Day Camp Teen Specialist - Camp Wakanda; Reading

Day Camp Teen Specialist - Camp Wakanda (Reading)

Department: Child Development:
Day Camp

Employment Type: Seasonal - Part Time

Location: Wakanda

Compensation: $17.50 - $21.00 / hour

Under the direction of the Camp Director, the Teen Counselor provides program leadership, teen development and training, and direct supervision to assigned group of teen campers, counselors‑in‑training (CITs), or leaders‑in‑trainings (LITs). The teen counselor is responsible for assisting with the implementation of a quality camp program. Activities should provide for growth in skills (especially leadership), self‑awareness, and group relations. Safety and the overall welfare of campers are of primary importance.

The teen counselor provides support to the CIT counselor and other staff as needed. They also act as a peer leader, by demonstrating appropriate techniques to work with campers and by using their influence to help develop others.

• Keeps safety of campers as the first priority. Emphasizes personal safety and emotional wellbeing with campers, parents and other camp personnel at all times.
• Creates an active, progressive, and engaging environment.
• By personal example, helps interpret the quality of YMCA values to campers, CITs, parents, and staff. Must be a positive role model. Develops appropriate relationships with all campers in their care. Understands, establishes, and abides by appropriate boundaries.
• Uses positive, constructive methods of discipline/positive reinforcement, and ensures that all staff does the same. Uses specific, positive praise to reinforce and teach positive behavior.
• Plans and implements recreational and educational programs and trainings that emphasize group participation with an appropriate amount of choice.
• Positively assists aquatics staff during daily swim instruction and aids lifeguards during free swim time. Bathing suits must be worn at all times while in the aquatics area. Swims with their group daily.
• Keep daily attendance records for assigned group. Stays alert to camper needs by practicing active listening. Frequently takes a name to face, at the beginning, during, and end of each activity period.
• Keeps a direct line of communication open with supervisors.
• Reports all accidents/unusual incidents immediately to appropriate supervisors and creates necessary documentation.
• Communicates program information, problems, and concerns as they occur.
• Assists with planning and implementing Camp Cookout and Sleepovers.
• Assists with the coordination of camp activities, especially all camp activities. Actively participates in and takes ownership of all aspects of camp program, including special events, openings, closings, and extended hours.
• Attends all staff meetings and training sessions. Becomes familiar with provided training materials and actively incorporates them in their day today interactions and work with campers.
• Maintains and cares for all program areas and supplies. Ensures that campers treat all equipment, supplies, and camp property with respect and responsibility.
• Performs other duties as required by supervisor (remains flexible). Demonstrates a willingness to help where needed and actively seeks to develop oneself.
• Abides by the established YMCA/ DPH / ACA day camp policies, procedures, regulations, and guidelines and asks when in doubt.
• Is available up to 40 hours per week Monday through Friday for an eight hour shift between the hours of 7am-6pm.

• Must be at least 18 years of age (21+ preferred).
• Must have high school diploma or equivalent; some college, and teen experience preferred.
• Must have experience working with teens or young adults, understand their needs, strengths, weaknesses.
• The individual must demonstrate a commitment to working with participants from a variety of backgrounds.
• Knowledge of group process -- must actively work in harmony with other staff.
• Must be committed to carry out YMCA mission, camp philosophy, and goals.
• Must utilize effective communication skills.
• Must possess current First Aid, Oxygen administration, and CPR certifications and all others as required by the specific camp.