Summer Day Camp Counselor-Multiple Branches

Are you Outgoing? Enthusiastic? Looking to make a difference? Good with kids? Not afraid to get a little dirty? If you answered YES, then being a summer camp counselor may be just the right job for you.

Primary Summary:
Being a Day Camp Counselor is a great responsibility. Every day of camp, parents, and caregivers trust us with their most prized possession (their kids!) to help them make new friends, learn new skills, and find a place where they belong. If you are up for the challenge, you will gain so much more than a paycheck. YMCA Camp Counselors learn valuable skills that can be easily applied in school and future careers, such as time management, leading a group, and problem-solving.

Summer Day Camp Counselors provide a high-quality experience to children and parents focused on YMCA core values: honesty, respect, responsibility, and caring. They are responsible for helping to maintain a safe, clean camp location. They implement developmentally appropriate activities to foster the individual growth and development of the children in their care.

Essential Functions:

1. Supervise the children, with first priority in their safety, at all times following risk management policies. (We expect you to follow our rules at all times. We have zero-tolerance for rule breakers.)
2. Lead and actively participate in activities/games with children, effectively monitor behavior while using appropriate discipline techniques, and develop age-appropriate skills. (This means you engage and interact with your assigned groups.)
3. Attend staff meetings, mandatory training, and other YMCA events such as in-service, parent nights, and special events as required by the program. (We require training as your commitment to your own professional development.)
4. Responsible for the care of all facilities, equipment, and supplies. (We expect you to take care of the YMCA like you would your own belongings.)
5. Communicate with parents, co-workers, and supervisors about incidents involving children’s behavior, actions, or other concerns. (We will help you hone your communication skills beyond text and Snapchat!)
6. Follow YMCA policies and procedures including discipline procedures. (Remember we have zero-tolerance for rule breakers)
7. Arrive to work on time, as scheduled, dressed appropriately & ready to work. (Your campers and co-workers are counting on you to be at work and looking your best!)
8. Other duties and responsibilities assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Minimum age of 18 years old
2. Previous experience working with school age children is preferred
3. Must be willing to work outdoors in the Alabama heat and unafraid to get a little dirty
4. Successful completion of a background check and Child Abuse & Neglect screening
5. Acquire and maintain the following certifications
   1. First Aid/CPR/AED (valid 2 years unless otherwise noted)
   2. Requisite Online Training Modules
6. Experience preferred in one or more of the following areas: outdoor living, archery, camping, songs/music, skits, sports, aquatics, recreational games, STEM, arts and crafts, etc.
7. Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community
8. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
9. Must enjoy working with children
10. Demonstrated responsibility and dependability
11. Must exhibit patience and understanding at all times and keep their emotions aligned with YMCA values
12. Must be able to receive, comprehend, and follow detailed instructions
13. Must be capable of working under pressure in a somewhat disruptive environment
14. Ability to work up to 40 hours weekly
15. Must be able to attend all required training and work camp dates as discussed during the interview

Physical Demands

1. Must be alert at all times, keeping safety in mind
2. Must possess acceptable hearing and visual capabilities in order to monitor the environment and children’s well being
3. May be required to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. in various forms
4. May be required to sit, stand, or maintain physical activity for extended periods of time outdoors
5. Physically and actively engage in play and sports