UNIT COUNSELOR - Day Camp (Camp Piperwood)

Reports To: Unit Head

Department: Camp/Property/Outdoor

Status: Exempt

Location: Summer Day Camp – Piperwood/Windy Meadows

Unit Counselor - Day Camp (Camp Piperwood) Fairport, NY

JOB DESCRIPTION

ABOUT GIRL SCOUTS:

Are you mission-driven, looking to work in a dynamic team environment, and influence the lives of girls? If so, take the time to check out Girl Scouts of Western New York.

Since 1912, Girl Scouts has empowered girls to develop the skills and the voice to become successful and productive citizens. Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.

If you’d like to be part of this exciting, empowering, and valuable experience, we encourage you to apply. We look forward to hearing from you!

POSITION SUMMARY:

Day Camp Unit Counselors will facilitate activities designed to help campers to understand and live up to the Girl Scout Promise and Law and to develop an appreciation for and enjoy the outdoors. Actual salary will be based on applicant’s experience

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Develops professional goals for the summer that will help support and meet GSWNY’s mission and camp goals.
• Helps the girls in the unit learn to respect the rights of others and to understand the differences and similarities of other campers.
• Teach activities through the use of the Girl Scout Camping program.
• Plan activities and programs with the campers that will meet their needs and interests and are aligned to the weekly theme.
• Responsible for the health and safety of campers.
• Operate activities as needed under the direction of Unit Head/Assistant Camp Director/Camp Director.
• Apply behavior management techniques to conflict with children when necessary.
• Report incidents /accidents to supervisor or health supervisor immediately.
• Report suspected child abuse to supervisor immediately.
• Keep records and prepare reports as required.
• Participate in weekly parent and overnight camp programs.
• Attend staff meetings as scheduled/necessary.
• Assists with overnights when deemed necessary.
• Participates in the total camp program including pre-camp, open house and post camp.
• May need to act as bus aide at some point during the summer day camp season (will receive additional pay)
  • If acting as bus aide
  • Must meet the bus at the terminal or first bus stop in the morning.
  • Take a head count of the campers every day during the morning pick-up and evening drop-off and maintain safety and orderliness on the bus.
  • Report absent campers to the Assistant Camp Director every morning and evening.
  • Assure that a parent or other designated adult meets campers before the bus drives off by utilizing the camper pick-up form.
  • Accepts other responsibilities as deemed necessary by the Camp Director.

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to handle sensitive information and maintain confidentiality;
• Strong analytical skills and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to project a high level of professionalism at all times;
• Ability to articulate organizational mission and its importance with passion and conviction, and in a manner that resonates with the listener;
• Commitment to diversity and ability to interact with diverse populations;
• Strong time management skills with ability to work independently and effectively prioritize duties and tasks.
• Capacity to manage stress effectively and work well under pressure;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate clearly;
• Proven capability to work in a collaborative, service-focused environment;
• Capacity to work well with others in a congenial and effective manner;
• Ability to effectively manage and foster relationships with council staff, volunteers within the camp community;
• Subscribe to the principles of the Girl Scout Movement and become a registered member of GSUSA;
• Successfully pass the required background checks at hire and thereafter;
• Maintain reliable transportation to and from home and work;
• If travel is required, must possess a valid driver’s license, meet minimum state auto insurance requirements, and meet the insurance carrier’s requirements for coverage.
• Assist the campers in emergency situations.
• Lift 35 pounds.
• Possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of campers.
• Demonstrate enthusiasm, sense of humor, patience, self-control and ability to adapt well to changing situations.
• Participate in structured and unstructured activities.
• Accept and follow directions both in verbal and written form.

Hours & Travel:

• Required to stay on the property during hours of operation (MONDAY 8:00am to Friday 5:30 pm)
• Must be willing to work in an outdoor setting and in inclement weather.

Experience & Qualifications:

• Willingness to abide by the policies and practices of the Girl Scouts of Western New York Inc.
• Minimum age: 16 (per New York State Health Department)
• Experience working with children or equivalent.
• Current certification in First Aid & CPR or individual is willing to complete certification course during designated training day.
• Certified Sex Offender Registry and Criminal Background Checks will be completed for personnel file.
• Desire and ability to work with and relate to children and peers in an outdoor environment.
• Prior camp experience and/or interest in the Girl Scout Camping program helpful.
• Willingness to place the needs of girls and camp above personal desires.
• Good health and stamina necessary to work in the camp setting.
• The acceptance of irregular work hours, including participating in the Thursday evening overnight program.

GIRL SCOUT MEMBERSHIP:

All Employees of Girl Scouts must maintain an active, annual membership in Girl Scouts of Western New York. This membership must be renewed annually, and all newly hired employees are expected to enroll with GSWNY within the first 30 days of their employment.

BENEFITS:

[SEASONAL EMPLOYEES]

Girl Scouts of Western New York seasonal camps are subject to the Federal and New York State exemption laws under Section 13(a)(3) of the Fair Labor Standards Act. Seasonal staff working at camp may be paid in accordance with this exemption. Seasonal employees are not eligible for company-sponsored group benefits.

GSWNY is also very grateful to have many partnerships offering special deals and incentives at local businesses to GSWNY employees throughout Western New York.

HOW TO APPLY:
Interested parties should submit their resume and application by visiting the Girl Scouts of Western New York application system website at: [ATS LINK].

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL:

Girl Scouts of Western New York celebrates diversity in all forms and is committed to creating an inclusive, collaborative and supportive environment for all. All employment decisions are based qualifications, merit, performance and the needs of the organization. As an equal opportunity employer, GSWNY does not discriminate on the basis of any qualified applicant’s race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status or any other groups or persons protected by federal law