Camp Counselor - Resident Camp - LW

Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges•Blairstown, NJ

19h

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 children adjust to camp rules and safety precautions, builds cohesive groups, and encourages campers to enjoy their activities. The counselor provides friendship, guidance, and positive redirection, plans and delivers activities on regular camp days, and supports the Camp Director and specialists in camp activities. The role includes supervising campers during activities, meals, and cabin time; supporting youth development; maintaining camp and cabin cleanliness; building positive relationships with families; and modeling the YMCA’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. Counselors uphold YMCA, ACA, and New Jersey licensing safety standards, attend meetings and training, follow attendance and sign-in/sign-out procedures, maintain face counts, and report incidents or immediate concerns to the Camp Director or a supervisor.

Requirements

High school diploma.
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.
Creativity, flexibility, high energy, problem-solving ability, and initiative aligned with the YMCA’s purpose, mission, and goals.
Ability to relate to children and develop positive, professional 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.
May be required to hold First Aid, CPR, and AED certification.

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, wear the camp uniform as required, and encourage campers through positivity.
Supervise campers, respond to their needs, and keep them focused and engaged in activities and responsibilities.
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 camp themes, special events, trips, and other camp activities.
Encourage campers’ youth development progress and use positive redirection and reinforcement.
Help groups maintain camp and cabin cleanliness.
Work cooperatively with camp staff in planning activities.
Model and incorporate the YMCA’s core values—caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility—in daily camp activities.
Create a positive, nurturing learning environment that encourages youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
Attend scheduled staff meetings and complete required training.
Maintain camp safety standards and constant face counts, and understand and practice risk-management and disaster procedures.
Help maintain group control and facilitate lunchtime activities.
Follow Association aquatics policy guidelines and complete designated aquatic assignments, including supporting arrival and departure from waterfront areas.
Follow YMCA, ACA, and New Jersey licensing standards and procedures.
Follow sign-in/sign-out procedures and properly handle attendance records.
Secure and submit incident reports to the Camp Director and report immediate concerns to the Camp Director or nearest supervisor.