Camp Counselor - Resident Camp - LW

Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges Inc•Blairstown, NJ

About The Position

The Senior Camp Counselor is responsible for a group of children and supports ongoing supervision of all campers throughout the camp day. The counselor helps children adjust to camp rules and safety precautions, forms cohesive groups, and helps campers enjoy their activities. They provide friendship, guidance, and positive redirection, and plan and deliver activities on regular camp days while supporting the Camp Director and Specialist in camp activities. The counselor creates a positive, nurturing learning environment that encourages youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. They model the YMCA’s core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility and represent the YMCA professionally. The role includes supervising campers in activity areas, dining halls, and cabins; supporting camp operations and events; and upholding safety, supervision, and applicable YMCA, ACA, and New Jersey licensing procedures.

Requirements

High school diploma; college credits or a degree in Education are preferred.
Basic understanding of youth development principles.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to communicate with staff and parents.
Ability to facilitate learning and supervise others.
Ability to be creative, innovative, flexible, and energetic; ability to problem-solve and take initiative in alignment with the YMCA’s 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 measures to reduce them.
Ability to remain on one’s feet for long periods and actively supervise children in indoor and outdoor environments.
Ability to bend, kneel, squat, and lift 30 pounds.
Ability to visually account for all children and hear whistles or alarms; a clear speaking voice is needed to command group control.

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.
First Aid, CPR, and AED certification may be required.

Responsibilities

Maintain a professional demeanor as a YMCA representative, wear the camp uniform as required, and encourage campers positively.
Supervise campers and keep them focused and engaged in activities; respond to their needs.
Lead activities and program areas during activity periods and keep campers engaged.
Supervise campers in the dining hall and cabin setting.
Learn campers’ names and greet them with a smile, respect, and enthusiasm.
Develop positive relationships with families and learn why they come to the YMCA.
Be knowledgeable about the Annual Campaign and its purpose.
Assist with camp themes, special events, trips, and other camp activities.
Encourage campers’ youth development progress.
Help maintain group, camp, and cabin cleanliness, and facilitate lunchtime activities.
Work cooperatively with camp staff when planning activities.
Model and put the YMCA’s core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility into practice in camp activities.
Attend scheduled staff meetings and complete required training.
Uphold camp safety standards, maintain constant face counts, and understand and practice risk-management and disaster procedures.
Follow Association Aquatics Policy Guidelines and designated assignments for aquatic activities; help manage arrival and departure from waterfront areas.
Follow YMCA, ACA, and New Jersey licensing standards and procedures to support safe, high-quality camp operations and ACA accreditation.
Follow sign-in and sign-out policies and procedures and properly handle attendance records.
Secure and submit incident reports to the Camp Director.
Report immediate concerns to the Camp Director or nearest supervisor.
Use redirection to appropriate activities and positive reinforcement to commend good choices.