Residential Camp Counselor -YMCA Camp Immokalee

Residential Camp Counselor - YMCA Camp Immokalee

Position Summary:

Implements developmentally appropriate activities to foster individual growth and development of children in YMCA care during camp.

• Requires employee to live in a cabin setting with campers, generally Sunday afternoon through Saturday evening, and be assigned to work at minimum one weekend camp per summer season.
• Actively participates with all children in providing a program that meets the emotional, physical, intellectual needs of both the individual child and the group.
• Models appropriate interactions with the children individually and in groups, and encourages their involvement in activities.
• Models appropriate positive guidance techniques that include redirection, positive reinforcement of children's efforts, and anticipation of elimination of potential problems.
• Encourages identification and verbalization of feelings.
• Participates in the maintenance of the facility to ensure it is clean at all times, including cleaning fingerprints, picking up trash, cleaning spills, cleaning furniture, toys and supplies, sweeping after meals or art activities, cleaning tables, keeping bathrooms clean, stacking chairs, etc.
• Remains constantly aware of the growing needs of each child, offering new and enriching experiences as each child reaches each level of development.
• Participates in planning with other staff to include lessons/activities within the framework of the assigned curriculum.
• Applies YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to best practices, emergency procedures, medical and disciplinary situations and child abuse prevention.
• Ensures the health and safety of all members/guests.
• Inspects physical space to ensure the safety, orderliness, sanitation and cleanliness of facilities.

• Junior Counselors in a cabin must be at least 17 years of age and have completed the Counselor in Training Camp Program.
• Senior Counselors in a cabin must be at least 18 years old and have graduated high school.
• Child abuse prevention training must be completed within 30 days of hire date.
• Must obtain CPR, First Aid, AED certifications prior to working with children in a camp setting. These courses will be offered as part of onboarding during staff training.
• Previous experience working with children in a developmental setting preferred.
• Ability to plan, organize and implement age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate program activities.
• Experience with diverse populations, ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.
• Some previous experience working with children is preferred.
• Swim skills are preferred.
• Willingness to be trained and certified in a specialized area of camp, which includes, but is not limited to: high ropes, lifeguarding, boating, target sports, pottery.

• Ability to plan, lead and participate in activities.
• Ability to live for up to a week at a time in a camp cabin in possibly harsh weather elements such as heat or rain.
• Be in good physical health.
• Be able to push, pull, or lift 30 pounds or greater.

• Community:
  Ensures a high level of service with a commitment to improving lives.
• Inclusion:
  Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions.
• Relationships:
  Builds rapport and relates well to others.
• Influence:
  Seeks first to understand the other's point of view and remains calm in challenging situations.
• Communication:
  Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively.
• Self-Development:
  Pursues self-development that enhances job performance.
• Emotional Maturity:
  Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths, and limitations and how they impact relationships.