Camp AGQ Counselor

Ann Arbor YMCA•Tuscarora Township, MI

just now•Onsite

About The Position

Counselors are the primary caregivers for each camper. The Counselor is responsible for planning, teaching, coordinating, and carrying out activities and guiding campers in their personal growth and daily living skills.

Requirements

Must be 18 years of age or higher.
Must be able to obtain or become certified in First Aid/CPR.
Must submit health history record and examination form prior to first day of work.
Ability to interact with all age levels of campers.
Leadership ability and teamwork oriented
Possess a variety of skills and camping experience.
A commitment to working with a diverse staff and camper population for the fulfillment of YMCA goals.
Understand the development needs of youth.
Ability to relate to youth and adults in a positive manner.
Demonstrate knowledge and skill in program areas designated camp program areas.
Ability to communicate and work with groups participating (age and skill levels) and provide necessary instruction to campers and staff.
Ability to observe camper behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques.
Ability to observe staff behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate management techniques.
Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to the activity.
Physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid. Must be able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury) and possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers.
Physical ability to endure prolonged standing, some bending, stooping, stretching, walking long distances, hiking, climbing and running.
Requires normal range of hearing and eyesight to record, prepare and communicate appropriate camper and staff activities/programs.
Requires ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
Willingness to live in a camp setting, in shared living spaces with staff and campers and work irregular hours, delivering programs in the facilities available, with the equipment available.
Ability to operate with daily exposure to various weather conditions, and animals such as bugs, horses, etc.

Responsibilities

Apply basic youth development principles in working with campers through communication, relationship development, and respect for diversity, involvement and empowerment of youth.
Assists in the distribution of mail and printed emails to campers during rest hour
Be alert to equipment and facilities to ensure utilization, proper care, and maintenance is adhered to; report repairs needed promptly to Camp Director
Be a role model to campers and staff in your attitude and behavior.Set a good example to campers and others in regard to general camp procedures and practices including sanitation, schedule, and sportsmanship.
Participate enthusiastically in all camp activities, planning, and leading those as assigned.
Participate as a member of the camp staff team to deliver and supervise evening programs, special events, overnights, and other all-camp activities and camp functions.
Maintains the cleanliness of the living space to which he/she is assigned, including cabins (inside and out), bath houses, etc.
Models, teaches, and upholds the Camp AGQ values and mission and protects the well being of campers.
Plans and coordinates, with other staff, evening activities and special events.
Takes active roles in free time and free swim, interacting and supervising children.
Cares for and maintains equipment, supplies and property of camp.
May be required to lead stayover camp between sessions or ride the bus to and from Ann Arbor. Staff will be compensated for these additional programs.
Implement ice-breaker and group-building activities on the first day to ensure that the group becomes friends.
Establishes cabin routines and implements a system for fair rotation of cabin and service task duties.
Pays particular attention to group dynamics and work with co-counselor (SC, JSTAFF or CIT) to solve problems
Maintains positive relationships with campers, parents and other staff.
Encourages physical, emotional and spiritual growth and positive character development in all campers.
Works to increase his/her own cultural competence and helps to create an environment that values diversity.
Makes an ongoing effort to return lost items found in or around the cabin to campers in the cabin group.
Manages the behavior of campers, especially regarding physical, emotional or verbal abuse of others
Provide the daily care of each camper within your supervision including recognition of personal health needs. Ensure that campers receive their medications as directed by the Health Officer.
Be alert to campers and staff needs and assist them with personal and/or health problems, and discuss with camp health manager and/or resident camp director when appropriate.
Appropriate and diligent use of sunscreen and bug spray
Washing hands before every meal
Daily brushing of teeth and use of the bathroom
Regular showers
Sniffles, coughing, rashes, sores, blisters and head (or other) scratching
Getting enough rest, proper eating and drinking plenty of water.
Supervises cabin groups at meals and helps make the dining experience pleasant and healthy. Discreetly monitor campers eating habits and model positive relationships with food.
Check the Cabin Messages Board daily. Communicate with parents of campers as requested, with the guidance of Cedar Leader.
Assure campers are properly supervised at all times.
Be aware of and implement safety guidelines.
Shares the after-bedtime supervision with other counselors in the cabin. Never leave campers unsupervised after-bedtime. Adhere to the one-in-one-out nighttime supervision model.
Plans ahead and leads “embers” time before bedtime each night. Plan embers that are engaging, age-appropriate, and creative.
Develop a bedtime routine that allows campers to unwind and reflect on their day before sleeping
Be prepared to facilitate in-cabin activities in case of severe weather
Participate in the development and implementation of program activities for campers within the mission and outcomes. Responsible for leading and assisting with the teaching of activities. Actively participate in all program areas as assigned. Provide for the progression of activities within the framework of individual and group interests and abilities. Assist in program areas such as waterfront, barn, outdoor adventures, creative arts, all camp activities, and evening activities as directed.
Contribute to verbal and written evaluations of CITs and J-Staff as requested
Aids in the development and education of LITs and CITs. Provide real-time feedback on cabin counseling skills.