Junior Camp Counselor - Resident Camp - FVL

Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges•Newton, NJ

15h

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, including activities, camper supervision, safety, and creating a positive environment that encourages youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The position requires maintaining a professional and enthusiastic demeanor, building positive relationships with campers and families, and upholding YMCA values. Counselors attend staff meetings and required trainings, follow camp safety and supervision procedures, and comply with YMCA, ACA, and New Jersey licensing standards. Pay is $800–$2,500 per season.

Requirements

Basic understanding of youth development principles.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills for interacting with staff, parents, and others.
Ability to relate to children and develop professional, positive relationships with youth.
Ability to be creative, innovative, flexible, and energetic.
Ability to problem-solve and take initiative in alignment with the YMCA’s purpose, mission, and goals.
Ability to work as part of a team, serve as a role model, identify potential risks, and take steps to reduce them.
1–3 years of experience leading and supervising group activities.
First Aid, CPR, and AED certification may be required.
Ability to remain on one’s feet for long periods and actively supervise children in indoor and outdoor environments.
Ability to bend, kneel, squat, and lift 30 pounds.
Ability to visually account for all children and hear whistles or alarms.
Clear speaking voice to command control of a group.

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 and wear a camp T-shirt as required.
Encourage campers through positivity and treat them with respect and enthusiasm.
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 and help keep campers engaged.
Learn campers’ names and build positive relationships with campers and their families.
Support camp themes, special events, trips, and other camp activities.
Encourage campers’ youth development progress and help maintain camp and cabin cleanliness.
Work cooperatively with camp staff to plan activities.
Model, teach, and apply the YMCA core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.
Help create a positive, nurturing learning environment that promotes youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
Follow sign-in and sign-out procedures and properly handle attendance records.
Attend scheduled staff meetings and complete required trainings.
Maintain camp safety standards, conduct constant face counts, and follow risk management and disaster procedures.
Help maintain group control and facilitate lunchtime activities.
Follow Association Aquatics Policy Guidelines and complete designated aquatic activity assignments.
Help manage camper arrival and departure from swimming and boating areas, following applicable 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 safe, efficient, and enjoyable bus procedures, including leading songs, stories, and games.
Use redirection and positive reinforcement to guide camper behavior.
Support the YMCA’s Annual Campaign and understand its purpose.