Camp Counselor - Resident Camp

Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges Inc•Stillwater Township, 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 campers adjust to camp rules and safety precautions, builds cohesive groups, and encourages participation in activities. They provide friendship, guidance, and positive redirection, plan and deliver activities on regular camp days, and support the Camp Director and specialists in camp activities. The counselor maintains a professional demeanor as a YMCA representative, models YMCA core values, and creates a positive, nurturing environment that encourages youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The role includes supervising campers during activities, meals, and cabin time; building positive relationships with campers and families; and supporting camp operations, safety procedures, trainings, and required records.

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.
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.
Ability to facilitate learning and supervise others.
Ability to be creative, innovative, flexible, and energetic, and to solve problems and take initiative consistent 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 steps to reduce them.
First Aid, CPR, and AED certification may be required.
Ability to stand 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, hear a whistle or alarms, and speak clearly enough to command group control.

Nice To Haves

College credits or a degree in Education.

Responsibilities

Maintain a professional demeanor as a YMCA representative, wear the required camp uniform, and encourage campers through positivity.
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 warmly, treating them with 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 themes, special events, trips, and all-camp activities.
Encourage campers’ youth development progress.
Help groups maintain camp and cabin cleanliness.
Work cooperatively with camp staff when planning activities.
Perform responsibilities enthusiastically and go beyond the minimum to make campers feel valued.
Uphold, model, teach, and apply the YMCA core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility in camp activities.
Create a positive and nurturing learning environment that encourages youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
Attend scheduled staff meetings and complete required trainings.
Uphold camp safety standards, maintain constant face counts, and understand and follow risk management and disaster procedures.
Help maintain group control and facilitate lunchtime activities.
Follow Association Aquatics Policy Guidelines and take designated assignments for aquatic activities.
Help expedite camper arrival at and departure from waterfront areas.
Follow YMCA, ACA, and New Jersey licensing standards and procedures to support safety, camp quality, and ACA accreditation.
Follow sign-in and sign-out procedures and ensure attendance records are handled properly.
Secure and submit incident reports to the Camp Director.
Report immediate concerns to the Camp Director or nearest supervisor.
Use redirection toward appropriate activities and positive reinforcement to recognize good choices.