The YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles is not only the premiere non-profit in Los Angeles, it is also a great place to work, make a difference in your community and meet like-minded individuals. With twenty-six branches, three camps and over fifty child care sites, the LA Y is a highly-collaborative, rewarding and fun environment where you will discover your passion, grow your career and make an impact!
We believe in the four Core Values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility and understand that our staff are our biggest asset! We strive to create high-performing, strong teams in each of our branches and are looking for passionate and enthusiastic staff who will help us to strengthen our impact, empower our community and deliver incredible programming!
Position Description
This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Day Camp Counselor, within a license-exempt day camp program, develops positive, nurturing relationships with campers while building cooperative relationships with parents/caregivers. Promotes and supports the potential of all youth in programs and facilitates peer-to-peer connections as part of the overall program experience. Provides direction for the campers in the program. Provides a quality experience to campers and parents that focuses on building achievement and belonging in youth and relationships among youth and within families.
Qualifications
- Eighteen years or older
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- Experience working with school-age campers in a camp setting (preferred).
- Strong character values, communication skills, emotional maturity
- Current First Aid, Adult, Infant and Child CPR Certifications (preferred). TB Test and health screen may may be required based on school requirements. Attend 100% of the pre-season training.
Responsibilities
- Nurtures campers through purposeful programming dedicated to building achievement and belonging in youth and relationships among youth and within families.
- Maintains close visual supervision of a group of assigned campers in a weekly session and in alignment with program ratios set by the YMCA.
- Ensure that no child is left unsupervised or staff alone with a child at any time.
- Help campers manage behavior using a positive approach, including proactive strategies, redirection and using constructive discipline with natural and logical consequences.
- Actively supports the YMCA is committed to inclusion and compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) where appropriate.
- Planning, preparation and leading weekly day camp activities with an emphasis of the outdoor environment, developmentally appropriate, culturally relevant, and within the guidelines of the YMCA's program standards.
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Adheres to program standards including safety and cleanliness standards, maintains site
and equipment, and maintains required program records in accordance YMCA
expectations. -
Makes ongoing, observations of each child. Communicates with supervisor regarding
child's development. -
Cultivates positive relationships and maintains effective communication with parents.
Engages parents as volunteers and connects them to the YMCA. - Attends and participates in family events, program activities, staff meetings and trainings.
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Follows YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to medical and disciplinary
situations, child abuse prevention and emergencies. Follows reporting procedures and
proactively responds to situations to ensure a safe environment for all involved. -
Understands and complies with current federal, state, local regulations, American
Camping Association (ACA) standards, and YMCA policies and procedures at all times. -
Maintains positive relationship with parents, other YMCA team members and community
partners. Models relationship-building skills (including Listen First) in all interactions.
