Summer Day Camp Lead Counselor

Position Summary

This Summer Seasonal position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Under the direction of the Youth Development Director and in accordance with the goals and objectives of the YMCA of Wichita Falls, the Summer Day Camp Lead Counselor is the primary staff working with YMCA Camp Counselors.

The Summer Day Camp Lead Counselor is responsible to do the job duties of a counselor as well as organizing/creating activities and camp schedules, assist in creating staff schedules, prep for field trips, and monitoring camp staff. This position will also be closely involved in neutralizing child behavior situations. Camp staff training will be scheduled to take place in May. The Summer Day Camp Counselor will have prep time of 10-20 hours per week throughout the month of May and will work 35-40 hours per week May 31st August 19th. Regular daily hours will be 8:30am 5:30pm with a 1-hour lunch break.

Our Culture

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

Essential Functions

• Works with the Youth Development Director on the pre-planning and prep work regarding camp including but not limited to, structure of day, recruitment/enrollment of students, applications, planning trips, etc.
• Assist with all programming on a day-to-day basis.
• Assist in supervising camp counselors.
• Helps facilitate regularly scheduled Summer Camp meeting throughout the summer.
• Assure all paperwork is kept accurate including by not limited to: attendance, class rosters, contact lists for staff and campers, all registrations forms, etc.
• Maintain a current and accurate record of all children enrolled in the Summer Camp or on the wait list.
• Direct contact for parents, to answer any questions as well as notify them on anything regarding their children, including but not limited to, behavior issues, incidents, accomplishments, etc.
  
  

The responsibilities above are in addition to Day Camp Counselor responsibilities shown below that are also responsibilities of the Summer Day Camp Lead Counselor.

• Supervises a group of children and program activities.
• Follows all policies, procedures, and standards as established by the law or the Y (e.g., safety or emergency procedures, behavior guidance strategies, child abuse prevention policies); makes ADA accommodations where appropriate; maintains the program site, equipment, and required program records.
• Nurtures children through purposeful programming; plans and/or leads activities that are intended to achieve program goals and outcomes, are culturally relevant, are developmentally appropriate, and are consistent with the Ys values.
• Creates a positive rapport and shared interest with all youth; models relationship-building skills in all interactions.
• Provides opportunities for youth to lead, problem-solve, and make decisions and choices within the program and provides daily opportunities for youth to reflect on and respond to their experiences.
• Provides and welcomes ongoing dialogue with parents and caregivers about their childs needs and progress; connects families to the Y.
• Attends and participates in family nights, program activities, staff meetings, and staff training.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  
  

Leadership Competencies

• Communication & Influence
• Developing Self & Others
• Program/Project Management
  
  

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age
• High school diploma or equivalent; one year or more of college preferred.
• CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications required.
• Child Abuse Prevention training required within 30 days of hire.
• Previous experience working with children in a camp setting preferred.
• Previous experience in one or more of the following areas preferred: outdoor living, camping, songs/music, skits, sports, aquatics, or recreational games.
• Previous experience working with diverse populations.
• Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.
• Commitment to inclusion and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
  
  

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Ability to plan, lead, and participate in program activities in a variety of indoor and/or outdoor settings.