Animal and Farm Counselor
About The Position
Embark on a Journey of Impactful Adventure The YMCA of Greater Brandywine is looking for an energetic and motivated Animal and Farm Counselor who enjoys planning and leading our Camp activities. The Animal and Farm Counselor brings their passion and expertise to life by leading engaging, hands-on learning experiences for campers ages 5–14. The Camp Counselor designs and delivers instructional sessions within their area of specialty, inspiring curiosity, creativity, and confidence in every child surrounded by 20-acres of woodland, wetlands, streams, meadows, pond, and five-miles of trails. Who Are We? The YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW) was named a 2025 Top Workplace by The Philadelphia Inquirer for a second consecutive year. An association of nine YMCAs serving Chester County, the YMCA of Greater Brandywine is a non-profit organization dedicated to nurturing the potential of every child, promoting healthy living, and fostering social responsibility through life-changing programs for all. Why You Need To Apply Not meeting every single requirement? That’s perfectly okay! Research shows that women and marginalized groups are often hesitant to apply for jobs unless they meet all the qualifications. If you’re excited about this role, don’t let a few mismatches in your experience hold you back. We want to see your application! You could be exactly what we’re looking for!
Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Expertise or strong enthusiasm in at least one of the listed specialty areas.
- Lifeguard certification required for Aquatics Specialists (training available)
- Ability to effectively use technology for programmatic needs.
- Attend all required pre-camp and camp season trainings and meetings as scheduled.
- Obtain and maintain all new hire certifications and trainings before first day of camp.
Nice To Haves
- Prior experience in working with children in a camp environment preferred.
Responsibilities
- Farm/animal education for campers through various animal centered camps. Animals include goats, sheep, chickens, rabbit, chinchilla and various reptiles.
- Ensures the safety and well-being of all campers in the group and camp-wide.
- Responsible for direct supervision of campers in assigned group.
- Plans and leads activities in accordance with the camp schedule.
- Maintains positive relationships with campers, parents, and staff.
- Model YMCA core values and positive youth development principles.
- Organizes and maintains camp equipment, supplies, and property.
- Support daily camp routines, including setup, transitions, and clean-up.
- Actively participates in all aspects of the day camp schedule as assigned.
- Maintains camp records including, but not limited to accident & incident reports, sign in/out sheets, attendance documents.
- Be flexible and collaborative within a dynamic camp team environment.
- Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Benefits
- Free family YMCA membership, including outdoor pools
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with paid holidays and plentiful PTO for full-time employees
- Babysitting while you work (up to 4 hours per day)
- Generous program discounts on childcare, camp, youth sports, swimming lessons and more!
- 12% employer contribution to retirement savings upon reaching eligibility and optional 403B retirement savings plan upon hire.
- Employee Assistance Program
- Continuing education reimbursement, tuition discounts with Chestnut Hill College and Immaculata University
- Career development and paid training
- Unlimited referral bonus beginning at $300.00
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
