Head Counselor

The South Shore YMCA Day Camps are a place where campers aged 4-15 come to enjoy a wide range of summer adventures. Camp is a unique place where we have the opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of many youth. Along with the fun that camp provides comes great responsibility, long hot days with many different challenges. In addition to practical experience and training, you must have a strong desire to work with youth.

Working with us requires you to be a positive role model for youth and a compassionate leader amongst campers and staff at all times.

The Head Counselor provides daily leadership necessary to ensure a safe, clean and enjoyable camper environment. Applicants must be at least 20 years old. Head Counselors are responsible for the overall supervision of up to 50 campers along with up to 8 counselors. Head Counselors are responsible for supervising and evaluating staff as well as dealing with camper concerns and daily communication with parents and camp leadership.

Applicants should be strong leaders with prior camping or youth development experience.

Reports to:

Director – Day Camp

Assist in planning and execution of programs to meet the needs of the community and fulfill YMCA objectives. Responsible for assisting in the compliance in all related areas including the Department of Early Education & Care (EEC) licensing procedures and regulations, assist in working towards increased Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) levels as determined by SACC goals and promoting YUSA Healthy Eating Physical Activity (HEPA) standards.

Provide reasonable accommodations to allow children with disabilities to participate in activities whenever possible and to meet each child’s individual needs according to EEC and ADA.

Assist in supervision of program participants in accordance with the organization's policies, EEC regulations, applicable laws and QRIS Standards. Monitor and communicate with Camp Directors, all staff related EEC, QRIS, and South Shore YMCA requirements.

Builds relationships with and among families and members, assists in responding to inquiries and solves problems. Creates a supportive community environment, assists in recruiting and engaging new families, and connects families to the YMCA’s cause.

Works with the Camp Directors and other Camp Staff members to ensure that program facilities and equipment for children are safe, clean, adequately equipped, well maintained, and attractive.

Responsible for assisting to engage and work with volunteers.

Assists in YMCA fundraising activities/events, and engages in collaborative relationships with community organizations in order to strengthen support and build community.

Mission and Community Oriented – Accepts and demonstrates YMCA values. Works effectively with people of all backgrounds and levels. Willingness to serve and fulfill community needs. Recruit volunteers and build supportive relationships with them.

People Oriented – Remains calm in challenging situations and seeks to understand the underlying cause. Speaks and writes effectively. Develops rapport, relates well and takes initiative to assist in developing others.

Results Oriented – Discovers ideas to create and deliver a high-value member experience. Makes sound judgments, establishes goals, plans work, supports fundraising, and adheres to budgeting procedures.

Personal Development – Recognizes personal strengths and limitations, pursues self-development and demonstrates flexibility.

• Understanding the Growth and Development of Children and Youth
• Guiding and Interacting with Children and Youth
• Partnering with Families and Communities
• Health, Safety, and Nutrition
• Learning Environments and Implementing Curriculum
• Observation, Assessment, and Documentation
• Program Planning and Development
• Professionalism and Leadership

• Experience with school age children is preferred
• The ability to develop positive, effective working relationships with staff, children & families, volunteers, school administrators, members, community leaders and other agencies are critical to this position.
• Effective management skills, the ability to implement methods to address and follow up with family needs/concerns in a positive and professional way reflecting an attitude that values diversity.