Camp Counselor (Seasonal)

Description The Camp Counselor at Camp Lowe maintains a supportive, positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals, promotes the potential of all youth, and provides quality experience to both youth and their families. Under the supervision of the Camp Director, the Camp Counselor oversees the safety of all children in their care. They will facilitate activities and be a positive role model for all youth. In addition, they adhere to all YMCA Child Protection policies.

This is a summer seasonal position with a start date of June 29th going through August 28th. Shifts will be between the hours of 7:00am-5:30pm Monday-Friday; occasional evenings (after 5:30pm) for staff meetings & weekends as necessary for special events .

Essential Functions

• Work with Camp Director and Assistant Camp director before camp opening to set up camp program areas and the program for campers. Attend and participate in staff trainings and meetings. Take initiative making sure campers are engaged in activities throughout the camp day and limit down time. Be flexible and show willingness to work in any age group as needed. Commit to working at least 8 weeks of camp. If you need time-off, it MUST be approved prior to hiring.
• Must be able to work 7:00-5:30 as needed.
• May sometimes come in later than 7:30 and leave before 5:30. Keep daily attendance records of campers in assigned groups. Plan creative and interesting activities for assigned group of campers as the daily schedule permits. Maintain camp area in an orderly fashion and keep free of trash and garbage. Remain in camp until the last camper is gone. Assist in nature walks, art/crafts, and other activities as assigned. Supervise swimming activities from the dock and/or accompany the campers in the swimming area. All counselors must be competent with their swimming ability. Accompany children on canoe trips. Know the whereabouts of all campers in the group at all times. Observe and enforce all safety regulations. Learn the likes and dislikes of each participant in the assigned group. Recognize and respond to opportunities for problem solving in the group. Develop opportunities for interaction between campers and staff. Provide opportunities for the group so that each individual experiences success during camp. Provide opportunities for discussion of individual or group problems or concerns. Help each participant meet the goals established by the camp for camper development. Supervise all assigned aspects of the camper’s day including mealtimes and the general camp program. Instruct campers in emergency procedures such as fire drills, missing child drill, etc. Help campers plan their participation in camp-wide programs and special events. Distribute and collect assigned paperwork to the campers. Set a good example for campers/others including cleanliness, punctuality, sharing, clean up, chores and sportsmanship. Encourage respect for personal property, camp equipment and facilities. Maintain good public relations with camper’s parents/guardians. Submit all required reports on time. Help supervise the morning and afternoon drop-off and pick-up of campers. Administer first-aid and CPR as necessary. Evaluate the current season and make suggestions for the following season. Assist in storing all materials and supplies at the end of day, week, and season. Support the mission of the YMCA of Central Massachusetts. May be asked to go on off-site field trips as needed. These are not the only duties to be performed. Some duties may be reassigned, and other duties may be assigned as required.

Qualifications

Previous experience working with children preferred. Meets minimum age standards as established by state law and/or the Y. Previous experience working with diverse populations preferred. Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds. CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications required with on-boarding process. Child Abuse Prevention training required within 30 days of hire.

Job Type

• Seasonal
• Schedule: 40+ hours per week from
• June 29th through
• August 28th
• Pay: $16.50/hr for new hires, $17.50/hr for returning camp staff with 1 year employment history, $18.00 for returning camp staff with 2+ years of employment history. Plus, access to YMCA facilities for all YMCA Employees & Employee Assistance Program available

• If you are looking to have the best summer ever, please submit your online application today!
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