Camp Counselor - Resident Camp

Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges•Newton, NJ

21h

About The Position

The Senior Camp Counselor is responsible for a group of children and supports the ongoing supervision of all campers throughout the camp day. The counselor helps campers adjust to camp rules and safety precautions, creates cohesive groups, and encourages participation in activities. Serving as a source of friendship, guidance, and positive redirection, the counselor plans and delivers activities on regular camp days and supports the Camp Director and specialists in camp activities. The role includes leading and supervising campers during activities, meals, and cabin time; building positive relationships with campers and families; supporting youth development; and helping maintain camp and cabin cleanliness. Counselors are expected to model the YMCA’s values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility and create a positive, nurturing environment that promotes youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Counselors must uphold camp safety standards, maintain constant face counts, follow risk-management and emergency procedures, comply with aquatics and waterfront procedures, and follow YMCA, ACA, and New Jersey licensing standards. They attend required staff meetings and trainings, follow sign-in and sign-out procedures, manage attendance records, submit incident reports, and promptly raise concerns with the Camp Director or another supervisor.

Requirements

High school diploma.
Basic understanding of youth development principles.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills for working with staff and parents.
Ability to facilitate learning and supervise others.
Ability to be creative, innovative, flexible, and energetic; to problem-solve and take initiative in alignment with YMCA purpose, mission, and goals.
Ability to relate to children and develop professional, positive relationships with youth.
Understanding of age-specific characteristics of children and positive behavior-management techniques.
1–3 years of experience leading and supervising group activities.
Ability to work as part of a team, serve as a role model, identify potential risks, and take steps to reduce them.
First Aid, CPR, and AED certification may be required.
Able to remain on their feet for long periods and actively supervise children in indoor and outdoor environments.
Able to bend, kneel, squat, and lift 30 pounds.
Able to visually account for all children and hear whistles or alarms.
Clear speaking voice sufficient to command control of a group.

Nice To Haves

College credits or a degree in Education.
Knowledge and expertise in horse care and riding, as applicable.
Knowledge of low and high ropes courses, teambuilding, and climbing, as applicable.
Knowledge of hiking, canoeing, biking, or other high-adventure activities, as applicable.

Responsibilities

Maintain a professional demeanor as a YMCA representative and wear the camp uniform as required.
Supervise campers, keep them focused and engaged, and respond to their needs.
Lead activities and program areas during activity periods.
Supervise campers in the dining hall and in cabin settings.
Learn campers’ names and greet them with enthusiasm and respect.
Build positive relationships with families and learn why they come to the YMCA.
Support the Annual Campaign and understand its purpose.
Assist with camp themes, special events, trips, and other camp activities.
Encourage campers’ youth development progress and use positive reinforcement and redirection.
Help maintain group, camp, and cabin cleanliness.
Work cooperatively with camp staff to plan activities.
Model and put the YMCA’s core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility into practice.
Create a positive and nurturing environment that promotes youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
Attend scheduled staff meetings and complete required trainings.
Maintain constant face counts and follow camp safety, risk-management, and disaster procedures.
Help maintain group control and facilitate lunchtime activities.
Follow Association aquatics guidelines and designated aquatic activity assignments, including procedures for arrival at and departure from waterfront areas.
Follow YMCA, ACA, and New Jersey licensing standards and procedures.
Follow sign-in and sign-out procedures and properly handle attendance records.
Submit incident reports to the Camp Director and report immediate concerns to the Camp Director or nearest supervisor.