Camp Counselor - Hickory

Under the direction of the Senior Youth Development Director, or his/her designee, and consistent with the mission of the YMCA of Catawba Valley and in cooperation with other YMCA staff, the Camp Counselor will be directly responsible for the safety, supervision, leadership and guidance for a group of campers.

• Build and maintain a positive environment for all campers
• Ensure the cleanliness of the camp areas during each activity period throughout the day
• Supervise and ensure the safety of campers. (at the Director’s request on the first day of each session and certain other days one may have to arrive early or stay late for camp)
• Check group attendance and report absences to the Camp Office Manager
• Execute lesson plans, as an integral part of the daily program, making changes, as they become necessary
• Incorporate weekly themes into daily activities
• Prepare and present morning devotion, song, or skit as scheduled
• Facilitate proper group behavior in assemblies
• Ensure proper documentation is maintained
• Assist in providing a positive learning experience for LIT or any teen camper assigned to you, when applicable (Branch specific)
• Assist in lifeguarding and swim with your group during group swim time. (Proper dress always required)
• Manage appropriate behavior with all children and implement the Camp’s discipline policy when necessary
• Maintain all equipment in good condition
• Report all program changes and equipment needs to the Camp Director/ Leadership Staff
• Attend staff meetings and scheduled activities
• Report to the Camp Director/ Leadership Staff any difficult or unusual situations
• Maintain responsibility of “special duty” assigned weekly
• Complete all required training
• Implement the camp reward system to ensure positive reinforcement for all campers
• Maintain a positive relationship with campers, parents, co-workers, supervisors
• Willingness to take the initiative in daily activities and programs
• Provide guidance and awareness of camp program to other departments
• All other duties as assigned

All YMCA staff are responsible for creating a safe, inclusive environment. This includes following all YMCA policies and procedures related to abuse prevention, reporting concerns or incidents immediately, and maintaining appropriate boundaries with youth and members.

• Must be at least 16 years of age (minimum 18 years of age for licensed programs)
• Experience and training significant for camp programs
• Interest in children and significant evidence of emotional maturity, good moral character, judgement, integrity and leadership capability
• Enjoyment and appreciation of the outdoors
• Ability to adapt to changing needs and circumstances
• Desire to learn and apply experiences as necessary
• Strong interpersonal skills to be able to communicate in a positive manner with member, participants and staff
• CPR, First Aid, and Blood Borne Pathogens
• BSAC Training
• YMCA Child Abuse Training

Physical Requirements:
Including, but not limited to:
Walking, stooping, carrying minimum of 50 lbs., sitting, standing, pushing, climbing, kneeling, lifting minimum of 50 lbs., and crouching

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.