Summer Camp Counselor (Boys & Girls Sessions)

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.

Job Overview

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Ability to communicate and work with groups participating (age and skill levels), and provide necessary instruction to campers
2. Must be able to relate effectively to diverse groups of people
3. Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and communicate effectively
4. Physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid, fire evacuation and illness
5. Abilities to observe camper behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques
6. Comfortable and interested in outdoor living and willing to develop expertise in canoe, backpacking or sea kayaking leadership
7. Desire to learn about outdoor living and willing to teach campers the proper ways to wilderness trip
8. Effectively communicate, plan and conduct activities to achieve camper development
9. Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to the in-camp program and the trail
10. Can carry a 75 pound canoe and up to 50 pound portage pack or backpack
11. Able to canoe, kayak or backpack for up to 12 hours in any given day

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Take responsibility for safety aspects of camp and trail life which include:
   1. Responsible for group’s general health and safety in camp and on trail
   2. Knowledge of waterfront and swimming rules while in camp and on trail
   3. Familiarity with geographic areas of the trip and potential dangers
   4. Ability to apply risk management policies and procedures in camp and on the trail
   5. Adherence to Trips House policies and procedures
2. Display active, sincere concern for campers throughout the camping session including their general hygiene and dress (appropriate and clean clothing for weather and activities)
3. Actively participate in all staff training sessions
4. Take responsibility for a cabin of up to five -ten campers in collaboration with a Co-Counselor in camp and on the trail
5. Monitor and display active, sincere concern for campers needs, including their behavior, enjoyment, general hygiene and dress
6. Show interest in individual campers throughout the session at games, activities and on trail
7. Stimulate and guide campers to make responsible decisions in both trip and program planning
8. Submit camper evaluation forms of each camper at the end of the session
9. Provide information for beginning summer letter to parents of each camper
10. Effectively hand-write letters to the parent’s of each camper at the end of the session
11. Participate in all evening activities, opening/closing day events, and special activities
12. Be familiar with emergency procedures in camp and on the trail
13. Be responsible for and actively participate in cabin cleanliness and other camp details
14. Attend and be on-time to each meal when not on time off
15. Understand and commit to the Manito-wish Mission, Vision and Commitment Statements
16. Understand and commit to the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility
17. Understand and commit to all policies related to Child Abuse Prevention directed by Camp Manito-wish YMCA
18. Provide opportunities for camper/staff discussion centering on Camp’s mission and personal growth
19. Uphold rules and policies associated with Camp Manito-wish YMCA and support the group living experience
20. Capable of effective and sustained mental, emotional, and social interaction with others in the camp’s fast-paced, youth-centered, community living environment
21. Able to maintain mental, emotional and social resiliency (such as handling stressful situations appropriately) needed for the job in a fast-paced, interactive environment
22. Perform other duties as assigned

TIME OFF:

1. Two 24-hour and one 12 hour period off per session
2. 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:

1. Minimum 18 years old
2. Previous leadership experience
3. 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
4. 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)
5. Good written and verbal communication skills
6. Strong and good character: Optimism, resilience, humility, empathy, awareness of self and others, resourcefulness, responsibility and adaptability