Junior Camp Counselor at Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges Inc – New Milford, New Jersey

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Junior Camp Counselor is responsible assisting Counselors and Senior Counselors in the supervision, guidance and direction of the campers in small and large groups. The Junior Counselor helps children adjust to camp according to camp rules and safety precautions. The Junior Counselor is a source of friendship, guidance and positive redirection to the campers. He or she will support the efforts of the Camp Director, Specialist, Senior Counselors and Counselors in all aspects of camp.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. At all times, maintain a professional demeanor, as a representative of the YMCA. Wear Camp T-shirt every day. Encourage through positivity.

2. Assist Campers keeping them focused and engaged in camp activities. Respond to campers needs.

3. Assist all Specialists during activity periods, keeping all campers engaged.

4. Learn Camper’s names.

5. Consistently greet campers with a smile and treat them with respect and with enthusiasm.

6. Develop positive relationships with families and learn why they come to our Y.

7. Be knowledgeable regarding the Annual Campaign and its purpose.

8. Assist in carrying out themes, special events, trips and all camp activities.

9. Encourage camper’s youth development progress.

10. Help group maintain camp cleanliness.

11. Work cooperatively with all camp staff while planning camp activities.

12. Perform the above responsibilities in an enthusiastic and committed manner. Do more than the minimum for campers. Treat each camper as if they are special.

13. Uphold, model, teach and put the four (4) core values of the YMCA into action in all camp activities everyday: Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility

14. Create a positive and nurturing learning environment to instill and encourage youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Safety:

1. Must attend and complete all required trainings.

2. At all times uphold camp safety standards. Maintain constant face counts. Will understand and

practice risk management and disaster policies and procedures.

3. Help maintain group control and facilitate lunch time activities.

4. Must follow all Association Aquatics Policy Guidelines. Take on designated assignments for aquatic

activities. Help expedite arrival and departure from the pool (i.e. dressing rooms, etc.). Follow all

YMCA, ACA, and NJ Licensing standards and procedures to ensure the safest and best quality

camp and to help maintain ACA accreditation.

5. Secure and submit all accident reports, special plans, schedule changes, and evaluations to Camp

Director when appropriate.

6. Report all immediate concerns to Camp Director or nearest supervisor.

7. Follow supervision of bus counselors and help to insure safety, expedient procedures and fun

activities on the bus. Lead bus songs, stories and games.

8. Use redirection to appropriate activities and positive reinforcement to commend good choices when applicable.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.

Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.

Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.

Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS:

1. High School Diploma, college credits/degree in Education preferred.

2. Basic understanding of youth development principles.

3. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communication with all levels including staff, parents and staff.

4. Ability to be creative, innovative, flexible with high energy. Ability to problem solve and take initiative that adhere to the purpose, mission and goals of the YMCA.

5. Ability to relate to children and develop professional, positive relationships with youth.

6. 1-3 years’ experience leading and supervising group activities.

7. Ability to work as part of a team, as a role model and take initiative to identify potential risk factors and take measures to reduce them.

8. First Aid, CPR and AED certification may be required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must be capable of being on your feet for long periods 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 pounds. 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 is needed to command control of group.