Develop positive relationships with member families and learn why they come to our Y.  
10. Help group maintain camp cleanliness.
11. Perform all responsibilities in an enthusiastic and committed manner. Do more than the minimum for campers. Treat them as special. Treat campers and fellow staff members with respect. Maintain positive attitude and self motivation.
12. Take the initiative to be actively participatory in all activities.
13. Act as needed when not leading a specialty program.
14. Be knowledgeable regarding the Annual Support Campaign, its purpose and to help conduct any giving events or service learning projects done at camp.  

Safety & Supervision:

1. Attend regular staff meetings scheduled by supervisor. 
2. Must attend and complete all required trainings.
3. At all times uphold camp safety standards. Maintain constant head counts. Will understand and practice risk management and disaster policies and procedures. 
4. Follow all YMCA, ACA and NJ Licensing standards and procedures to ensure the safest and best quality camp and to help maintain ACA accreditation.  

Personal Conduct:

1. Role model and encourage a healthy lifestyle while at the Y as a role model and with members.
2. Wear Camp T-shirt daily. Be punctual and reliable.
3. Maintain positive attitude, responsibility and self-motivation. Create positive group spirit and cooperation.

Direct Reports: 

The Camp Specialist reports to the Camp Director.

Employer’s Rights:

This job description does not list all the duties of the job.  You may be asked by supervisors or managers to perform other duties.  You will be evaluated in part based upon your performance of the tasks listed in this job description.

The employer has the right to revise this job description at any time.  The job description is not a contract for employment, and either you or the employer may terminate employment at any time, for any reason.

 Minimum Requirements :Skills/Knowledge:  This position requires positive interaction with children, parents and staff, and strong communication and interpersonal skills.  This person must demonstrate creativity, innovation, flexibility and energy.  Must be an expert in a specialized activity and be able to create and convey lessons/activities appropriately.  The successful candidate must have abilities to work productively with other staff to achieve the YMCA mission, goals and objectives of the camp program.  Experiences in leading (staff and campers) and good judgment are significant in this position, along with understanding of age specific characteristics of children and positive behavior management techniques. Experience/Education:  Bachelors Degree in Teaching and/or two years experience working with youth in a camp/recreational related field preferred. Physical Effort and Dexterity:  Must be capable of being on your feet for long periods of time and be able to actively supervise children in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments. Must be capable of bending, kneeling, squatting and lifting 30 pound weight. Visual Acuity, Hearing, Speaking: Must be able to visually account for all children in the program, whether inside or outside. Must be able to hear whistle or alarms. Clear speaking voice needed to command control of group. Candidates whose disabilities make then unable to meet these requirements will still be considered fully qualified if they can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation. Effect on End Result:

• Activities are planned and executed well
• Ability to incorporate youth development, healthy living and social responsibility into all aspects of the camp program. 
• High degree of satisfaction by parents and campers as indicated in the annual survey.
• Staff are motivated with strong understanding of their responsibilities and positive relations among staff at all levels. 
• Camp operates as a safe, efficient, quality-based program in accordance with the State of NJ and ACA requirements, with enrollments increasing annually.
• A positive image of the South Mountain YMCA and its camps is created in the community.
• Skills and fun take precedence over competition as program goals.