Imagine being part of one of the most respected human services organizations in the world—a place where your work positively influences the lives of others, a place where you thrive in a values-based environment, a place where you are building a better future for yourself and your community.

Weekly Stipend Rate Is $650.00 Per Week

General Function: 

Under the supervision of the designated supervisor(s), and in harmony with the mission and purpose of the established policies and goals of the YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas, the Lead Resident Camp Counselor shall be responsible for supervision of a cabin group of 10-12 campers ages between 8-16 on a 24-hour basis. The Lead Resident Camp Counselor shall act as a liaison between assigned staff and designated supervisor(s). The Lead Resident Camp Counselor shall lead the campers in a safe and respectful manner through approved games, activities, special events and arts and crafts while fostering the four core values of the YMCA: Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility. With an emphasis on ensuring the highest quality service to all participants, the Lead Resident Camp Counselor will work with all staff to welcome, connect, support, and engage all campers and staff.

Qualifications: 

1. Minimum of 18 years of age.
2. High School diploma or equivalent required.
3. One year of experience working with campers ages 8-16 in an outdoor setting
4. At least one-year experience in a related field; Camp Kekoka experience preferred.
5. Be a strong, positive role model for campers and fellow staff members. 
6. Be safety conscious. 
7. Ability to multi-task and handle pressure. 
8. Possess excellent communication and organizational skills. 
9. Proof of a negative TB test within the last two years.
10. Certification in CPR/First Aid/AED/O2 required prior to first day working camp.
11. Complete and maintain required trainings to include but not limited to: New Employee Orientation (NEO), Bloodborne Pathogens, Child Abuse Prevention (CAP), and Sexual Harassment upon hire and annually thereafter.
12. Certification in High Ropes Course and Virginia Boating Safety Course required prior to the first day working camp.
13. Medication Administration Training (MAT) certification required prior to first day working camp.
14. Satisfactory completion of a criminal background check, fingerprinting, sex offender registry check, and Child Protective Services Check.

Essential Functions:  

1. Support the mission, vision and goals of the YMCA.
2. Promote a professional work environment through character development by modeling the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.
3. Lead in a manner that advances our cause to strengthen the foundations of our community through programs that focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
4. Assume full responsibility for a group of 10-12 children on a 24-hour basis. Be responsible for the supervision, behavior management and safety of an assigned group of campers.  Maintain sight and sound supervision.
5. Follow all the rules of camp and employ conservative judgment to ensure the safety of all participants. Work effectively and cooperatively with team of other camp counselors and supervisor(s).
6. Lead camp activities. Employ good teaching and leadership techniques. Take responsibility for the equipment and develop rules and procedures for that activity. Observe participant activities, enforce safety regulations, and apply appropriate policies and procedures.
7. Liaison between Resident Camp Junior Counselors/Counselors and their designated supervisor(s).
8. Complete daily evening checks of cabins and staff, and report any information to designated supervisor(s).
9. Lead debrief meetings after every session.
10. Follow closely the policies and guidelines set forth by the YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas and Camp Kekoka.
11. Maintain a positive and respectful manner of communication with campers and supervisor(s).
12. Attend all staff meetings and trainings as scheduled.
13. Follow mandated abuse reporting requirements.
14. Promote and participate in YMCA fundraising efforts to include Annual Support.
15. Wear staff uniform and name tag, or professional attire when appropriate.
16. Act as a leader in emergency situations. Report any accidents or incidents according to Emergency Communication Action Plan.
17. Ensure all guests and program participants are in a safe environment and actively follow center Emergency Operations Plan (EOP).
18. Carry out other related duties as deemed necessary by designated supervisor(s) to assure the overall success of the program and safety of the children and staff.

YMCA Competencies (Team Leader): 

Engaging Community, Communication & Influence, Inclusion, Collaboration, Emotional Maturity, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Developing Self & Others, Philanthropy 

Skills and Ability Requirements: 

1. Ability to communicate and work with assigned ages and skill levels and provide necessary instruction to campers.
2. Ability to observe camper behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior management techniques.
3. Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to assigned activities.
4. Physical ability to respond appropriately to emergencies and those situations requiring first aid.
5. Physical strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers.
6. Employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
7. Must be able to attend all mandatory trainings
8. Complete at least one of the following trainings; Virginia Boating Safety Course and High Ropes Facilitator Course.
9. Must be available for training week and all 6 weeks of camp.

Effect on End Results:  

1. A positive image of the YMCA is portrayed to members, staff, volunteers and the community.
2. Camp Kekoka achieves the highest standard and meets the mission and goals of both the YMCA, as well as expectations of program participants.  
3. A high degree of participant satisfaction is achieved as measured by Net Promoters.  
4. A pleasant and comfortable working environment is maintained for all staff.
5. Relationships are strengthened through intentional interactions.
6. The facility will be safe, clean and an enjoyable place as measured by Skills Checklist from the Risk Management plan in all program areas.

Excellent benefits, including 12% retirement upon meeting the requirements of the National YMCA Retirement Fund.  Includes YMCA Adult Membership.