This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Summer Camp Counselor will be primarily responsible for the total welfare and program leadership of a cabin or day camp group. He or she is responsible for the health and safety of each camper as well as all aspects of the camper’s experiences. The Counselor will utilize the programs and facilities as tools to help develop the camper in spirit mind and body. The counselor lives the mission of the Akron Area YMCA and the vision of Camping Services. Our vision is to provide camper-centered experiences that empower us all to be our best.
- The Counselor must be a minimum of 18 years of age and a High School graduate.
- At least one year of college or equivalent life/work-experience
- Participate in pre-season staff training. A mid-season training is offered for late hires.
- Must be able to receive and apply critical feedback in a fast-paced environment.
- Must be able to make appropriate decisions regarding childcare and program.
- He or she must also pass First Aid and CPR training (offered during or before staff training).
- Leads cabin group and help each camper adjust and grow with other campers. (residential staff will live with campers in cabin).
- Assist in developing individual camper’s independence, self-esteem, and peer relationships in the summer camping environment. Promote a culture of open feedback and commitment to one’s best self.
- Design/lead activities that are safe, fun and promote cabin unity. Adapt programs to meet individual campers’ interests and needs. Organize campers for daily cabin clean up and camp improvement duties.
- Embody an “on-stage” mentality by actively and consistently participating in or facilitating program with campers at the highest level.
- Listen actively to campers, address each camper by name.
- Use age and developmentally appropriate interventions with emphasis on being proactive.
- Actively seek and give feedback to/from campers, peers and leadership to improve the camp experience.
- Interpret safety and health rules, as well as other camp policies, to campers.
- Actively participate in all activities including waterfront, evening programs, & special events. Use behavior management techniques as outlined in the policy and procedure handbook.
- Abide by mandatory reporting policies, as described in the policy and procedure handbook.
- Ensures proper maintenance and upkeep of camp grounds and facilities, reporting any maintenance concerns to the Program Director.
- Provide the extra needed medical and personal attention required by campers with disabilities.
- Participate in pre-season staff training.
- Completes all reports and documentation timely including but not limited to: incident reports, accident reports, camper behavior reports, child abuse reports, and other business office forms.
- Other duties as assigned.
Communication & Influence: Interprets messages and body language effectively. Listens with intent to understand the perspective of others by using appropriate communication methods, including open-ended questions.
Emotional Maturity: Acts in alignment with personal and organizational values in all situations.Remains calm and objective when under pressure or when challenged by others. Accepts responsibility for behavior. Leads with empathy, anticipating how actions and words impact others. Operates with openness and a willingness to receive ongoing feedback from all levels of the organization.
Inclusion: Embraces all dimensions of diversity (i.e., ability, age, culture, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender identity, income, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, etc.) by treating all people with dignity, compassion, and respect.
Critical Thinking & Decision Making: Recognizes own biases and suspends judgmental thinking. Responds to challenges with possible solutions in a timely manner.
He or she must also pass First Aid and CPR training (offered during or before staff training).