Job Description

The Camp Specialist will 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.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

· At all times, maintain a professional demeanor, as a representative of the YMCA. Wear Camp uniform as required. Encourage through positivity.

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

· Instruct Counselors on how to teach Activities. Encourage activity planning and leadership for Counselors assigned to the activity.

· Lead specialty activities with assistance from Counselors.

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

· Carry out plans during the camp season; ensuring activities are well thought-out, diverse, progressive, challenging and fun for the campers.

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

· Consistently greet campers and parents with a smile and with enthusiasm. Learn campers’ names.

· Respond to campers and parents needs promptly and in a professional, courteous manner.

· Adhere to all other ACA standards, especially maintaining camper safety as a top priority. Ensure supervision standards as detailed in the YMCA’s Code of Conduct are followed at all times. Report immediately any concerns to the Director.

· Uphold, model, teach and put the four (4) core values of the YMCA into action in all camp activities everyday: Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility

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

· Participate where needed when not leading a specialty program.

· Follow all YMCA, ACA and NJ Licensing standards and procedures to ensure the safest and best quality camp while helping to maintain ACA accreditation.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.

Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.

Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.

Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

Requirements

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS:

· High School Diploma, Associate/Bachelors Degree in Education, youth work, recreation or related preferred or equivalent experience.

· Two (2) years’ experience teaching, youth work, recreation or related field.

· Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to relate to children and communicate in various venues, i.e., public speaking, presentations.

· Ability to facilitate learning in others and ability to supervise others.

· Understanding age specific characteristics of children and positive behavior management techniques.

· Ability to facilitate learning in others and ability to supervise others.

· CPR and First Aid Certifications.

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.