Boating Assistant - Camp Otter

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Under the supervision of the  Boating Director, the Boating Assistant provides direct instruction for the boating area to a group of children between the ages of six and thirteen in a traditional day camp program. The Boating Assistant will help champion a culture of service excellence and support and advocate the mission and values of the YMCA.

OUR CULTURE: 
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day.  We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

All employees are mandated reporters and will adhere to the requirements outlined in the Child Abuse Prevention Policy and Procedures. Per our commitment to a safe environment and youth protection, you must attend required CAP and Safety/Risk Management Trainings each year.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential Functions:

• Possess mature judgement and sound decision making
• Ability to observe camper behavior and apply appropriate behavior management techniques
• Monitor daily camp operations to adhere to all state, ACA, and YMCA regulations
• Relate to people in a positive but firm manner while motivating and guiding campers and staff to succeed in camp program
• Maintain positive relationships with parents, staff, and campers
• Possess a broad knowledge of camp activities, goals and objectives, risk management, programming planning and implementation techniques that help to create a fun, safe, and educational environment
• Instruct numerous classes per day for different age groups
• Ability to develop and adhere to lesson plans
• Assist in maintaining safety and cleanliness standards for the Boating areas
• Maintains administrative records as required
• Provide a safe environment for campers and staff
• React calmly and quickly in an emergency situation in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures
• Respond to environmental and other safety hazards that relate to the camp program
• Prevent accidents by maintaining constant observation, enforcing health and safety rules, and maintaining emergency rediness
• Assist with an inventory assessment at the beginning and the end of the camp season

Job Segments:

• Assist Camp Director in various areas of pre-camp staff orientation.
• Attend Family Nights
• Lead the entire camp in songs, games, and activities

Financial Development:

• Provides leadership and support of Annual Campaign that results in achievement of our annual fund-raising goal.

Other Duties:

• Perform other duties as assigned by Senior Management.

Effect on End Results:

• Development and delivery of quality programming that are both consistent with the goals and objectives of Camp Otter, as well as meet the needs and expectations of the camper families enrolled.
• Expansion of existing programs through building on traditional camp activities, while developing new program ideas relevant to that week’s theme.
• Development of quality staff and volunteers who are fully engaged in the camp and provide a safe and rich experience for all program participants. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be at least 16 years of age or older
• Current state approved Lifeguard/first aid certification
• Current state approved CPR/AED certification
• Currently working towards a Boating Instructor Certificate
• Two or more years working with children, preferably in a day camp setting
• Must be highly organized
• Must complete Merrimack Valley YMCA online Child Abuse Prevention Training within the first two weeks of employment

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Position will include leading programs both indoors and outdoors
• A typical camp week is Monday through Friday 7:30 am to 5:15 pm
• There are events (ie. Family Nights) that require more than a 40-hour work week

• Ability to lift 50 lbs.
• Position requires the ability to walk/run around the rough terrain of Camp Otter
• Able to stand/move without sitting for four to five hours at a time
• Able to handle all emergency situations that may arise