Position Purpose: Youth Development Counselors are one of the primary caregivers for each camper. The Youth Development Counselor is responsible for assisting and leading in the planning, teaching, coordinating, and executing activities and guiding campers in their personal growth and daily living skills.

Essential Job Functions:

1. Lead and assist in the direction, supervision, and organization of campers in their cabin, within activities, and throughout the camp in order to meet the intended camper outcomes.

   • Apply basic youth development principles in working with campers through communication, relationship development, respect for diversity, involvement and empowerment of youth.
   • Assure campers are properly supervised at all times.
   • Be aware of and implement safety guidelines.

2. Participate in the development and implementation of program activities for campers within the mission and outcomes.

   • Responsible for leading and assisting the teaching of activities.
   • Actively participate in all program areas as assigned.
   • Provide for the progression of skills and activities within the framework of Camp Ton-A-Wandah’s rank book as well as individual and group interests and abilities.
   • Report to immediate activity supervisor as directed by the activity heirarchy weekly.
   • Assist in other program areas as directed.

3. Maintain high standards of health and safety in all activities for campers and staff.

   • Provide the daily care of each camper within your supervision including recognition of personal health needs.
   • Ensure that campers receive their medications as directed by health care manager.
   • Be alert to campers and staff needs and assist them with personal and/or health problems, and discuss with camp health manager and/or a member of the administrative team when appropriate.
   • Be alert to equipment and facilities to ensure utilization, proper care, and maintenance is adhered to; report repairs needed promptly to camp administration team.

4. Be a role model to campers and staff in your attitude and behavior.

   • Follow and uphold all safety and security rules and procedures.
   • Set a good example to campers and others regarding general camp procedures and practices including sanitation, schedule, and sportsmanship.

Other Job Duties:

• Contribute to verbal and written evaluations and communication as requested.
• Participate enthusiastically in all camp activities, planning and leading those as assigned.
• Participate as a member of the camp staff team to deliver and supervise evening programs, special events, overnights, and other all-camp activities and camp functions.
• Assist in the planning of any special events on or near the waterfront or in other areas of camp.

Equipment Used: Youth Development Counselors may be asked to use fire protection equipment, washer and dryers, dishwashers, and specialty program equipment. Some may be asked to drive camp vehicles.

• Unless otherwise specified by directors, applicants must be at least 18 years of age and a rising college sophomore.
• Alternatively, applicants must have graduated from the CIT program or has served one year as a Junior Counselor. Or, the applicant has participated in an outside leadership program or has shown exceptional leadership in the community, school or in other extracurricular activities, may be qualified for a Junior Counselor position for at least one session.
• Current CPR and First Aid certifications during term of employment.
• Additional certifications as deemed necessary for instructional areas.
• Desire to work with all age levels outdoors and understand the development needs of youth. Ability to relate to youth and adults in a positive manner.
• Demonstrate knowledge and skill in designated camp program areas.
• Ability to accept guidance and supervision while demonstrating good character, integrity, and adaptability.
• Displays enthusiasm, sense of humor, patience, and self-control consistently in the camp environment.

Specialized Activities: If hired for a specialized activity, additional qualifications are required in order to instruct activity. Counselors hired to instruct specialized activities are hired primarily for these activities. It should be expected that the majority of the classes these staff instruct will be in the field in which they were certified. Additionally, additional time commitments might be required (e.g. arriving 10 minutes prior to the start of class ; on-duty during General Swim). All counselors are assessed on these skills during Camp’s Training Week and documented on a Skills verification sheet.

Riding Instructor

• Riding Instructors must have prior experience in Riding (documentation preferred).
• Be available to attend Camp’s Riding Instructor training prior to the start of Camp.

Lifeguarding

• Lifeguard must pass the skills verification and certification course provided by Camp, unless sufficient certification is provided by an acceptable ACA certifying body for lifeguarding.
• Must have current and valid lifeguard certification.

Archery

• Archery Instructors must have current and valid certification for USA Archery Level 1 Instructor or equivalent documented experience.

Riflery

• Riflery Instructors must have current and valid NRA Instructor Certification.

Challenge Course

• Ropes Course Instructors must have current and Valid Ropes Course certification, ACCT preferred. They must have previous experience (documented preferred) with ropes course and safety.

Physical Aspects of this Position:

• Ability to communicate and work with groups (age and skill levels) and provide necessary instruction to campers.
• Ability to observe staff and camper behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate management and behavior management techniques.
• Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to activity.
• Physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid. Must be able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury) and possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers.

Some physical requirements of a Youth Development Counselor position could be endurance including standing, some bending, stooping, and stretching. Requirement for eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity to manipulate program equipment and activities. Requires normal range of hearing and eyesight to record, prepare, and communicate appropriate camper activities and programs. Must also have the ability to lift up to 50 lbs. Willingness to live in a camp setting and work irregular hours delivering programs in the facility available. Operate with daily exposure to the sun and heat and exposure to various animals, plants and environmental conditions.