Day Camp Counselor - multi locasion

YMCA of The Pikes Peak Region•Colorado Springs, CO

7d•$15 - $15•Onsite

About The Position

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Youth Development Counselor will provide direct supervision to a group of children during Summer Day Camp. You will create positive and nurturing relationships with children, while building cooperative relationships with the parents/caregivers. As the Counselor you will promote and support the potential of all youth in programs and facilitate peer-to-peer connections as part of the overall camp experience. OUR CULTURE: Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you. POSITION OVERVIEW: We are running Summer Day Camp at six different locations: Tri-Lakes YMCA, Briargate YMCA, Downtown YMCA, Westside Community Center, Southeast YMCA, and Fountain YMCA. Summer Day Camp runs from 6:30 am to 6:00 pm. You will be scheduled for an 8.5 hour shift in that time frame, which will include a 30-minute unpaid break. At the beginning of the day, from about 6:30 am to 9:00 am, our campers will be getting dropped off and have the opportunity to participate in age-appropriate centers. Camp officially starts with an opening ceremony at 9:00 am (skit, fun game, something to get them excited for the day), then kids are split into home bases by their age. At the beginning of your shift you will receive a schedule with planned activities for the day - you will follow this schedule to move around the building/outside with your group of children. State licensing allows us to have a ratio of 1 staff per 15 kids - so you will never have a larger group than 15! Around 4:00 pm, campers will return to home bases, as many of them are getting picked up, to participate in centers. A camp lead will always be available to support you throughout your shift.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent preferred
Minimum age of 18
Minimum of six months of full time or equivalent part time satisfactory and verifiable experience with school-age children leading group activities at a minimum of 460 hours. (without necessary experience please apply for Youth Development Group Aide)
CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, Oxygen, First Aid certified (training available upon hiring)
Complete Redwoods: Hazardous Communications (yearly), Sexual Harassment Prevention, Bloodborne Pathogens (yearly), Child Sexual Abuse Prevention (yearly), and Behavior Management 101
Complete and maintain ALL licensing required forms, training, and background check requirements.
Maintain CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer every 2 years; skills every year
Maintain First Aid and Administering Emergency Oxygen every 2 years
Ability to visually observe children and to physically intervene when the safety of a participant could be compromised.
Ability to physically move with participants through a wide variety of indoor and outdoor program settings and activities including but not limited to swimming, hiking, skating, gym activities, arts and crafts.

Responsibilities

Providing a safe, nurturing, yet fun environment for children.
Supervise, facilitate, and engage with participants during all large and small group activities and in ALL program areas.
Treat all children with dignity and respect and allow for individual differences. Provide an atmosphere of acceptance and caring for each child.
Implement a curriculum that is age appropriate and helps a child reach their full potential in each area of development.
Be familiar with and adhere to the program’s policies, health and safety regulations, emergency procedures and be ready to implement if necessary.
Maintain State licensing and YMCA Associations Standards and Minimum guidelines
Demonstrate proper care and storage of equipment and supplies as well as program space.
Maintain an open, friendly, professional relationship with staff, parents, and children.
Assist in responding to all accidents and incidents with your program.
Supervise all program areas including gyms and playgrounds.
Complete routine and required forms to include, but not limited to: attendance records, observation records, incident and injury reports.
Prepare snacks or meals as assigned.
May be required to work hours outside of normal work schedule for trainings, extended program hours, parent nights, or association events.
Provide leadership, guidance, and respect to your fellow peers.
Modeling good character and hygiene habits.
Acting as a substitute when requested at other Youth Development Program locations.
Independently leads and supervises children in group activities throughout the entire camp day.
Primary Responder for all accidents and incidents with your group or any in vicinity.
Complete routine attendance checks for your group at regular intervals during the day.
Creatively engages children during transition/down times.
Maintain proper supervision and safety procedures of all participants in care in various areas to include program areas, aquatics areas, outdoor locations, and shared public spaces.