Camp Counselor Senior-Oratam Camp

Senior Camp Counselor

This position supports the work of the YMCA, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Senior Counselor provides direct supervision of a group of children in a seasonal day camp, ensuring ongoing supervision of all campers throughout the camp day, helping children adjust to camp, form cohesive groups, and enjoy their activities.

The Senior Counselor creates positive, nurturing relationships with children while building cooperative relationships with parents/caregivers. He or she is responsible for planning and delivering a variety of activities on regular camp days and supporting the efforts of the Director and camp activities. The Senior Counselor promotes and supports the potential of all youth in programs and facilitates peer‑to‑peer connections as part of the overall camp experience.

YMCA of Greater Bergen County operates traditional day and resident camps in Harriman State Park, NY, along Lake Kanawauke, providing a beautiful natural setting. The camp is 45 minutes from Hackensack, where our YMCA is located; all counselors and campers are bused to camp from the YMCA. Camp activities include swimming, boating, fishing, arts & crafts, sports & games, archery, nature, hiking, rock climbing, and challenge/low ropes course.

• Supervise and keep Junior Counselors and campers focused on their camp responsibilities.
• Assist all Specialists during activity periods, keeping all staff and campers engaged.
• Learn campers’ names and respond to their needs.
• Consistently greet campers with a smile and treat them with enthusiasm.
• Develop positive relationships with member families and learn why they come to our Y.
• Be knowledgeable regarding the Strong Kids Campaign and its purpose.
• Assist in carrying out themes, special events, trips, and all camp activities.
• Encourage campers’ youth development progress.
• Help group maintain camp cleanliness.
• Work cooperatively with all camp staff; plan, implement, and lead designated camp activities.
• Perform the above responsibilities in an enthusiastic and committed manner and do more than the minimum for campers.
• Teach and instill the Four Core Values of the YMCA in all camp activities:
  Caring, Respect, Honesty, & Responsibility.
• Act as requested by the supervisor.
• Create a positive and nurturing learning environment to instill youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
• Use two methods of discipline with campers: redirection to appropriate activities and positive reinforcement to commend good choices.

Must attend and complete all required trainings.

At all times uphold camp safety standards, maintain constant face counts, and practice risk management and disaster policies and procedures.

Help maintain group control and facilitate lunch time activities.

Follow Association Aquatics Policy Guidelines, take on designated assignments for aquatic activities, help expedite arrival and departure from the pool, and follow all YMCA, ACA, and NJ Licensing standards and procedures to ensure the safest and best quality camp and help maintain ACA accreditation.

Secure and submit all accident reports, special plans, schedule changes, and evaluations to Camp Director when appropriate. Report all immediate concerns to Camp Director or nearest supervisor.

Follow supervision of bus counselors and help to insure safety, expedient procedures and fun activities on the bus; lead bus songs, stories and games.

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• Always maintain a professional demeanor as a representative of the YMCA.
• Wear Camp T-shirt daily.
• Maintain positive attitude, responsibility and self‑motivation; be punctual and reliable.
• Create a positive and nurturing learning environment to instill youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

• High school student or equivalent.
• Previous experience working with children, preferably in a day camp setting, with a minimum of two previous camp seasons as a Counselor.
• Interest preferred in one or more of the following areas: outdoor living, archery, boating, camping, songs/music, skits, sports, aquatics, recreational games, etc.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Previous experience with diverse populations preferred.

Must be capable of being on your feet for long periods and able to actively supervise children in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments. Able to bend, kneel, squat, and lift 30 pounds. Must be able to visually account for all children in the program, whether inside or outside, be able to hear whistles or alarms, and have a clear speaking voice to command control of the group.

Current active employees of the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges should apply via the Careers section of the Dayforce Employee Account.