Head Counselor (Buckaroo/Pathfinder, Blazer, Ranger) -- YMCA Camp Cosby

YMCA•Clear Creek Estates, AL

21d•Onsite

About The Position

In accordance with YMCA Christian principles, the Head Counselor supports the care, safety, well-being, happiness, growth, and development of summer campers and staff at YMCA Camp Cosby. The Head Counselor lives in a cabin with campers and ensures each cabin in the assigned village has staff who meet campers’ needs. Working primarily with Senior Counselors, this role supports and mentors staff, enforces policies and procedures, plans and leads activities, gathers supplies, builds a positive staff culture, and maintains accountability for staff and campers during activities. The role also helps deliver staff training, supports camper behavior and discipline, coordinates with camp leadership, and ensures the village follows schedules and applicable camp standards. Success is measured by staff and camper safety and enjoyment, an engaging program, a positive image of Camp Cosby and the YMCA, and campers’ and staff members’ desire to return.

Requirements

Believe in the YMCA mission and exemplify high moral standards, Christian character, and values.
Demonstrate teamwork and enthusiasm for serving others.
Have two years of prior experience working with children in camping or related youth work.
Have prior experience as a peer leader or supervisor.
Be physically able to cover the entire camp grounds and participate in all camp activities.
Work positively with staff from different backgrounds.
Be able to train and mentor staff.
Know and follow Camp Cosby and YMCA of Greater Birmingham policies and procedures, and ensure staff follow them.
Be able to obtain CPR/First Aid certifications.
Be at least 20 years old.

Responsibilities

Lead assigned sessions during staff training.
Support camp staff and encourage them to be effective leaders with campers.
Be responsible for the safety, health, welfare, and happiness of staff and campers in the assigned village and accountability areas.
Attend all staff meetings.
Assist the Activities Director with camper sign-ups each evening.
Ensure cabin staff help campers write home.
Ensure ACA, Department of Health, and YMCA of Greater Birmingham standards are followed throughout camp.
Supervise and support activity periods, communicate accountability, and lead activities as needed.
Ensure activity equipment is cared for, returned to its proper place, and replacement needs are reported to the Activities Director.
Ensure counselors know their camper head counts and do not leave groups unsupervised.
Follow camp schedules and planned activities.
Support camp leaders and work with other Head Counselors, the Activities Director, and the Cabin Life Director to provide a safe, effective camp program.
Assist counselors with camper behavior and disciplinary needs; record matters and ensure proper documentation.
Notify the Cabin Life Director of incidents, behavior concerns, and discipline problems.
Lead Morning Watch, including devotion and the Pledge of Allegiance, or sit with assigned cabins when not leading.
Ensure the village arrives on time for meetings, activities, and meals.
Greet parents during check-in and check-out, help campers feel comfortable, maintain order, and ensure cabins have group activities planned for downtime.
Help ensure camper belongings are claimed by their owners and minimize lost and found items.
Create an environment that supports staff and campers socially, emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Write and facilitate evaluations of village counselors with the Activities Director and Cabin Life Director.
Ensure a staff member age 19 or older is always within earshot or eyesight of campers.