Summer Camp Counselor

Five Star Kids Academy

Position: Summer Camp Counselor

Salary: $15-$17/hour, non-exempt

Status: IMMEDIATE OPENINGS! 

Hours: Mon-Fri, June 24- Aug 16, 6:15 am-12:30 pm OR 12:00-6:00 pm

            *Hours will be adjusted for Field Trips

Location:    Armed Services YMCA of Hampton Roads
                   Five Star Kids Academy
                   1465 Lakeside Road, Virginia Beach 23455
                   (1/2 mi. from JEBLC, Gate 5)

 Assignment:

The Summer Camp Counselor will work closely with peers, under the direct supervision of the School-Age Care Program Director to implement a high-quality child summer camp program that meets the social-emotional needs of students, ages 5-12 years. Counselors provide a happy and safe learning environment that promotes FUN learning opportunities with a STREAM focus and personal character development through interactive, engaging activities. This position requires an enthusiastic, caring, child-centered professional with excellent communication and people skills. Fostering positive interactions with students, staff, families, and the community a must!
Successful experience working with children is a must!

Education and Experience Required:

• High School Diploma or GED or verification of completion of a home school program approved by the state and ONE of the following:
• Have an endorsement or bachelor’s degree in a child-related field such as, but not limited to, elementary education, nursing, or recreation from a college or university;
• Have 3 months of programmatic experience and at least one of the following backgrounds:

• A one-year early childhood certificate from a college or university that consists of at least 30 semester hours;
• A child development credential by an organization listed in 22.1-289.048 of the Code of Virginia;
• A teaching diploma from an international or nationally recognized Montessori organization; or

• Have six months of supervised programmatic experience and within one month of beginning work, a minimum of 12 hours of training shall be received related to the care of children, including but not limited to:

• Child development;
• Playground safety;
• Health and safety issues; and
• Preventing and reporting child abuse and neglect

Additional Requisites:

• Must be 18 years of age (21 years preferred);
• Complete fingerprint screening and Central Registry Background Checks;
• Submit to a TB Test and Drug Screen;
• Comply with Virginia Dept. of Education licensing requirements for child day centers;
• Have reliable transportation;
• Knowledge of the military lifestyle and community social services agencies (a plus); and
• Must be able to lift 25 lbs., bend, stand for long periods of time and walk up and down stairs and work inside and outdoors.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Complete staff and organization training to acquire knowledge and methodologies to implement high-quality, age-appropriate lessons that follow outlined curriculum to promote STREAM, literacy, health and safety, environmental awareness, character development, and incorporate the YMCA character values of caring, respect, responsibility and honesty;
• Complete all annual trainings on time to meet VDOE Standards for Licensing;
• Maintain accurate attendance and correctly complete the CACFP document when serving snacks/meals;
• Supervise children making sure no child is left unattended and they can be seen at all times-complete regular name-face counts and always know how many children are in your care;
• Assist students with homework and provide enriching lessons/games/activities to assist children with everyday challenges (ie: coping strategies to manage big feelings, etc.);
• Assist in creating an attractive learning environment;
• Promote a positive, FUN attitude that fosters teamwork, collaboration and inclusiveness that is child-centered;
• Adhere to all policies/procedures as set forth in the parent/guardian and employee handbooks;
• Maintain an organized, safe learning environment, securing all ASYMCA materials and supplies;
• Stay engaged and interacting with students while in your care;
• Encourage problem solving, conflict resolution and self-regulation;
• Clean and sanitize all toys, manipulatives, and classroom areas (required to complete all opening and closing procedures on the daily checklist);
• Model healthy habits and behaviors;
• Ensure that all Emergency Preparedness and Evacuation procedures are followed;
• Report suspected child abuse or neglect to the School-Age Care (SAC) Program Director immediately;
• Document all incidents and injuries fully, following all policies and procedures as per licensing regulations specified by the Virginia Department of Education;
• Communicate program concerns to the SAC Director or Manager in a timely manner;
• Attend all field trips and off-site events/activities;
• Check ASYMCA email daily and respond promptly to requests;
• Dress professionally, wearing ASYMCA staff shirts with name badge, keeping in mind that this position serves as the role model for students, recognizing staff represent the Armed Services YMCA of Hampton Roads at all times;
• Log work hours daily using the electronic timecard (ADP) for approval by supervisor (pay is directly deposited every two weeks);
• Serve as a substitute as needed; and
• Other duties, as assigned.