Camp Counselors in Sandyston, New Jersey

Camp Linwood MacDonald YMCA invites you to join our caring and committed team at our beautiful 200+ acre camp in northwest New Jersey. We are seeking Seasonal Resident Camp Counselors/Program Facilitators to organize and lead activities and guide campers and guests. All activities shall be conducted in a manner consistent with established policies and procedures to enable the Association to achieve its defined goals and objectives. All staff will be required to model the YMCA core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility in their work each day. The YMCA’s recruitment process includes a comprehensive background check, including a pre-employment drug test and criminal background check.

Program Season:

• Spring, Summer, and Fall
• Shared housing (dormitory-style 3 -4 per room) for all Program Staff and Support Services (Food Service & Facilities) is available. Meals are served with campers/guests.

Summary of Essential Functions:

• Assist in the direction, supervision, and organization of campers in their living unit, within activities, and throughout the camp in order to meet the intended camper outcomes.
• Apply basic youth development principles in working with campers through communication, relationship development, and respect for diversity, involvement, and empowerment of youth.
• Assure campers are properly supervised at all times.
• Be aware of and implement safety guidelines.
• Actively participate in the development and implementation of program activities for campers and guests within the mission and outcomes.
• Maintain high standards of health and safety in all activities for campers, guests, and staff.
• Provide the daily care of each camper within your supervision including recognition of personal health needs.
• Ensure that campers receive their medications / medical care as directed by the health care manager.
• Be alert to campers and staff needs and assist them with personal and/or health problems and discuss with the camp health manager and/or resident camp director when appropriate.
• Be alert to equipment and facilities to ensure utilization, proper care, and maintenance are adhered to; report repairs needed promptly to the camp director.
• Maintain camper living spaces, program areas, and overall camp facilities in a clean and safe manner. Teach and manage campers to assist and share in responsibility and tasks associated with maintaining clean, safe facilities and program areas.
• Be a role model to campers, guests, and staff in demonstrating attitude and behavior consistent with the YMCA core values.
• Follow and uphold all safety and security rules and procedures.
• Ensure the general camp procedures and practices including sanitation, schedule, and sportsmanship are followed and model that behavior.

Minimum Requirement:

• Minimum High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least 8 years of age.
• Certified or able to obtain certification in First Aid/CPR.
• Knowledge and ability to understand the developmental needs of youth.
• Knowledge and ability to relate to youth and adults in a positive manner.
• Ability to communicate and work with individuals and groups participating (age and skill levels) and provide necessary instruction to campers and staff.
• Ability to observe camper and guest behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques.
• Ability to observe staff behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate management techniques.

Physical Demand:

• Sufficient strength, agility, and mobility to perform essential functions in a wide variety of outdoor and possibly indoor locations.
• Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to the activity. Normal range of hearing and eyesight to record, prepare and communicate appropriate camper activities/programs.
• Eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity to manipulate equipment and activities.
• Physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid. Must be able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury) and possess the strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers.
• Physical endurance and fitness enable prolonged standing, some bending, stooping, walking long distances, hiking, climbing, and stretching.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability and willingness to live in a communal camp setting and work irregular hours with limited or simple equipment and facilities and with daily exposure to the sun, heat, and animals such as bugs, snakes, fish, birds, bats, etc.

• COVID-19 Vaccination is Mandatory for Employment.
• The YMCA of Newark and Vicinity is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Upon request, reasonable accommodation is available that does not create an undue hardship on the Y’s business, in accordance with applicable laws.