Camp Reed Substitute Counselor

YMCA of The Inland Northwest • Deer Park, WA

2d • 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. The Camp Reed Counselor creates and maintains a safe, positive, and supportive learning environment for Camp Reed campers (5-15 years old) during overnight camps. The Camp Reed Counselor builds and nurtures campers' appreciation for the outdoors, supports them in building strong friendships, and fosters an enriching camp experience for all campers and junior counselors. The Camp Reed Counselor provides high quality outdoor educational and recreational experiences for participants while promoting YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility through all programs and activities.

Requirements

• Minimum age of 18 by June 15th of the Camp Season.
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Current Driver’s license and YMCA acceptable driving record required for some positions.
• Completion of YMCA required trainings upon hire
• Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds

Nice To Haves

• One or more years of college preferred (May be substituted with at least one year of relevant work experience)
• 6 months to 1 year volunteer experience preferred
• Lifeguard certification or ropes course training preferred

Responsibilities

• Supervise and support 5-15 campers in a camp cabin setting, ensuring campers are safe and always accounted for. Oversee and guide all aspects of assigned campers’ day including, but not limited to, health needs, nutrition, hygiene, cabin time, mealtime, rest, camp activity choices, cabin and camp cleaning duties and responsibilities, evening activities and transition times.
• Set and implement standards for harmonious group life; create a motivating environment encouraging camper safety and cleanliness in the cabin and on camp grounds.
• Identify and respond accordingly to camper behavior issues, applying age-appropriate strategies as needed.
• Take cabin leadership at mealtimes to ensure appropriate manners and nutrition.
• Monitor health and wellbeing of assigned campers, assuring that each camper visits the nurse as needed for daily medications, injuries, etc. Observes camp curfew and ensures each camper receives an adequate amount of rest daily.
• Foster a positive mentoring relationship with assigned junior counselors by providing a deeper understanding of leadership and camp counseling skills. Mentor junior counselors by encouraging open communication, fair and appropriate evaluation, and providing valuable opportunities to strengthen their skills.
• Role model the Camp Reed mission statement and YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility to campers, junior counselors, co-workers, YMCA members and the public. Ensure campers model respect of camp facilities, other campers, and camp staff and volunteer personnel.
• Lead or assist in program and unit areas as assigned. Facilitate program activities that are developmentally appropriate, and which promote camper skill and character development.
• Knows, reviews, and applies all safety, emergency, and child abuse prevention policies and procedures, responding to emergency situations in accordance with YMCA protocol. Reports concerns promptly to Camp leadership, and ensures each camper understands and follows camp safety regulations.
• Follow direction of Directors in coordinating and leading all aspects of camp life including units, cabin activities, camp activities, and overnights as well as other program and special activities.
• Make camp appropriate choices in dress, speech, and behavior. Be on time and prepared for all camp assignments, including staff meetings and staff trainings.
• Perform necessary cleaning, dishwashing, maintenance duties as assigned

Benefits

• Free individual membership (<19 hours/week) and family membership (20+ hours/week), with program discounts available
• Paid sick time for all staff
• Paid vacation time for staff working 20+ hours/week
• Flexible schedules that work for YOU
• Onsite childcare with discounts available
• Medical, dental and health benefits for staff working 30+ hours/week
• Retirement plan with 8% employer contribution after 2 years of service (1,000 or more hours worked required in each anniversary year)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED