Job Description

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.The Camp Specialist shall design and deliver a program specialty in their designated area tailored to the skills and interests of each age group. He or she will work with other counselors to bring about quality programming in that specialty area. Activities should nurture creativity, cooperation, skill and self-esteem and support the potential of all youth in programs and facilitates peer-to-peer connections as part of the overall camp experience.

YMCA of Greater Bergen County operates traditional day and resident camps in Harriman State Park, NY, along Lake Kanawauke, providing a beautiful natural setting. The camp is 45 minutes from Hackensack, where our YMCA is located; all counselors and campers are bused to camp from the YMCA. Camp activities include swimming, boating, fishing, arts & crafts, sports & games, archery, nature, hiking, rock climbing, and challenge/low ropes course.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Plan, setup and deliver a variety of activities within specialty area that are age specific and that keep children’s interests high.

Instruct Counselors on how to teach activities within specialty. Encourage activity planning and leadership for Counselors assigned to the activity.

Lead specialty activities with assistance from Counselors and help keep Counselors focused on the activity.

Control all supply inventory used in specialty. Assist Camp Director with ordering supplies. Keep supply storage area neat and organized.

Assist the Camp Director in carrying out themes and special events, general camp activities.

Greet campers with a smile and treat them with enthusiasm.

Learn camper’s names. Respond to campers needs.

Encourage camper’s youth development progress. As a leader, set a good example for the children. Teach campers how to solve problems and maintain basic discipline and group control.

Ensure that all volunteers have a great experience to help our association increase volunteer participation.

Develop positive relationships with member families and learn why they come to our Y.

Help group maintain camp cleanliness.

Perform all responsibilities in an enthusiastic and committed manner.

Take the initiative to be actively participatory in all activities.

Act as needed when not leading a specialty program.

Safety:

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 lunchtime activities.

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, special plans, schedule changes, and evaluations to Camp Director when appropriate.

Report all immediate concerns to Camp Director or nearest supervisor.

Use two methods of discipline with campers to include redirection to appropriate activities and using positive reinforcement to commend good choices.

DIRECT REPORTS:N/A

BUDGET RESPONSIBILITY:N/A

OTHER DUTIES:

Always maintain a professional demeanor, as you are a representative of the YMCA.

Wear Camp T-shirt daily.

Maintain positive attitude, responsibility and self-motivation. Be punctual and reliable.

Create a positive and nurturing learning environment to instill youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

High school student or equivalent.

Previous experience working with children preferably in a day camp setting, preferably as a CIT.

Interest preferred in one or more of the following areas: outdoor living, archery, boating, camping, songs/music, skits, sports, aquatics, recreational games, etc.

At least 16 years of age.

Previous experience with diverse populations preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Ability to plan, lead and participate in a range of activities in a variety of outdoor/indoor settings.