Overnight Camp - Junior Counselor

YMCA Buffalo Niagara operates two premier summer overnight camps in Western New York.
 

YMCA Camp Kenan (CampKenan.com) overlooks beautiful Lake Ontario on 50 acres near Barker, NY.

YMCA Camp Weona (CampWeona.com) is nestled among 800 acres of hills and forests in Gainesville, NY.  

When applying for this job, you will be asked to select the resident camp you would prefer to work at.

Camp activities include swimming, archery, low & high ropes challenges, climbing wall, gaga ball, arts & crats, nature, science, and more.

The Y is looking for talented individuals with a passion for the YMCA’s mission and cause, an understanding of YMCA programs and services, and whose everyday values reflect the core YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

YMCA Buffalo Niagara is an equal opportunity employer committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Junior Counselor assists in the leadership and guidance of campers, planning and implementing activities, and ensuring the safety of campers. 

GENERAL WORK SCHEDULE:

This is a residential position where food and lodging are provided during hours of work. The work week follows the camper session which begins each Sunday and ends on Saturday with a 24 hour break in-between. Dates of employment include a week of training starting June 23, 2024, 7 weeks of program, and concludes on August 17, 2024. 

BENEFITS:

Complimentary YMCA Buffalo Niagara Membership, discounted program fees, paid sick leave, training and leadership development opportunities, and an outstanding work environment. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Provides guidance to the camper group to successfully participate in all camp activities.
2. Ensures the health and safety of campers. Carries out established health and safety plans.
3. Follows and enforces department protocol to clean and disinfect commonly used surfaces. Ensures PPE compliance.
4. Maintains the cleanliness and organization of program/work areas.
5. Helps to develop activities for camper group for cabin free choice, inclement weather, and devotional activities.
6. Assists with the supervision of assigned aspects of the campers’ day, which may include reveille, cabin clean-up, meal times, rest hour, evening activities, and getting ready for bed.
7. Follows and implements all emergency procedures such as fire drills and emergency evacuation.
8. Develops and maintains positive relationships with campers, ensuring an outstanding camp experience.
9. Identify and resolve problems. Implements appropriate discipline techniques and procedures. Report difficult problems to supervisor.
10. Follows and enforces all camp rules and regulations such as those pertaining to smoking, use of alcoholic beverages, illegal use of controlled substances, and staff/camper fraternization.
11. Participates with campers in the pool during swim lessons and free swim.
12. Attends staff meetings and training sessions as scheduled.
13. Implements ongoing safety checks to assure a healthy and safe camp environment. Implements emergency procedures when necessary.
14. Communicates effectively with parents of campers.
15. Remains with assigned groups at all times and keep constant, visual track of all assigned campers unless relieved by qualified staff person.
16. Completes additional duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Must be at least 16 years old.
2. Current Lifeguard certification is preferred.
3. Desire and ability to work with children in an outdoor setting.
4. Demonstrate the YMCA core values of caring, responsibility, honesty, and respect.
5. Able to successfully lead activities for children in a camp environment.

Daily pay rate:  $37 - $58