Counselor, BGCA

Job Description

Statement of General Purpose:

Boys and Girls Club Summer Camp Counselors are responsible for planning, organizing, scheduling, and implementing educational and recreational lessons and activities for elementary-age summer camp participants while ensuring the safety, well-being, and positive development of each child.

Examples of Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Plan and facilitate high-quality and engaging recreational and educational activities for elementary-age children utilizing existing Boys & Girls Club of America curriculum and lesson plans, as well as individually drafted lesson plans.

Monitor the safety and well-being of each child at all times through the practice of active supervision and constant engagement.

Oversee individual child and group behavior, preventing altercations and injuries through non-confrontational, non-physical, non-threatening techniques; corrects disciplinary problems in an understanding, positive, and non-physical manner; teaches conflict resolution through the development and use of verbal skills; manage classroom behaviors and overall positive learning environment.

Completes incident and injury reports in a timely and accurate manner and reports any issues related to child behavior and/or wellbeing to program leadership and parent.

Accompanies participants on field trips, swim trips, and other outings, ensuring safety at all times.

Maintain a clean, organized, and safe program space.

Serve as a positive role model for youth by building strong relationships with participants and demonstrating and promoting positive and professional communication, behavior, and engagement.

Ensure the safety and wellbeing of all program participants at all times.

Support daily program operations, as needed, which may include accompanying children on trips, distributing snacks, or other related tasks.

Other related duties, as assigned.

Core Competencies

Strong understanding of basic educational and recreational lessons and activities for elementary-age children.

Experience working with children, preferably in a summer camp setting.

Ability to manage a group of up to 20 children.

Ability to implement existing lesson plans, as well the ability to tailor existing lesson plans and/or create new plans.

Ability to adhere to a lesson plan, as well as demonstrate flexibility in activity implementation.

Willingness and ability to attend swim trips and enter the pool.

Strong communication skills, particularly with children, parents, and coworkers.

Ability to adhere to a set schedule with limited instances of tardiness or call-outs.

Minimum Requirements

Completion of or working toward a post-secondary degree in education or related field preferred; high school diploma required.

Two years of experience working with children, preferably in an after-school or summer camp setting.

Ability to submit all required background checks, health screenings, and other regulatory documentation.