Program Coordinator - Michikamau Resident Camp

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Program Coordinator shall design and implement activities tailored to the skills and interests of each age group. He or she will work with other counselors to bring about quality programming in a variety of program areas. Activities should nurture creativity, cooperation, skill and self-esteem.

YMCA of Greater Bergen County operates traditional day and resident camps in Harriman State Park, NY, along Lake Kanawauke, providing a beautiful natural setting. The camp is 45 minutes from Hackensack, where our YMCA is located; all counselors and campers are bused to camp from the YMCA. Camp activities include swimming, boating, fishing, arts & crafts, sports & games, archery, nature, hiking, rock climbing, and challenge/low ropes course.  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• At all times, maintain a professional demeanor, as a representative of the YMCA. Wear Camp T-shirt every day. Encourage through positivity.
• Plan, setup and deliver a variety of activities within specialty that are age specific and that keep children’s engagement and interest high.
• Supervise campers in the dining hall.
• Supervise campers in a cabin setting.
• Provide leadership and guidance to counselors and junior counselors as assigned.
• Carry out plans during the camp season; ensuring activities are well thought-out, diverse, progressive, challenging and fun for the campers.
• Consistently greet campers and parents with a smile and with enthusiasm. Learn campers’ names.
• Adhere to all other ACA standards, especially maintaining camper safety as a top priority. Ensure supervision standards as detailed in the YMCA’s Code of Conduct are followed at all times. Report immediately any concerns to the Director.
• Uphold, model, teach and put the four (4) core values of the YMCA into action in all camp activities everyday: Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility
• Create a positive and nurturing learning environment to instill and encourage youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
• Follow all YMCA, ACA and NJ Licensing standards and procedures to ensure the safest and best quality camp while helping to maintain ACA accreditation.
• Follow all sign-in/sign-out policies and procedures. Ensure proper handling of daily attendance records.  

OTHER DUTIES/EXPECTATIONS:

• Be 5-10 minutes early to every shift and record time worked correctly with limited
• mistakes.
• Must find coverage if unable to attend a shift. Contact must be made ahead of time if a scheduled shift cannot be worked.
• Flexibility, may be asked to substitute for other employee’s shift or work beyond assigned shift in an effort to ensure safety and proper coverage. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma, Associate/Bachelors Degree in Education, youth work, recreation or related preferred or equivalent experience.
• Three (3) years’ experience in youth work, recreation or related field.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to relate to children and communicate in various venues, i.e., public speaking, presentations.
• Knowledge and expertise in horse care and riding as applicable.
• Knowledge of low and high ropes courses, teambuilding and climbing as applicable.
• Knowledge of hiking, canoeing, biking or other high adventure activities as applicable.
• Ability to facilitate learning in others and ability to supervise others.
• Understanding age specific characteristics of children and positive behavior management techniques.
• CPR and First Aid Certifications. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must be capable of being on your feet for long periods and be able to actively supervise children in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments. Must be capable of bending, kneeling, squatting and lifting 30 pounds. Must be able to visually account for all children in the program, whether inside or outside. Must be able to hear whistle or alarms. Clear speaking voice is needed to command control of group.

INTERNAL CANDIDATES:

Current active employees of the METROPOLITAN YMCA OF THE ORANGES should apply via the Careers section of the Dayforce Employee Account.

Professional development opportunities and complimentary use of YMCA facilities.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA/employer M/F/D/V. Employment is subject to extensive background check.