Summer Camp Counselor (Boys & Girls Sessions)
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If you enjoy healthy living, have a willingness to work closely with others, are open to new experiences, work hard at sharing yourself and your talent, and have a desire to positively impact the lives of youth, join us! You'll gain personal confidence, a lifelong sense of purpose and belonging in a community like no other, and skills that can transfer into any career field. Since 1919, Camp Manito-wish YMCA has enriched the lives and leadership skills of countless participants- and that includes our staff. A large percentage of seasonal employees return each year, with the average tenure at Camp being an impressive 4 years. An overwhelming number of staff alumni credit the renown leadership training they gained here for successes in their careers and communities. Most importantly, you'll be providing an incredibly enriching Manito-wish experience for the participants in your care.
salary range
$400 - $400 / week
Additional Job Details
- International Applicants Allowed?
- No
- Work Visa Sponsoring Available
- No
Job Overview
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Ability to communicate and work with groups participating (age and skill levels), and provide necessary instruction to campers
- Must be able to relate effectively to diverse groups of people
- Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and communicate effectively
- Physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid, fire evacuation and illness
- Abilities to observe camper behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques
- Comfortable and interested in outdoor living and willing to develop expertise in canoe, backpacking or sea kayaking leadership
- Desire to learn about outdoor living and willing to teach campers the proper ways to wilderness trip
- Effectively communicate, plan and conduct activities to achieve camper development
- Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to the in-camp program and the trail
- Can carry a 75 pound canoe and up to 50 pound portage pack or backpack
- Able to canoe, kayak or backpack for up to 12 hours in any given day
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Take responsibility for safety aspects of camp and trail life which include:
- Responsible for group’s general health and safety in camp and on trail
- Knowledge of waterfront and swimming rules while in camp and on trail
- Familiarity with geographic areas of the trip and potential dangers
- Ability to apply risk management policies and procedures in camp and on the trail
- Adherence to Trips House policies and procedures
- Display active, sincere concern for campers throughout the camping session including their general hygiene and dress (appropriate and clean clothing for weather and activities)
- Actively participate in all staff training sessions
- Take responsibility for a cabin of up to five -ten campers in collaboration with a Co-Counselor in camp and on the trail
- Monitor and display active, sincere concern for campers needs, including their behavior, enjoyment, general hygiene and dress
- Show interest in individual campers throughout the session at games, activities and on trail
- Stimulate and guide campers to make responsible decisions in both trip and program planning
- Submit camper evaluation forms of each camper at the end of the session
- Provide information for beginning summer letter to parents of each camper
- Effectively hand-write letters to the parent’s of each camper at the end of the session
- Participate in all evening activities, opening/closing day events, and special activities
- Be familiar with emergency procedures in camp and on the trail
- Be responsible for and actively participate in cabin cleanliness and other camp details
- Attend and be on-time to each meal when not on time off
- Understand and commit to the Manito-wish Mission, Vision and Commitment Statements
- Understand and commit to the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility
- Understand and commit to all policies related to Child Abuse Prevention directed by Camp Manito-wish YMCA
- Provide opportunities for camper/staff discussion centering on Camp’s mission and personal growth
- Uphold rules and policies associated with Camp Manito-wish YMCA and support the group living experience
- Capable of effective and sustained mental, emotional, and social interaction with others in the camp’s fast-paced, youth-centered, community living environment
- Able to maintain mental, emotional and social resiliency (such as handling stressful situations appropriately) needed for the job in a fast-paced, interactive environment
- Perform other duties as assigned
TIME OFF:
- Two 24-hour and one 12 hour period off per session
- Any other time off at the discretion of the Section Director
Special Benefits
This is a seasonal position with dates of employment being about a 3-5 week committment in June, July or August; depending on the camp session your are participating in.
Camp Manito-wish YMCA offers a competitive salary of $400 a week for first-year counselors, plus room and board. We are American Camping Association accredited.
To apply, please submit an application through our website.
Minimum Requirements
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Minimum 18 years old
- Previous leadership experience
- Desire and proven ability to positively interact, teach, build confidence and self-esteem and work with children and staff in wilderness and “in-camp” settings
- Certified in Lifeguard Training (LGT)/Wilderness Water Safely (WWS), Standard First Aid/Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and CPR (Certifications may be obtained through Camp Manito-wish prior to first day of work)
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Strong and good character: Optimism, resilience, humility, empathy, awareness of self and others, resourcefulness, responsibility and adaptability