Junior Camp Counselor -Oratam Camp

POSITION SUMMARY: This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Provides direct supervision of a group of children in a seasonal day camp. Creates positive, nurturing relationships with children, while building cooperative relationships with parents/caregivers. Promotes and supports the potential of all youth in programs and facilitates peer-to-peer connections as part of the overall camp experience.   ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Keeps campers focused and engaged in camp activities. Assist Specialist during activity periods. 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. Learn camper’s names. Respond to campers needs. Assist Senior Counselor, Specialists, and all camp staff in carrying out themes, special events, trips, and all camp activities. Encourage camper’s youth development progress. Help group maintain camp cleanliness. Work cooperatively with all camp staff while planning all camp activities. Perform the above responsibilities in an enthusiastic and committed manner. Do more than the minimum for campers. Treat them as special. Treat campers and fellow staff members with respect. Use redirection to appropriate activities when needed and use positive reinforcement to commend good choices. Teach and instill the Four Core Values of the YMCA in all camp activities:Caring, Respect, Honesty, & Responsibility. Act as requested by the supervisor. Safety: Attend regular staff meetings scheduled by supervisor. Must attend and complete all required trainings. At all times uphold camp safety standards. Maintain constant face counts. Will understand and practice risk management and disaster policies and procedures. Help maintain group control and facilitate lunch time activities. Must follow all Association Aquatics Policy Guidelines. Take on designated assignments for aquatic activities. Help expedite arrival and departure from the pool (i.e. dressing rooms, etc.). Follow all YMCA, ACA, and NJ Licensing standards and procedures to ensure the safest and best quality camp and to help maintain ACA accreditation. Secure and submit all accident reports. Report all immediate concerns to Camp Director or nearest supervisor. Follow supervision of bus counselors and help to ensure safety, expedient procedures and fun activities on the bus. Lead bus songs, stories and games. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS: High School Diploma, college credits/degree in Education preferred. Basic understanding of youth development principles. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate with all levels including staff, parents and staff. Ability to be creative, innovative, flexible with high energy. Ability to problem solve and take initiative that adhere to the purpose, mission and goals of the YMCA. Ability to relate to children and develop professional, positive relationships with youth. 1-3 years’ experience leading and supervising group activities. Ability to work as part of a team, as a role model and take initiative to identify potential risk factors and take measures to reduce them. First Aid, CPR and AED certification may be required. PHYSICAL DEMANDS Must be capable of being on your feet for long periods and be able to actively supervise children in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments. Must be capable of bending, kneeling, squatting and lifting 30 pounds. Must be able to visually account for all children in the program, whether inside or outside. Must be able to hear whistle or alarms. Clear speaking voice is needed to command control of group.   INTERNAL CANDIDATES: Current active employees of the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges should apply via the Careers section of the Dayforce Employee Account.