POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of the Program Director & Coordinators, a Camp Counselor is the primary care providers and mentors for our campers. Counselors are responsible for individualized camper care, carrying out overall camp program operations, teaching traditional camp activities, maintaining program equipment and general facility cleanliness. Ranch Camp Counselors will have minimal contact with the horses and be leading the group of kids in rotation that are not riding.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

1. Adhere to policies as stated in the YMCA Camp Policies and Procedures Manual and in subsequent YMCA trainings and meetings
2. Participate in all camp daily activities for a shift from 6:30am to 6:00pm in addition to Family Nights, overnight experiences, and the YMCA special events.
3. Attend staff meetings and trainings as they arise
4. Work in a team environment and encourage open communication regarding concerns/issues with children, parents or co-workers.
5. Initiate and maintain positive relationships with all camp staff while communicating with the Camp Director, Counselors, and Coordinators as needed
6. Be personally responsible for a group of 12 to 18 campers.
7. Keep a consistent headcount on all children present; communicate changes with all other staff
8. Assist in maintaining clean-up schedules; including janitorial duties necessary to maintain the cleanliness of the camp facility and YMCA buses/vans
9. Comply with the “checks and balances” system to ensure that clean-up is done EVERYDAY
10. Maintain accurate documentation of attendance, absences and emergency information on each child
11. Comply with all emergency procedures appropriate to the site to ensure the safety of the children and staff
12. Ensure that all staff and children are respectful of camp property; ensure all camp rules are followed
13. Assisting with Camper Transportation (if applicable)
14. Other duties as assigned by supervisor

RESPONSIBILITIES WHEN INTERACTING WITH CHILDREN:

1. Consistently demonstrate positive interaction with all children; talk to them and treat them with dignity and respect
2. Consistently demonstrate positive discipline; teach and redirect rather than scolding or reprimanding them; firmly and consistently enforce the rules
3. Express clear expectations and hold children accountable for adhering to them
4. Help children to develop a positive self-esteem and sense of self-worth
5. Consistently demonstrate and reinforce the values of caring, respect, honesty and responsibility

RESPONSIBILITIES WHEN INTERACTING WITH PARENTS:

1. Introduce yourself to parents and communicate with and welcome them regularly
2. Communicate regarding the behavior of their children positive and negative when instructed by their coordinator
3. Express appreciation for their interest in their child(s) participation in the program

YMCA COMPETENCIES:

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Ys 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.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Be at least eighteen years of age by June 1st of corresponding year
• The ability to lift and carry items over 40 pounds
• The ability to work in outdoor conditions and environments for extended periods of time
• Has the ability to maintain confidentiality, maintain appropriate records and carry out job responsibilities in a timely manner
• Committed to the needs and interests of the camp
• Must be organized and attentive to detail
• Good communication skills
• Ability to function as part of a team in a mature and responsible manner
• Ability to be punctual daily
• Be certified in First Aid and CPR, with Life Guarding preferred, prior to the start of Camp (we provide certifications)

• Display the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility both in and out of camp