Summer Camp Counselor

General Function

Counselors are directly responsible for the program leadership and well-being of campers, participants, and members under the supervision of the Overnight Camp Director and the Day Camp Director. Counselors role model for all campers choices that will help all young children to become successful, confident and caring as they mature. There is no bad child…

Know How

All Counselor positions require:

1. Putting forth an honest effort, admitting mistakes. Your integrity is reflected in your honest choices.

2. Caring, compassionate and accountable to anyone that we serve. We strive to put the needs of others before our own. We strive to do what is best for the individual and the community.

3. Respect for all individuals that enter Sherman Lake YMCA. We provide opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds to experience a safe learning environment where everyone is encouraged to grow.

4. Be an active contributing member of the community and take responsibility for all the roles you play as a counselor, mentor, friend, and learner.

5. Age minimum of 18 years or a high school diploma for day camp staff and for overnight camp staff an additional one year of college and/or camping post high school graduation experience preferred. Staff who work in the LDP program must be a minimum of 21 years of age and have prior camp work experience.

6. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with children and families.

7. Ability to lift 40 lbs.

8. Certification in First Aid and in Infant, Child, and Adult CPR. (Additional life guard certification is preferred).

Principal Activities

All Counselor positions require each person to:

1. Be available to do whatever is needed to ensure the best possible week for all Sherman Lake campers, members and participants from Sunday noon through Friday at 6:00 pm.

2. Live by and teach the Four Principles of the Sherman Lake YMCA Outdoor Center: Honesty, Caring, Respect, and Responsibility.

3. Maintain the health and safety of campers, members, and participants. It is the #1 priority of the Sherman Lake YMCA Outdoor Center at all times.

4. Attend Mandatory staff training which will be anywhere from 6-10 days in length.

5. Assist the campers, members, and participants as they increase their understanding of their natural and social environments.

6. Ensure that all applicable YMCA, ACA (American Camp Association), local, state, and federal regulations are fulfilled.

7. Arrange special activities for groups of children.

8. Recognize campers, members, and participants for their personal growth, exemplary behavior, and skill attainment. Effectively prepare end of session camper notes and submit in a timely fashion.

9. Guide and direct campers, members, and participants toward their potential by creating a loving and supportive environment.

10. Actively participate in teaching and assisting in activities.

11. Be flexible and assist in any and all areas of the Sherman Lake YMCA Outdoor Center as needed and directed.

12. Provide program leadership by being prepared at all times to teach a variety of camp activities.

Please note: Camp is often unpredictable. There will be times when you will be requested to help in addition to your principle activities.

Effect on End Results

The effectiveness of all counselors is measured in part by:

1. The number of campers that are positively affected by your abilities to counsel.

2. Children displaying an increase in their ability to positively communicate with their parents/family.

3. Children have learned a new skill (achievement), have made a new friend (relationships) and feel a sense of belonging to the Sherman Lake YMCA Community

4. The achievement of the goals and objectives of the Sherman Lake YMCA Outdoor Center.

5. YMCA Campers, Members, and Participants having a happy, safe, and rewarding experience.

6. Each Staff member and Volunteer having a rewarding growth experience.

7. Positive formal and informal performance reviews.