Summer Camp Lead Counselor

Description

Responsible for the planning, execution, and overall operation of a high-quality school-age child care camp site. This includes promoting YMCA core values and encouraging life-long learning. Develops and implements summer camp activities while supporting the Camp Director in leading efforts to create a safe environment for healthy, positive child development and strong family relationships while mentoring and supporting program staff (50% of workload).

Provides direct supervision of a group of children aged 5-12 in summer day camp while providing a quality experience to children and parents focused on YMCA core values: honesty, respect, responsibility, and caring (50% of workload).

• Creates and schedules all camp sessions and activities to be reviewed and approved by the Camp Director.
• Supports camp counselors in the daily implementation of lesson plans.
• Directly supervises program participants, counseling staff, and volunteers in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.
• Maintains program site, equipment, and program records.
• Work with the Senior Director to confirm and coordinate camp field trips and events.
• Manage inventory of supplies for camp activities and communicate purchase needs to the Camp Director in a timely manner.
• Monitors transportation for field trips.
• Ensures guidelines from program models are met, including HEPA standards.
• Ensures all program records are accurate and maintained.
• Supports Camps and Family Program Director and Program Coordinator in assuring that YMCA best practice guidelines are being followed, program standards are met, and safety procedures are being followed.
• Supports Camps and Family Program Director and Program Coordinator to train, develop, schedule, and direct personnel and volunteers as needed. Participates in reviews and helps evaluate staff performance.
• Provides upkeep of program facilities and equipment, and ensures the physical environment supports healthy living.
• Supports Camps & Family Programs Director and Program Coordinator in supervising staff, children, sites, and all activities.
• Maintains positive relationships and effective communication with parents. Engages parents as volunteers.
• Supports staff with parent interaction and behavioral plans.
• Plans, attends, and participates in program activities, staff meetings, and staff professional development opportunities.
• Supervise a group of children with a creative, fun, positive attitude.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree or Associate Degree in a related field, or a Child Development Credential, or at least 2 years of experience in a leadership role in a summer camp setting preferred.
• 21+ years of age preferred.
• Must be able to pass a Criminal Background Check. Child Abuse is not tolerated when considering candidates for employment.
• Infant/Child/Adult CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications within 30 days of hire date.
• Ability to plan, organize, and implement age-appropriate/developmentally appropriate program activities.
• Previous experience with diverse populations. Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.
• Must demonstrate leadership qualities-allowing for the development of personal and professional interpersonal relationships with staff, campers, parents, and others.

• Previous camp program design experience.
• Previous experience working with children in a developmental setting.
• Commit to working the entire summer camp season from late May - late August. Some flexibility may be granted with prior approval from the Senior Director and Program Coordinator.

• Staff Supervision
• Program Development
• Risk Management and Prevention
• Conflict Management and Resolution

• Ability to communicate and work with groups participating (age and skill levels) and provide necessary instruction to campers and staff.
• Ability to observe camper behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques.
• Ability to observe staff behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce…