GENERAL FUNCTION: Under the direction of the Camp Program Director/Site Director, the Junior Camp Counselor will provide direct service to participants in licensed camp programs.
The primary role of the Junior Camp Counselor will be to serve as a role model for youth providing positive interaction and engagement throughout the program while leading participants in age-appropriate activities.
MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Education/Experience Requirements:
Minimum age of 16
Lifeguards must have qualifications 1 above, in addition to current lifeguard certifications.
Wranglers must have qualifications 1 above, in addition to 2 years field experience with horses.
Tower/Ropes must be minimum age of 18, in addition to Alpine Tower Training/Ropes certification.
Physical/Mental Requirements:
Must be able to routinely perform the following moderate physical activities; climb, bend, stoop, kneel, twist, reach with hands, sit, walk and stand for extended periods of time, lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, have finger dexterity, grasp, perform repetitive motions, talk, hear and have visual acuity.
Must be able to swim and pass certification if lifeguarding.
Must be able to ride horses if required for position.
Must be able to belay and repel if working on the tower or climbing wall.
Must possess problem solving, organizational and task management skills; ability to make independent and sound decisions in a rapidly changing environment.
Must demonstrate a high level of maturity, patience, dependability, sound judgment, motivation and desire to work with all ages, especially youth.
Must exhibit initiative in the absence of supervision.
Must be able to relate to and work with diverse groups of people in a friendly and consistent manner.
Must work collaboratively as a team member as well as independently and lead by assigned goals, duties and deadlines.
Must present a neat and professional appearance at all times.
Job Requirements:
Commitment to the YMCA mission, vision, and values.
Must attend New Employee Orientation within 30 days of hire.
Complete Adult & Pediatric CPR/AED and First Aid, KDHE Health History, Site Orientation, and other mandatory trainings in accordance with Conditions of Employment.
Maintain a minimum of 16 hours of KDHE approved training.
Learn all emergency procedures and action plans for the branch as necessary.
Understand and abide by all policies and procedures as set forth by the association.
Work a schedule that reflects the needs of the branch, including weekends and evenings.
JOB RESPONSIBLITIES
Attending all mandatory staff meetings and in-service hours.
Assisting Camp Counselor in supporting and participating in scheduled activities, supervising routines, and encouraging youth participation.
Remaining actively engaged with youth throughout programs with a focus on building relationships and being a positive role model in the areas of interpersonal communication, sportsmanship, healthy eating, and physical activity.
Assisting Camp Counselor in maintaining accurate attendance (roll call) and rosters daily.
Demonstrating the ability to set and maintain limits for children using positive reinforcements; reviewing and understanding the “YMCA Discipline Policy.
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Maintaining good public relations with parents and leadership by keeping parent tables neat and organized, greeting every parent and child daily, and checking identification on unfamiliar persons picking up children.
Discussing only pertinent items with parents and keeping it positive as much as possible.
Referring program inquiries and concerns to the direct supervisor.
Ensuring the program is operated in a safe and purposeful manner, following all KDHE and YMCA guidelines.
Assisting the Camp Counselor with program and notifying of supply needs and repairs.
Being responsible for adhering to staff snack restrictions and cleaning schedules.
Communicating important program issues and information to the direct supervisor.
Being a team player with all staff.
Following all reporting procedures for reporting suspected child abuse.
Assisting in maintaining necessary records involving participant attendance.
Maintaining a positive, consistent model of discipline.
Assisting with groups of children; being aware of lines of sight and reporting any behavior concerns to the immediate supervisor.
Supporting Strong Community campaign.
All other duties as assigned.
EFFECT ON END RESULTS: Ensuring children feel positive and look forward to coming to the YMCA Summer Camp.
Ensuring parents are pleased with the growth and development of the child(ren), positively affecting overall program stability.