Junior Camp Counselor - Resident Camp - FVL

Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges Inc•Stillwater Township, NJ

About The Position

The Junior Camp Counselor assists Counselors and Senior Counselors in 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, Specialist, Senior Counselors, and Counselors in all aspects of camp. The position helps create a positive, nurturing learning environment that encourages youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The counselor models the YMCA’s core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility, and supports safe, engaging camp activities while following YMCA, ACA, and New Jersey licensing standards and procedures.

Requirements

Basic understanding of youth development principles.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills for interacting with staff and parents.
Ability to relate to children and develop professional, positive relationships with youth.
One to three years of experience leading and supervising group activities.
Ability to work as part of a team, serve as a role model, identify potential risks, and take measures to reduce them.
Ability to be creative, innovative, flexible, and energetic; solve problems and take initiative in ways that align with YMCA purpose, mission, and goals.
First Aid, CPR, and AED certification may be required.

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.

Responsibilities

Maintain a professional demeanor as a YMCA representative, wear the required Camp T-shirt, and encourage campers through positivity.
Supervise campers in the dining hall and cabin setting.
Help campers stay focused and engaged in camp activities and respond to their needs.
Assist counselors during activity periods to keep campers engaged.
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.
Understand the Annual Campaign and its purpose.
Assist with camp themes, special events, trips, and other camp activities.
Encourage campers’ youth development progress and help groups maintain camp and cabin cleanliness.
Work cooperatively with camp staff in planning camp activities and perform responsibilities enthusiastically and with commitment.
Model, teach, and apply the YMCA’s core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility in camp activities.
Follow sign-in and 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 take designated assignments during aquatic activities.
Help manage campers’ arrival and departure from swimming and boating areas and follow YMCA, ACA, and New Jersey licensing standards and procedures.
Secure and submit incident reports to the Camp Director 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.
Use redirection to guide campers toward appropriate activities and positive reinforcement to recognize good choices.