Junior Camp Counselor - Resident Camp - LW

Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges Inc•Blairstown, NJ

About The Position

The Junior Camp Counselor assists Counselors and Senior Counselors with supervising, guiding, and directing campers in small and large groups. The role helps children adjust to camp rules and safety precautions and provides friendship, guidance, and positive redirection. The Junior Camp Counselor supports the Camp Director, specialists, Senior Counselors, and Counselors in all aspects of camp. The counselor helps create a positive, nurturing learning environment that encourages youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. They supervise campers in dining hall and cabin settings, assist with activities and special events, support camper engagement and cleanliness, and build positive relationships with campers and their families. The role also involves following attendance and sign-in/sign-out procedures, safety policies, aquatic guidelines, and YMCA, ACA, and New Jersey licensing standards. The Junior Camp Counselor attends required meetings and trainings, reports incidents and concerns, and supports safe and engaging bus activities.

Requirements

Basic understanding of youth development principles.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to communicate with staff and parents.
Ability to relate to children and develop professional, positive relationships with youth.
Ability to be creative, innovative, flexible, and energetic; problem-solving skills and initiative consistent with YMCA purpose, mission, and goals.
Ability to work as part of a team, act as a role model, identify potential risk factors, and take steps to reduce them.
1–3 years of experience leading and supervising group activities.
Must be capable of standing for long periods and actively supervising children in indoor and outdoor environments.
Must be capable of bending, kneeling, squatting, and lifting 30 pounds.
Must be able to visually account for all children, hear whistles or alarms, and speak clearly enough to command group control.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge and expertise in horse care and riding, as applicable.
Knowledge of low and high ropes courses, teambuilding, and climbing, as applicable.
Knowledge of hiking, canoeing, biking, or other high-adventure activities, as applicable.
First Aid, CPR, and AED certification may be required.

Responsibilities

Maintain a professional demeanor as a YMCA representative, wear the Camp T-shirt as required, and encourage campers through positivity.
Supervise campers in the dining hall and cabin setting.
Help campers stay focused and engaged in activities, respond to their needs, and assist counselors during activity periods.
Learn campers’ names and greet them warmly, treating them with respect and enthusiasm.
Develop positive relationships with families and learn why they come to the YMCA.
Be knowledgeable about the Annual Campaign and its purpose.
Assist with camp themes, special events, trips, and all-camp activities.
Encourage campers’ youth development progress and help maintain camp and cabin cleanliness.
Work cooperatively with camp staff in planning activities and carry out responsibilities enthusiastically and with commitment.
Uphold, model, teach, and apply the YMCA core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility in camp activities.
Follow sign-in/sign-out policies and procedures and properly handle attendance records.
Attend scheduled staff meetings and complete required training.
Uphold camp safety standards, maintain constant face counts, and understand and practice risk management and disaster procedures.
Help maintain group control and facilitate lunchtime activities.
Follow Association Aquatics Policy Guidelines and designated assignments for aquatic activities; help manage arrival and departure from swimming and boating areas.
Follow YMCA, ACA, and New Jersey licensing standards and procedures to support a safe, high-quality camp and ACA accreditation.
Secure and submit incident reports to the Camp Director and report immediate concerns to the Camp Director or nearest supervisor.
Follow the supervision of bus counselors and help ensure safety, efficient procedures, and engaging bus activities; lead bus songs, stories, and games.
Use redirection toward appropriate activities and positive reinforcement to commend good choices.