Summer Day Camp Counselor

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Under the supervision of the Summer Camp Supervisor, Youth Development Coordinator(s), Program Coordinator, and the Director of Camps the Summer Camp Counselor is the primary caregiver for camp attendees. Camp Counselors are responsible for planning, teaching, coordinating, and carrying out daily activities that fulfill the mission of the Greater Peoria Family YMCA day camp in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures.

This position is available at multiple sites including: Camp Big Hollow at Peoria YMCA, Camp Limestone at Alpha Park, Bartonville, Camp Trailblazer, Elmwood

• Demonstrate professional role modeling at all times, demonstrating Y Core Values of honesty, caring, respect and responsibility.
• Apply basic youth development principles in working with campers through communication, relationship development, respect for diversity, and the empowerment of youth.
• Assist in the development, supervision and organization of camp activities in order to meet the intended camper outcomes.
• Build relationships with campers, observe the group dynamics of each group and connect with individual campers who need extra attention and support.
• Plan daily activities that fall within the framework of individual and group interests/abilities.
• Provide consistent enrichment, recreation, and creative opportunities for campers by leading planned activities.
• Maintain supervision of campers through awareness and by following all applicable health and safety regulations and guidelines.
• Support and encourage camp attendees, providing specific examples of their actions and words, helping replace undesired behavior with positive choices.
• Work with other camp counselors to create a safe environment in which all campers are respectful of each other and the guidelines at camp.
• Communicate regularly with the camp supervisor(s) including needs related to supplies and materials, incident/accident reports, and any additional camp issues.
• Complete Incident Reports, Behavior Reports as required by YMCA guidelines and promptly communicate those with Camp Supervisor(s).
• Report any suspicions of child abuse following protocols established with the required guidelines of the Illinois Mandated Reporter manual.
• Follow all health and safety regulations as outlined by YMCA procedures and state and county health regulations.
• Attend and participate in all required staff meetings.
• Complete all required training outlined by the YMCA and state regulations.
• All other duties assigned based on department needs.

Work Environment:

• Prolonged standing, bending, walking, hiking, climbing, and stretching.
• Hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity to manipulate outdoor equipment and activities.
• Occasional lifting up to 50+ pounds.
• Use of vision abilities including close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.
• Moderate to loud noise levels in the work environment.
• Exposure to outdoor elements.
• Occasional stooping, kneeling, and crawling.

• Ability to design and implement recreational programming.
• Ability to interact with children and adults of all ages.
• Ability to perform multiple tasks concurrently.
• Proficiency in understanding the developmental needs of youth.
• Demonstrated basic level knowledge and skill in designed camp program areas.
• Eighteen (18) years of age.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications:

• Possession of Spanish language both written and spoken.
• CPR/AED certification (provided upon hire if needed).
• Related higher education in child development/childcare.
• Proven experience in leadership, supervision, and childcare.

CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION AND REQUIRED TRAININGS & CERTIFICATIONS

The Greater Peoria Family YMCA adheres to the strictest regulations pertaining to Child Abuse Prevention and requires all staff and volunteers to complete Child Abuse Prevention Training at time of hire and on an annual basis. Other required trainings and certifications, provided by the YMCA during on-boarding or within the first 90 days of employment, include: Illinois Mandated Reporter Certification, Illinois Sexual Harassment and Discrimination Training, CPR/AED/First Aid certification, and OSHA training including Bloodborne Pathogens.

• Free Membership
• Discounted Programming
• Free CPR/AED/First Aid Training
• 8% Retirement for Vested Employees
• Paid Leave For All
• Opportunities for Training and Advancement
• Work That Makes a Lasting Difference

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.