About the job…
As a counselor, your primary role is to provide care and guidance for one specific group of children. In addition, there are times in the day when counselors will work with other groups of children providing skill instruction.
Benefits:
- Housing and meals are provided on-site at no cost to the employee as part of the experience. (Many staff find that they save a lot of money working at camp since a lot of expenses are covered by camp.)
- Gain valuable leadership and management skills that will help prepare you for future career opportunities and will reflect valuable work experience on your resume.
- Becket-Chimney Corners is located in the heart of the Berkshires, which is internationally acclaimed for the arts and cultural venues.
- Planned staff outings are available for staff time off. Camp provides transportation to local towns and cultural experiences for staff who do not have their own vehicle.
- Work with other young adults from all over the US and from abroad. Many staff make lifelong connections working at camp.
- Access to a large network of camp alumni who can support you as resources for internships and career development.
Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA Inclusion Statement
We are committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment where campers, participants, families, and staff can discover and be their authentic selves. Through leadership, strategic planning, recruitment, training, and program development, we strive to be inclusive in our practices and to promote equity and opportunity for all individuals. We respect, affirm and protect the dignity and worth of every member of our community.
General Employment Requirement
While many of the skills described are important or required, please let us know if you have alternative experiences or skills that make you well-suited for a position. As a values-based organization, we feel you will be happiest with us if you embrace and share the ideals and values of Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA. We strive to create a positive, supportive and fun work environment for our staff. It is expected that every member of our staff team treats others in a kind, fair and respectful manner.
- Must be 18 years of age and/or have graduated from high school by the start of camp. Prior experience with one of our programs or with another camp program is preferred.
- Prefer staff who are certified or who are willing to become certified in Lifeguard Training, First Aid, and/or CPR.
- Prefer candidates who can commit to the full summer; however, we will work with staff to accommodate scheduling conflicts.
- Must be able to provide proof of a physical within the last 18 months and proof that you are up to date on all required immunizations.
Under Massachusetts state law, our campus is a drug- and alcohol-free zone. No one, regardless of legal age, is permitted to consume alcohol or drugs including nicotine or tobacco products (including e-cigarettes) on the Becket-Chimney Corners properties.
As a counselor you will:
- Learn that it is our mission to help youth discover their potential through life-changing experiences and relationships. Counselors are the most important part of ensuring campers get the most from camp.
- Live with and work with a cabin or age group and ensure the health, safety, and well-being of the campers in your group.
- Participate in staff training to learn important skills for working with campers.
- Plan and lead activities for your group and also for other participants in the program.
- Help with large group activities.
- Participate in emergency drills and in the event of an emergency, carry out the emergency plans.
- Help ensure that camp stays clean and well cared for by supervising campers in daily chores, caring for equipment, and picking up litter. All members of the camp community are expected to pitch in on all chores and duties.
- Working at camp requires every staff member to cultivate a positive attitude and willingness to help in all areas of the camp experience.
- All staff will work 6 days a week with one, 24-hour period off each week and one night off. Staff will be given scheduled breaks during the work day but the days are long and counselors are on-duty much of the day and evening.
General Working Conditions
1. Ability to work in excess of a 40- hour week with irregular work hours.
2. Ability to walk, stand, and sit (including on the floor) for long periods of time.
3. Ability to speak concisely and effectively communicate in English.
4. Must be able to lift and/or assist children in certain program activities.
5. Must be able to frequently lift and carry supplies weighing up to 20 pounds and occasionally 50 pounds.
6. Ability to stand or sit while maintaining alertness for several hours at a time.
7. Position will require frequent bending, leaning, kneeling, and walking.
8. Possible exposure to communicable diseases and bodily fluids.