Job Description

The Junior Counselor will assist with the supervision and care of campers in a safe, supportive, and engaging day camp environment. Junior Counselors help meet campers’ day-to-day needs while contributing to a fun, inclusive experience filled with age-appropriate activities, games, and programming.

Junior Counselors work alongside Camp Counselors and other camp staff to support programming for an assigned age group throughout the camp day. Responsibilities include assisting with activities, encouraging positive camper interactions, helping maintain a safe and welcoming environment, and supporting the physical, social, and emotional well-being of campers.

The successful candidate enjoys working with children, demonstrates patience and enthusiasm, and is eager to learn and grow as a member of the Frost Valley YMCA camp team. Junior Counselors serve as positive role models and are expected to follow all Frost Valley YMCA safety, supervision, and child protection policies.

Junior Counselors will always work under the supervision of senior camp staff and will never be alone with campers.

Requirements

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assist with the supervision and care of campers from the time they arrive at Frost Valley until they are picked up at the end of the camp day.
• Help create a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and fun environment for campers participating in Frost Valley YMCA Day Camp.
• Assist Camp Counselors with age-appropriate activities, games, and programming throughout the camp day.
• Support the physical, emotional, and social well-being of campers by encouraging positive interactions and serving as a positive role model.
• Work cooperatively as a member of the Day Camp team, including communicating appropriately, accepting delegated responsibilities, and supporting fellow staff members.
• Maintain friendly, cooperative, and professional relationships with co-counselors, supervisors, directors, and other Frost Valley YMCA staff.
• Follow all Frost Valley YMCA policies, procedures, safety standards, and child protection guidelines.
• Assist with maintaining clean, organized, and safe program spaces and equipment.
• Help inventory, organize, clean, and properly return camp equipment and supplies after use.
• Be a positive role model for campers and fellow staff by demonstrating appropriate behavior, language, teamwork, and Frost Valley YMCA character values.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and other required camp activities.
• Communicate camper needs, concerns, incidents, or safety issues promptly to the appropriate Camp Counselor or supervisor.
• Assist with additional duties as assigned to support the successful operation of Frost Valley YMCA Day Camp.
• Embrace and demonstrate the Frost Valley YMCA’s character values and commitment to creating a positive experience for every camper.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum 17 years of age by the start of employment.
• Previous experience working with children or youth preferred, or a strong desire to gain experience working with young people.
• Interest in working in a summer day camp environment and participating in outdoor activities.
• Ability to remain flexible and adaptable to changes in daily schedules, staffing, activities, and camper needs.
• Demonstrates patience, enthusiasm, responsibility, and a positive attitude when working with children.
• Ability to serve as a positive role model for campers and fellow staff members.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work cooperatively as part of a team and accept direction from supervisors and senior camp staff.
• Ability to multitask, remain organized, and respond appropriately in a busy camp environment.
• Commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, welcoming, and positive experience for all campers.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & 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.
• The employee frequently is required to traverse rough terrain.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

FROST VALLEY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.