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Summer Camp Counselor

Akron Area YMCA
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Job Title:  Summer Camp Counselor/Junior Counselor

FLSA Status:    Seasonal, Part Time Non-Exempt

Reports to:  Program Director – Summer Camp

Revision Date: 07/02/2025

Leadership Level:   Leader

Primary Function/Department:  Camp & Outdoors

 

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.  The Summer Camp Counselor will be primarily responsible for the total welfare and program leadership of a cabin or day camp group. He or she is responsible for the health and safety of each camper as well as all aspects of the camper’s experiences. The Counselor will utilize the programs and facilities as tools to help develop the camper in spirit mind and body. The counselor lives the mission of the Akron Area YMCA and the vision of Camping Services. Our vision is to provide camper-centered experiences that empower us all to be our best.

 

OUR CULTURE:  
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.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  1. Represent and communicate the policies and standards of Camping Services and The Akron Area YMCA
  2. Promote a culture of open feedback and commitment to one’s best self.
  3. Communicate appropriately and professionally with campers, peers, and leadership.
  4. Follow camp guidelines for self-care to consistently be the best. 
  5. Embody an “on-stage” mentality by actively and consistently participating in or facilitating program with campers at the highest level. 
  6. Adapt programs to meet individual campers’ interests and needs.
  7. Actively see feedback from campers, peers and leadership to improve the camp experience.
  8. Listen actively to campers, address each camper by name.
  9. Be continually aware of physical and emotional needs of campers and meet them appropriately.
  10. Use age and developmentally appropriate interventions with emphasis on being proactive.
  11. Provide the extra needed medical and personal attention required by campers with disabilities as needed.
  12. Builds strong bonds within the group of campers and facilitates new friendships.
  13. Arrives on time and prepared to participate and facilitate as the program requires.
  14. Challenges campers, peers, and oneself to reflect on both positive and challenging experiences throughout the session.
  15. Abide by all Camp Y-Noah and Akron YMCA Policies and procedures, as well as boundaries set forth by the American Camping Associations (ACA) or other camp governing bodies.
  16. Brings creativity, positivity, and consistency to each situation.
  17. Participate in pre-season staff training.
  18. Completes all reports and documentation timely including but not limited to: incident reports, accident reports, camper behavior reports, child abuse reports, and other business office forms.
  19. Other duties as assigned.


 

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS | ABUSE PREVENTION:

Upholding the YMCA’s commitment to the safety and well-being of youth in our programs is a core responsibility of all staff regardless of position.

  1. Attend required abuse risk management training.
  2. Adhere to policies related to boundaries with consumers.
  3. Adhere to procedures related to managing and supervising high-risk activities.
  4. Report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.
  5. Follow mandated abuse reporting requirements.

 

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT

This position may be required to maintain residence on site and may be expected to reside on camp premises during programs.  Camp will provide living quarters within the scope of our housing policy. The On-Site Staff Housing Agreement will be signed at the time of hire and always adhered to. A copy of this agreement is available upon request.

 

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

  • Communication & Influence:  Interprets messages and body language effectively. Listens with intent to understand the perspective of others by using appropriate communication methods, including open-ended questions.
  • Emotional Maturity:  Acts in alignment with personal and organizational values in all situations.  Remains calm and objective when under pressure or when challenged by others. Accepts responsibility for behavior. Leads with empathy, anticipating how actions and words impact others.  Operates with openness and a willingness to receive ongoing feedback from all levels of the organization.
  • Inclusion:  Embraces all dimensions of diversity (i.e., ability, age, culture, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender identity, income, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, etc.) by treating all people with dignity, compassion, and respect.
  • Critical Thinking & Decision Making:  Recognizes own biases and suspends judgmental thinking. Responds to challenges with possible solutions in a timely manner.

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • 18 years of age and a High School graduate (preferred); Junior Counselors 16 years of age.
  • At least one year of college or equivalent life/work-experience (preferred).
  • BCI/FBI background check results prior to first day of work; results must be compliant with ODJFS Prohibitive Convictions per 5101:2-12 and 5101:2-13 of the Ohio Administrative Code. 
  • Must be able to receive and apply critical feedback in a fast-paced environment.
  • Must be able to make appropriate decisions regarding childcare and program.
  • He or she must also pass First Aid and CPR training (offered during or before staff training).

 


 

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Routinely will works regularly from 7am to 11pm.
  • The counselor will run, jump, and play for extended periods of time without break.
  • Indoor and frequent outdoor work, including all outdoor weather conditions.
  • Must be able to lift objects that weigh up to 50 pounds and assist campers that weigh up to 150 pounds.
  • Should be able and willing to participate in lakefront activities such as swimming and boating.
  • Sitting and standing (including on the floor/ground) for long periods as well as stooping, squatting, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, and climbing
  • Exposure to communicable diseases and bodily fluids.
  • Ability to speak concisely and effectively communicate in indoor and outdoor settings.
  • Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical situations and physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency.
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate; but can occasionally be loud.