Summer Camp Counselor

CAMP MANITO-WISH YMCA - SUMMER CAMP COUNSELOR

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum of 18 years of age

Leadership experience (preferred)

Wilderness trip leading experience (preferred)

Desire and proven ability to positively interact, teach, and build outdoor and life skills (including confidence

and self-esteem) with youth in wilderness and in-camp settings

Certified in Wilderness First Aid and CPR (Certifications may be obtained through Camp Manito-wish prior to

first day of work)

Certified in Lifeguard or Wilderness Water Safety (strongly preferred)

Certified in Wilderness First Responder (preferred for all, required for sea kayaking and backpacking

counselors)

Good written and verbal communication skills

Good character role model able to demonstrate optimism, resilience, humility, empathy, awareness of self

and others, resourcefulness, responsibility and adaptability

RESPONSIBLE TO: Section Director
Program Director- Summer Camp Program

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Able and interested in leading, living alongside, teaching and supporting campers (10-18 years old)

Comfortable and interested in outdoor living and outdoor activities

Able and willing develop expertise in trip discipline (Canoe, Sea Kayak, or Backpacking)

Able and willing to develop expertise in primitive wilderness tripping and backcountry camping

Ability to teach campers about outdoor living, program activities, and wilderness tripping as learned in staff training and previous experiences according to Camp Manito-wish policies and practices

Ability to effectively communicate, work independently and meet deadlines

Ability to effectively communicate and work with campers as related to age and skill levels, providing

necessary coordination, instruction and appropriate supervision especially as it pertains to achieving

camper development objectives and program risk management

Ability to observe camper behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce safety regulations and emergency

procedures, and apply appropriate behavior management techniques

Able and willing to accommodate and provide equitable experiences to diverse groups of people

Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to wilderness

and in-camp settings

Physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid, fire evacuation and illness

Ability to work outdoors in diverse weather conditions, while safety is a top priority, candidates should be

prepared for exposure to varying weather conditions

Able to carry a 55 pound canoe or up to 50 pound portage pack or backpack

Able to canoe, kayak or backpack for up to 8 hours in any given day

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

Take responsibility for a cabin of up to ten campers in collaboration with a Co-Counselor in camp and up to five campers on Trail

Take responsibility for all aspects of camper experiences which include:

  Responsibility for campers’ general health, safety and behavior management in camp and on Trail

  Knowledge of Program Area, waterfront and Section Game rules while in camp

  Knowledge of swimming rules while in camp and on Trail

  Knowledge and implementation of risk management in camp and on Trail

  Ability to provide support and direction to campers

Monitor and display active, sincere concern for campers and staff throughout the session including their behavior, enjoyment, general hygiene and dress (appropriate and clean clothing for weather and activities)

Participate in all evening activities, opening/closing day events, and special activities

Maintain and be accountable for all equipment issued from the Trips House or MLC gear room

Become familiar with the use and applications of all items in the trip first aid kit

Be familiar with emergency procedures in camp and on Trail

Provide direction to campers during emergency procedures, in both drills and implementation in case of

emergencies

Complete detail (cleaning assignment) as assigned and assist in the stewardship of Camp- assist in detail

and special projects around Camp and maintaining a high standard of cleanliness in workspaces, program

areas, bathrooms/washhouses and housing

Assist with and have responsibility over camper detail and other special details assigned to cabin

Abiding by Camp’s systems and policies regarding financial reporting (petty cash management, receipt

retention and labeling, appropriate use of funds, accountability for all petty cash) as applicable

Complete all pre- and post-session paperwork including: introductory family letter, trip planning paperwork,

incidents and near miss reports, camper evaluations and hand-written closing family letters

Submit an evaluation at the end each session and the end of the summer season as instructed by supervisor

Actively participate in all training sessions

Attend each meal when not on time-off

“Convoy” - act as camp representative on buses/vans bringing campers to and from camp at start and end

of sessions, as necessary

Understand and commit to the Manito-wish Mission, Vision and Commitment Statements

Understand and commit to the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility

Understand and commit to all policies related to Child Abuse Prevention directed by Camp Manito-wish

YMCA

Uphold rules and policies associated with Camp Manito-wish YMCA and support the group living experience

Able to maintain mental, emotional and social resiliency (such as handling stressful situations appropriately)

needed for the job in a fast-paced, interactive environment

Perform other duties as assigned

TIME OFF:

Two 24-hour and one 12-hour period off per session

Time off cannot be taken while on trail

Any other time off at the discretion of the Section Director or Program Director