Summer Camp Youth Counselor

The “Summer Camp Youth Counselor” is responsible for the daily supervision of 10-19 Summer Camp program participants grades K-8. S/he is responsible for assisting in the planning, development, and implementation of all 9 program components and program activities in the Summer Camp program. The Mentor guides the academic and social development of children; ensuring a safe, enriching, and healthy learning environment. Summer Camp Youth Mentors use a variety of resources, provided by the Summer Camp Site Director/Program Coordinator to introduce new skills throughout the execution of activities. To accomplish this, group Youth Mentors are required to participate in ongoing professional development and planning sessions with the Summer Camp Site Director/Program Coordinator on a scheduled basis.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Summer Camp Youth Mentor must have the competencies, skills, and proven leadership ability to successfully carry out the YMCA mission, goals, and visions for serving the community. The Summer Camp Youth Mentor will be responsible for the following:

Ensures the safety and engagement of children in assigned group.

Demonstrates competency with the DESSA assessment tool and is fully training.

Plans and use the S.A.F.E. framework to facilitate purposeful and engaging activities and group projects that compliments the program’s thematic or project-based agenda according to the program 9 components and site implementation plan.

Provide assistance with homework and encourage academic progress.

Follows program lesson plans and implementation plan in a developmentally appropriate manner, meeting the individual physical, social, emotional, and intellectual needs of the participants.

Provides careful, attentive supervision, alert at all times.

Serves as a positive role model, demonstrates professional behavior and understand positive youth development approaches to the academic and social development of youth.

Facilitates a program environment that invites exploration, promotes positive play, and welcomes children.

Promotes a team concept through a positive approach to supervision, communication, and interactions with others. Maintains on-going communication with supervisor.

Maintain accurate classroom records as assigned and according to program requirements.

Communicates regularly with parents; attends parent/family events as designated by supervisor.

Adheres to all required policies of the YMCA of Western North Carolina, state and federal regulations.

Demonstrates a working knowledge of YMCA mission, purpose and goals, childcare policies and YMCA standards; ensures the program meets the highest standards of excellence.

Must be at least 16years of age or older.

High School Diploma or equivalent.

A minimum of two years prior experience working with children under 13 years of age preferred.

Exceptional group management, problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.

Experience in creating interactive and educational/artistic activities, youth development, academic enrichment and arts.

Must possess oral, auditory and written communication skills appropriate for interacting with both children and adults.

Must be capable of implementing the daily administrative, program related, and supervisory responsibilities of an after-school site.

Flexibility, with the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

The YMCA of WNC does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, faith, gender, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law, except where a bona fide occupational qualification applies.