Job Details
Day Camp Counselor - Camp Ponkapoag (Canton)
Department: Child Development: Day Camp
Employment Type: Seasonal - Full Time
Location: Ponkapoag
Compensation: $16.50 - $20.00 / hour
Description
Organization:
The YMCA Is the nation's leading nonprofit, committed to strengthening communities through healthy living, youth development and social responsibility. In Boston, the Y is over 150 years old, successful in empowering people of all ages to learn, grow and thrive. In neighborhoods across greater Boston, the Y is community centered and has the presence and partnerships to deliver positive change. Every day the Y's impact is felt, whether it's an adult who chooses a healthy lifestyle; a child who is inspired to learn a new skill or a community that comes together for the common good. The Y is So Much More.
Position Summary: Under the direction of the Camp Director, the Day Camp Counselor leads a specific age group of children through a schedule of daily activities that allows children to learn and play at the same time, explore the environment, participate in outdoor sports and swimming and develop positive relationships. Outdoor Day Camp Counselors model the Y's leadership core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership
- Emphasizes personal safety and emotional well-being with campers, parents and other camp personnel at all times. Camper safety is a top priority.
- Interprets the quality of YMCA values to campers, CIT's, 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.
- Plans and implements recreational and educational programs that emphasize group participation with an appropriate amount of choice.
- Uses positive, constructive methods of discipline/positive reinforcement, and ensures that all staff does the same.
- Communicates respectfully, openly and effectively with all staff, parents and children.
- Assists pool staff during daily swim instruction and aids lifeguards during free swim time.
Program Implementation- Keeps daily attendance records for assigned group. Stays alert to camper needs by practicing active listening. Frequently takes a name to face roll call, at the beginning, during, and end of each activity period.
- Reports all accidents and unusual incidents immediately to appropriate supervisors and completes necessary documentation.
- Communicates program information, problems, and concerns as they occur.
- Assists with planning and implementing of daily camp activities, camp special events and Family Night activities.
- Actively participates in all aspects of camp daily leadership schedule including openings, closings, and extended hours, transportation logistics.
- Attends all staff meetings and training sessions. Becomes familiar with 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 responsibly.
- 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.
Work Environment- Must have the physical ability to lead and participate in camp activities (physical games and activities)
- Works in a busy outdoor environment that has both shade and sun.
- Expected to be in the water during all swim periods.
Skills, Knowledge and ExpertiseQualifications- Must be at least 18 years of age and have a passion for working with and nurturing children.
- Enjoys the outdoors and outdoor activities; knows how to incorporate environmental observation
- Must have high school diploma or equivalent; college degree or pursuing a college degree preferred.
- Experience working with children (youth programs, camp settings or related field); understand the needs of children.
- Must demonstrate cultural sensitivity and utilize effective communication skills.
- Possesses a knowledge of group process - collaborate style of working within a team.
- Must be committed to carry out YMCA mission, camp philosophy, and goals.
- Must possess current First Aid, Oxygen, and CPR certifications and as required by the specific camp; or successfully complete YMCA provided First Aid, CPR, Child Abuse/Sexual Abuse Prevention Training upon hire.
- 7D license recommended to assist with transportation to and from camp and on field trips.
- Is available up to 40 hours per week Monday through Friday for an 8 hour shift between the hours of 7am-6pm.
- Committed to a 10 week schedule (late June- August 31).