Residential Camp Counselor -YMCA Camp Immokalee

YMCA of Florida's First Coast - Keystone Heights, FL

- Entry Level

Keystone Heights, FL

Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations

About the position

The position involves implementing developmentally appropriate activities to foster individual growth and development of children in YMCA care during camp. The role requires living in a cabin setting with campers from Sunday afternoon through Saturday evening and working at least one weekend camp per summer season. The counselor will actively participate with children, providing programs that meet their emotional, physical, and intellectual needs, while modeling appropriate interactions and guidance techniques. Responsibilities also include maintaining the facility's cleanliness and ensuring the health and safety of all members and guests.

Responsibilities

• Live in a cabin setting with campers from Sunday afternoon through Saturday evening.
• Participate in providing a program that meets the emotional, physical, and intellectual needs of children.
• Model appropriate interactions and encourage children's involvement in activities.
• Use positive guidance techniques including redirection and positive reinforcement.
• Encourage children to identify and verbalize their feelings.
• Maintain cleanliness of the facility, including cleaning furniture, toys, and bathrooms.
• Remain aware of the growing needs of each child and offer enriching experiences.
• Plan lessons and activities with other staff within the assigned curriculum.
• Apply YMCA policies and procedures related to best practices and emergency situations.
• Inspect physical space for safety, orderliness, sanitation, and cleanliness.

Requirements

• Junior Counselors must be at least 17 years of age and have completed the Counselor in Training Camp Program.
• Senior Counselors must be at least 18 years old and have graduated High School.
• Complete Child Abuse prevention training within 30 days of hire.
• Obtain CPR, First Aid, AED certifications prior to working with children.
• Previous experience working with children in a developmental setting preferred.
• Ability to plan, organize, and implement age-appropriate program activities.
• Experience with diverse populations and ability to build authentic relationships.
• Some previous experience working with children is preferred.
• Swim skills are preferred.
• Willingness to be trained and certified in specialized camp areas.

Nice-to-haves

• Previous experience working with children in a developmental setting.
• Swim skills.
• Experience with diverse populations.

Benefits

• Opportunity to positively impact the community.
• Work in a welcoming and positive environment.