Camp Evergreen Access & Ability Counselor - Seasonal

YMCA of Central New York•Fayetteville, NY

8h•$5,120•Onsite

About The Position

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Under the direction of the Associate Executive Director, the Access & Ability Counselor is responsible for working with staff and unit leaders in an active outdoor day camp program that will meet the objectives of the Hal Welsh East Area Family YMCA and will be appropriate for both campers and campers with special needs within the unit they are assigned. The Access & Ability Counselor will be responsible for up to 3 campers with disabilities per session, be in water to assist aquatics staff with swimming and supervision, provide inclusive opportunities for all campers that build confidence, teach new life-skills, and foster friendships, assist with daily pick-up assignment and attend overnights as needed. The Access & Ability Counselor assures the well-being for each participant in line with YMCA of the USA guidelines and association policies in accordance with their training.

Requirements

High school graduate with some college experience preferred but not required.
Minimum of one year experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities and/ or experience working with children in a camp/ child care group setting.
Experience working with children with developmental disabilities in sports, games, music/drama, and or outdoor activities.
Must be 17 years of age.
Excellent organizational and communications skills both verbal and written are essential to the success of this position.
Brings to this position maturity, responsibility and a sincere interest in working with people.
Possess a general knowledge and understanding of YMCA, its goals, and its mission.
Possess knowledge of various resources for programming ideas and the skills to utilize that information in program implementation.
Possess knowledge of age appropriate activities and expectations of children ages 3 to 14.
CPR/AED and/or First Aid certifications preferred (opportunity provided).
Must attend and complete YMCA Child Abuse Prevention and other related training at Camp Evergreen Orientation.

Responsibilities

To attend and be involved in staff trainings and orientation.
To be available to work daily within the hours of the camp schedule as outlined by the Camp Director.
To work with other staff to develop a fully inclusive, recreational and educational program each session.
To assist in specialty areas of: swimming, arts, horseback riding, archery, nature studies, and adventure.
To be involved in a daily swim program that includes being in the water with campers while supervising and assisting with water activities (note: Female staff are required to wear a one-piece bathing suit).
To assist in the development and implementation of special programs as assigned by the Program Director or Unit Director.
To assist with the supervision of the lunch period (assigned by Unit Director) and sit with your inclusion participant(s) within a group of campers to ensure that each camper is eating a proper lunch and drinking enough fluids to prevent dehydration and other heat related illnesses.
To assist all inclusion campers with personal care or feeding needs and the daily organization of their belongings.
To keep track of all inclusion campers in the assigned group and be aware of safety issues to eliminate accidents. This includes supervising the application of sunscreen 2-3x daily.
To attend two family nights throughout the season, weekly camp staff meetings and extra meetings as needed.
To be available to assist with overnights as assigned (for which you will be compensated).
To act in a professional manner at all times including personal appearance, speech, and interaction with campers, their families, and other staff.
To understand that you are part of a team that is responsible for a group of campers and that your activities should be implemented in such a way that your campers receive a fun, meaningful, and safe experience.
To be responsible for the cleanliness and organization of the camp area including the pavilion, fields, camp shed, buildings, and trails.
To be responsible for clear, appropriate communication with campers, their families, and other staff when needed.
To manage all behavior concerns in a consistent manner as they occur. Seek advice from the Senior Program Director as needed
To be available after camp hours on the last day of the season and participate in the close up of camp.
To be responsible for implementing all other tasks as assigned by the Senior Program Director.