Overnight Summer Camp - Unit Leader

YMCA Buffalo Niagara operates two premier summer overnight camps in Western New York.
 

YMCA Camp Kenan (CampKenan.com) overlooks beautiful Lake Ontario on 50 acres near Barker, NY.

YMCA Camp Weona (CampWeona.com) is nestled among 800 acres of hills and forests in Gainesville, NY.  

When applying for this job, you will be asked to select the resident camp you would prefer to work at.

Camp activities include swimming, archery, low & high ropes challenges, climbing wall, gaga ball, arts & crats, nature, science, and more.

The Y is looking for talented individuals with a passion for the YMCA’s mission and cause, an understanding of YMCA programs and services, and whose everyday values reflect the core YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

YMCA Buffalo Niagara is an equal opportunity employer committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion. 

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Unit Leader provides leadership and guidance to Counselors and campers, plans and implements camp activities, and ensures the safety of campers. 

GENERAL WORK SCHEDULE:

This is a residential position where food and lodging are provided during hours of work. The work week follows the camper session which begins each Sunday and ends on Saturday with a 24 hour break in-between. Dates of employment include a week of training starting June 23, 2024, 7 weeks of program, and concludes on August 17, 2024. 

BENEFITS:

Complimentary YMCA Buffalo Niagara Membership, discounted program fees, paid sick leave, training and leadership development opportunities, and an outstanding work environment. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Oversees the activities of several camper groups. Plans and implements camp activities on schedule, as per the program design.
2. Provides direction and leadership to counselors of the assigned groups.
3. Identifies and resolves problems. Implements the appropriate discipline techniques and procedures.
4. Pursues innovative and creative ways to implement camp components.
5. Ensures effective communication with staff and parents of campers.
6. Develops and maintains positive, open communication between campers and camp staff.
7. Participates with campers when needed in the pool during swim lessons and free swim.
8. Maintains the work rules and regulations as stated by YMCA Buffalo Niagara and the NYS Health Department.
9. Performs administrative functions as assigned in the areas of attendance, parent evaluation and health records.
10. Assumes the responsibilities of counselors when needed to cover absences.
11. Attends staff meetings, training sessions, overnights, and field trips as scheduled.
12. Implements ongoing safety checks to assure a healthy and safe camp environment. Implements emergency procedures when necessary.
13. Follows and enforces department protocol to clean and disinfect commonly used surfaces. Ensures PPE compliance.
14. Maintains the cleanliness and organization of program/work areas.
15. Remains with the assigned groups at all times and keeps constant, visual track of all assigned campers unless relieved by a qualified staff person.
16. Organizes and cleans up the camp area at the beginning and end of each day.
17. Completes additional duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Must have one or more years of experience as a Senior Counselor or other equivalent position.
2. Excellent leadership and communication skills.
3. Able to successfully plan and lead activities for children in a camp environment.
4. Must be at least 18 years of age.