Inclusion Camp Counselor
Description
Inclusion Camp Counselor
Camp Kern
Oregonia, Ohio
Seasonal Employment May 19th-August 2nd
$700/ Weekly
*Must be 18 years of age or older *
Position Summary:
Responsible for providing a quality camp experience for nine children with developmental disabilities over the course of ten weeks (one child per week plus one week of training) to effectively participate in daily camp activities. The role of this job is to ensure the camper’s participation, growth, and belonging, while also supporting their physical and emotional safety.
At the YMCA, 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:
- Supports the needs of an individual camper with a developmental disability, allowing them to effectively participate with peers and other staff in the camp setting.
- Effectively implements support and interventions that fit the child’s needs, interests and developmental level.
- Is familiar with the individual needs, medical conditions, dietary concerns, and/or behavior concerns of the camper and act according to directions provided by medical provider, parent/guardian
- Assists individual camper, as needed, in large group activities such as games, swimming, high ropes course, climbing wall, hayrides, canoeing, night hikes, campfire gatherings, and more.
- Advocates for individual camper through positive peer interactions and education.
- Ensures safety by firmly and tactfully enforcing all aquatic rules, policies, and guidelines.
- Effectively communicates verbal and written reports to parent/guardian.
- Monitors and maintain accurate records including attendance, absenteeism, transitions, minor disciplines, and incidents for the individual camper.
- Adheres to applicable policies and procedures while recognizing the ‘big picture’ when dealing with problems and taking into consideration the effect of actions on all parties involved.
- Attempts new ideas and go above and beyond to create new positive experiences for the camper.
- Supports other campers and facilitate activities when individual camper does not require direct support.
- Preferably willing and/or flexible to stay overnight during 10 weeks of employment on site.
- Treats all guests, staff, equipment, and facilities with courtesy and respect.
- Learns and teaches camp songs around a campfire
- Participates in dining hall set up
- Implements all ACA and Camp Kern rules and regulations.
- Possesses working knowledge of child abuse and neglect laws and follows proper reporting procedures including confidentiality regarding children and families participating in camp.
- Responsible for the welfare and safety of children enrolled in the group and in the program including always maintaining appropriate ratio and supervision with heightened awareness on field trips.
- Implements set standards, guidelines, and programs.
- Ensure safety by checking for hazardous conditions and making sure all safety equipment is properly placed and in proper working condition.
Qualifications:
- 18 years or older with a high school diploma or GED required. 2-year college degree preferred.
- CPR/AED, First Aid and Oxygen within 60 days of hire and kept current.
- Minimum of 6 months experience working directly with individuals with developmental disabilities. Most notably working with children who may have the following: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Developmental Delay, ADHD, Down syndrome (preferred)
- Must know how to actively engage children in activities that will enhance their self-esteem.
- Creativity, initiative, flexibility, eagerness to serve, ability to involve others, strong verbal, and written communication skills, as well as the ability to establish and maintain excellent relationships with guests are necessary.