Join our Day Camp team as the next Day Camp Unit Leader and support the work of the Y!
Camp Description
Do you live the camp life and have the passion for the outdoors? Are you a self-proclaimed S'mores master? Can you canoe faster that a speeding mallard? Do you feel like you are ready for that next step in your camp outdoor education career? Are you the cause-driven leader we have been looking for at YMCA Camp Carter? YMCA Camp Carter is a 360 acre outdoor adventure camp and conference center located just 7 miles from Downtown Fort Worth. We facilitate programs for various area school groups and other retreat groups throughout the year. We are the ultimate camp experience, providing high quality outdoor education programs that also include canoeing, archery, challenge course, horseback riding, rifles and so much more! Our outdoor education leadership staff will help support the work we do at the YMCA, by helping create a positive, nurturing environment for all of our participants and staff. They will also help each one reach their fullest potential and deepen their connections as part of their overall experience. All Candidates will exhibit the following qualities; Model our core values of Honesty, Caring, Respect and Responsibility. Have an attitude of service and be passionate about nurturing the potential of our youth. Be committed to upholding a high standard of integrity at work daily. Being a member of the team at YMCA Camp Carter can be extremely rewarding knowing each and every day you are making a difference. So are you ready to take the challenge and join us as we make a difference this year? If so, don't wait take charge of your adventure and apply today!
Job Description
YMCA Camp Carter serves over 1,000 day campers each summer through weeklong sessions filled with fun and adventure. The Day Camp Unit Leaders will report to the Assistant Program Directors and are the primary staff working with day camp counselors and overseeing around 150 campers each week, Monday through Friday. The Day Camp Unit Leaders are responsible for the organization of activities and programs, camp staff management, and camp schedules; assisting counselors with camper behavior management; preparing for following weeks and any changes throughout the week; communicating with camper families; and collaborating with Camp Carter's leadership teams. This position will also be closely involved in neutralizing child behavior situations.
Dates and Times: The Day Camp Unit Leaders must be available from May 13, 2024 through August 10, 2024. Day Camp Unit Leaders are expected to work 40 hours a week with daily shift times of either 7:00am to 3:00pm or 10:00am to 6:00pm. Day Camp Staff Training will be held May 13th through May 24th and attendance is mandatory.
Shift times are subject to change in light of Camp programming or other circumstances if necessary.
Qualifications
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Must have a High School Diploma or GED.
- Preferably have 2 years of experience working with youth in Day Camp or Education setting. Work in adjacent fields may be considered.
- Sincere interest in and ability to work with groups of campers ages 5-15, as well as parents and staff of diverse ethnic populations.
- Ability to lead campers in at least 4 of the following areas: recreational activities, drama, crafts, outdoor programs, songs, sports, aquatics, and team building.
- Ability to adequately observe participant activities, enforce safety regulations, and apply appropriate policies and procedures.
- Working at Camp does entail physical requirements that can include prolonged standing, hiking, walking long on uneven terrain and a variety of environments and weather, the ability to lift up to 40 pounds, and other physical activities.
- Must be willing to work with daily exposure to sun and heat. YMCA Camp Carter does have heat protocols for days of extreme heat.
- Adult, Child, and Infant CPR/AED and First Aid, certified within 30days of hire. Training provided by the YMCA.
Essential Functions
- In partnership with the Assistant Program Director of Fun, under the direct supervision of the Camp Director, and with a camper-first approach, plan and implement daily camp activities and programs in accordance with YMCA Camp Carter and American Camp Association policies. Camp Carter's activities include, archer, challenge course, fishing, canoeing, hiking, arts and crafts, outdoor cooking, sports and recreational games, drama, specialty themed camps, singing, team building and other areas of camp magic.
- In partnership with the Assistant Program Director of Happiness, coordinate and implement staff schedules, including staff break schedules, and assist counselors in managing camper behavioral issues.
- Work with leadership staff and counselors to create and maintain an age-appropriate learning environment, which allows for and fosters creativity and individuality in campers.
- Pull rosters weekly and daily for incoming campers; add-on activities including equestrian arena rides, archery tag and laser tag; and other rosters as needed. Maintain rosters so that Day Camp Unit Leaders can locate any camper at any time.
- Ensure program supplies are maintained and coordinate with the Assistant Program Director of Fun to order more or replace items as necessary.
- Organize and lead various small and large group games, activities, and programs as needed.
- Attend meal times and ensure campers are adequately supervised; assist with dining hall procedures.
- Ensure cleanliness of camp, programs, cabins, activities, trash, unit areas, dining hall, rec hall, and any other areas of camp.
Supervision and Support of Counselors and Campers:
- Supervise and support day camp counselors and coordinate and provide breaks. While providing breaks for counselors, Day Camp Unit Leaders will be responsible for supervising capers and delivering programming.
- Assist counselors with minor behavioral issues; determine when to seek assistance from the Assistance Program Director of Happiness.
- Aid in program delivery when necessary.
- Check in with counselors to ensure they are receiving the support necessary to provide a fun and adventurous experience for all campers.
- Provide consistent supervision and maintain ACA required ratios of staff to campers at all times.
- Attend meal times as requested and ensure campers are adequately supervised; assist with dining hall procedures and engagement.
- In partnership with the Camp Health Coordinator, record and track camper allergies, medications and dietary restrictions as needed.
- Know, understand, and be prepared to follow and implement all safety guidelines and emergency procedures and protocols of YMCA Camp Carter.
Communication:
- Establish and maintain effective communication with staff, campers, families and leadership through daily in-person communication as well as emails and phone calls to families and parents.
- Assist in maintaining program records, including incident/accident reports, logs, daily check in and attendance records.
- Oversee and support the social media team and ensure photos are being uploaded daily and shared with families.
- Represent YMCA Camp Carter in a professional and positive manner while on and off camp property.
- Report any maintenance and repair needs to the Facilities Director and Operations Director.
Day Camp Unit Leaders are responsible for other job duties as assigned by the APDs and at the discretion of the Camp Director.
Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies
BENEFITS
- Work with your Friends - Text them the link to this pave now!
- Build Your Resume: Working at Camp develops skills that apply in any number of future career fields - learn leadership and decision-making skills; how to communicate with kids, parents, coworkers, and other of various backgrounds and life experiences, hard skills like how to shoot bullseyes with an arrow, tie-dye like a true artist, and run a zipline; or obtain certifications including lifeguarding. Camp Counselors achieve great things on and off camp - just ask former First Lady Michelle Obama and former Disney CEO Michael Eisner, who both served as camp counselors.
- Free Gym Membership with the YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth with access to other YMCA facilities.
- Opportunities for growth: In addition to personal growth through learning hard and soft skills, there are opportunities for continued employment with YMCA Camp Carter of the Fort Worth YMCA year-round.
- Community Involvement: YMCA Camp Carter has been a vital part of the community for over 75 years.