Day Camp Counselor - BMDC
About The Position
The Day Camp Counselor supports the YMCA’s work to strengthen the community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. This position directly supervises a group of children in a seasonal day camp, builds positive and nurturing relationships with campers and their families, and supports peer connections and youth development through camp activities. The counselor helps deliver activities, events, trips, and aquatic programming; maintains camper engagement, group control, cleanliness, and safety; and follows YMCA, ACA, and New Jersey licensing standards and procedures. The role also includes attending staff meetings and required training, communicating concerns to supervisors, completing accident reports, and representing the YMCA professionally.
Requirements
- Be a high school student or have an equivalent qualification.
- Be at least 18 years of age.
Nice To Haves
- Previous experience working with children, preferably in a day camp setting and preferably as a CIT.
- Interest in one or more of the following areas: outdoor living, archery, boating, camping, songs or music, skits, sports, aquatics, or recreational games.
- Previous experience with diverse populations.
Responsibilities
- Keep campers focused and engaged in camp activities.
- Assist specialists during activity periods.
- Greet campers warmly and respond to their needs.
- Develop positive relationships with member families and learn why they come to the YMCA.
- Learn campers’ names and encourage their youth development progress.
- Assist the Senior Counselor, specialists, and camp staff with themes, special events, trips, and camp activities.
- Help the group maintain camp cleanliness.
- Work cooperatively with camp staff in planning activities.
- Treat campers and fellow staff members with respect, and carry out responsibilities enthusiastically and with commitment.
- Redirect campers to appropriate activities when needed and use positive reinforcement to commend good choices.
- Teach and model the YMCA’s four core values: Caring, Respect, Honesty, and Responsibility.
- Carry out other duties as requested by the supervisor.
- Attend staff meetings and complete required training.
- Uphold camp safety standards, maintain constant face counts, and understand and follow risk management and disaster policies and procedures.
- Help maintain group control and facilitate lunchtime activities.
- Follow Association Aquatics Policy Guidelines and take on designated aquatic activity assignments.
- Help manage camper arrival and departure from the lake, including use of dressing rooms.
- Follow YMCA, ACA, and New Jersey licensing standards and procedures to support safe, high-quality camp operations and ACA accreditation.
- Secure and submit accident reports and report immediate concerns to the Camp Director or nearest supervisor.
- Follow bus counselor supervision and help ensure safety, efficient procedures, and enjoyable bus activities; lead bus songs, stories, and games.
- Maintain a professional demeanor as a YMCA representative and wear a camp T-shirt daily.
- Maintain a positive attitude, responsibility, and self-motivation; be punctual and reliable.
- Create a positive, nurturing learning environment that supports youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
