Outdoor Education Camp Counselor

Job Description

Job Description

To proceed with your application for this position, please complete the Predictive Index Behavioral Assessment linked below. Ensure you finish the assessment for your application to be reviewed.

Behavioral Assessment Link

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the general direction of the Summer Camp Director, the Outdoor Education Camp Counselor oversees a group of assigned campers, ensuring a healthy and positive summer program.

OUR CULTURE:

At the YMCA of Montclair, we strive to be the Employer of Choice, provide World-Class Service, and be the Charity of Choice. Our goal is to be a place where employees are empowered and excited to come to work. All staff ensure that members experience customer centric, individual attention each and every day. We strive to be the preferred partner to collaborate with others, identifying and meeting our community needs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Ensure the safety and health of all campers in accordance with applicable NJ requirements through proper supervision.
• Implement camp activities as directed.
• Assist in designing and implementing outdoor education curriculum tailored to different age groups and abilities, incorporating environmental education and life skills development.
• Assist in leading outdoor activities such as, but not limited to, hiking, canoeing, ropes/challenge courses, team building, while providing clear instructions and ensuring participant safety.
• Assist in facilitating group dynamics, team building cohesion, and fostering communication among participants.
• Assist in educating participants about the natural environment, conservation practices, and Leave No Trace principles.
• Assess potential hazards, implement safety protocols, and respond to emergencies by following the camp EAP.
• Maintain all equipment and property, minimizing damage. Inform the director if new equipment is needed or equipment needs repair.
• Communicate positively and enthusiastically with campers, parents, staff, and volunteers.
• Treat each child with dignity and respect.
• Provide directions to assistant camp counselors and any staff or campers in training.
• Report all accidents and incidents involving self, participants, guests, or other employees.
• Familiar with and able to implement emergency procedures.
• Ensure cleanliness of facility or property.
• Actively participate during waterfront activities by serving as a lookout, swim instructor, boater, swim buddy, or clipboard counselor or as directed by Waterfront Director.
• Always Have a watch with/on you to ensure that you bring your group to their assigned activity on time; cell phones/electronic devices may NOT be used in lieu of a watch.
• All other duties as assigned.
• Demonstrate and model the YMCA’s four core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.
• Exhibit personal and professional behavior in a manner consistent with the best interest of the Association, so as not to bring discredit to the Association.
• Perform such other job-related duties as may be periodically assigned by the Supervisor.
• Cooperate, work effectively and congenially with all YMCA staff members, volunteers, and members of the Association.
• Adhere to policies related to boundaries with members, volunteers, staff, and participants.
• Attend required Abuse Risk Management training and adhere to procedures related to managing high-risk activities and supervising members and participants.
• Report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations and follow mandated abuse reporting procedures.
• Ensure unused rooms and closets remain locked, will routinely monitor high-risk locations (locker rooms and restrooms) etc.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

• Emotional Maturity
• Communication
• Critical Thinking and Decision Making
• Relationships
• Collaboration

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be at least 18 years of age and/or be a high school graduate.
• Previous experience in camping, recreation, teaching, childcare or physical education preferred.
• Must have knowledge of crafts, group games and sports.
• Excellent human relation skills, good organizational and communication skills.
• Knowledge of and commitment to the mission of the YMCA and its capacity to build strong kids, families and communities. The ability to articulate and model YMCA’s four core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibilities are essential.
• The satisfactory performance of the incumbent will result in a consistently high-quality summer camp program which ensures the health and safety of all campers.
• Must have a CPR/AED and First Aid Certification OR get certified within 90 days of employment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This work requires the following physical activities: climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling, twisting, reaching, sitting, standing for extended periods of time, walking, lifting, finger dexterity, grasping, repetitive motions, talking, feeling, hearing, and visual acuity (with the aid of glasses if necessary). The work is performed primarily outdoors and may require occasional travel. Must be able to lift 50 lbs.

COMPANY BENEFITS : Free membership and 25% discount for programs and camp fees for the duration of the season.

HOURLY PAY RATE: $17.75 to $19.00

WORK SCHEDULE: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm