Summer Camp Counselor in Chicopee, Massachusetts at Playful Minds LLC

Required education and experience:
• At least four weeks experience as a junior counselor, have participated in structured group camping, OR
• Have at least four weeks experience in a supervisory role with children; AND
• Satisfactorily completion of a camp counselor orientation and training program and CDC online “Heads-Up” training, or equivalent.
Additional eligibility qualifications:
1. Minimum 16 years of age.
2. 3 years older than children assigned to.
3. Evidence of mandatory vaccinations or immunity to infectious diseases (including TB).
On-going education, training, certification:
• First-aid and CPR certifications.
• Annual “Heads-Up training.
Responsibilities/Core Functions:
• All staff serve as mandated reporters as stipulated under state laws governing center locations.
• All staff ensure all needs of children are met.
Weekly activities
• Prepare and implement weekly projects and programs.
• Introduce and engage children to a variety of experiences and creative activities.
• Supervise the appropriate use of materials and supplies.
• Ensure the group area and facility is clean and safe, well organized supplies and equipment that are stored each day.
• Immediately report to Camp Director defective, unsafe equipment and toys, or any other dangerous situation. Remove unsafe items from camper use.
Camper supervision
• Complete all required paperwork for each child in the group as required by DPH and Playful Minds policies.
• Assists with setup and cleaning for snack and meal times, assist/monitor children during snack and meal times.
• Assist children to and from transportation.
• Report daily attendance, always aware of the location of each child in the group, conduct regular head counts, maintain staff to camper ratios, never leave children unsupervised.
• Remain with campers while at pool, assist lifeguard with supervision, conduct regular head counts, and always know where child is.
• Always are of allergies and chronic conditions of all campers in the group.
• Report and document all incidents that are required by DPH and Playful Minds and use of required forms.
• Apply sunscreen and insect repellent to campers at required intervals.
• Parents
• Communicate with parents about their child’s daily camp experienced.
Other responsibilities:
• Cooperate with the Camp Director and other staff in those activities involving the child assigned and the whole camp.
• Greet and treat parents, children, and staff with kindness and respect.
• Arrives to the camp location as scheduled, and remains on alert.
• Ensure paperwork is completed and up to date.
• Daily care of camp area(s) and equipment used, and report items needing repair or replacement.
• Perform duties as assigned by the Camp Director.
Skills/Competency:
• Responds effectively to emergency situations.
• Quickly and effectively problem solve complex situations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Cultivate and maintain an atmosphere of teamwork.
• Genuine enjoyment when working with children.
• Comfortably engage with students, staff, and parents.
• Easily and compassionately address student’s needs and engage/counsel parents.
• Contribute to program growth.
• Maintain sound working relationships with staff.
Other performance indicators:
• Adhere to Playful Minds policies given verbally or in writing, such as Employee Handbook, Confidentiality Policy, Safety Procedures, etc.
• Cooperate with the Camp Director and other staff in activities involving the whole program.
• Great and treat children, parents, and staff with kindness and respect.
• Engage with children and staff to maintain positive relationships.
• Be professional at all times.
• Refrain from gossip.