Job Description

General Function:

In accordance with the Christian principles of the YMCA, this summer position involves assistance with the care of summer campers and staff ensuring their safety, well-being, happiness, growth and development. The Head Counselor lives in a cabin with the campers and assures all cabins in their village have Sr. Counselors, Counselors and Jr. Counselor who assure camper needs are taken care of. The Head Counselor is the primary staff member working with the Sr. Counselors is responsible for supporting staff, upholding and enforcing all policies and procedures, planning activities, gathering supplies, leading activities, building a positive staff culture and being present as a mentor and leader for Sr. Counselors, Counselors and Jr. Counselors. This position also includes accountability of staff and campers during activities.

Know How:

Belief in the YMCA Mission and sets an example of high moral standards, Christian character and values. An attitude of teamwork and enthusiasm of service to others. Have 2 years of prior experience with children in camping or related youth work. Prior experience as a peer leader or supervisor. Physical ability to cover entire camp grounds and participate in all camp activities. Ability to positively work with staff from different backgrounds. Train and mentor staff. Know all Camp Cosby and YMCA of Greater Birmingham policies and procedures, adhere to these policies and assure all staff adhere to these policies. Must be able to obtain CPR/First Aid certifications. Must be 20 years of age or older.

Principle Activities:

1. Lead assigned sessions during staff training.

2. Support all staff at camp and know how to inspire them to be great leaders with our campers.

3. Be responsible of the safety, health, welfare and happiness of each staff member and camper in your village and at your accountability areas.

4. Attend all staff meetings.


5. Assist Activities Director with camper sign ups each evening.

6. Assure that cabin staff assist campers with writing home.

7. Assure ACA, Department or Health and YMCA of Greater Birmingham standards are followed in all areas of camp.

8. Supervise and support during activity period, accountability communication and leading activities as needed.

9. Assure all activity equipment is properly cared for, returned where it belongs and reported to Activities Director if replacement is needed.

10. Assure that your counselors know their camper head counts and never leave a group unsupervised.

11. Adhere to schedules and planned activities of the camp.

12. Support the decision of camp leaders and work in unison with other Head Counselors, Activities Director and Cabin Life Director to assure a safe and excellent camp program.

13. If counselor needs assistance or ask for help, manage camper behavior and disciplinary needs. Record all matters and assure proper documentation.

14. Notify Cabin Life Director of all incidents, behavior concerns and discipline problems.

15. Lead Morning Watch to include devotion and our pledge of allegiance. When not leading morning watch sit with your cabins.

16. Assure that your village is on time for all meetings, activities, meals.

17. During check in and check out days greet parents, assure campers are comfortable, maintain order and assure all cabins have cabin/group activities planned for downtime.

18. Assure all camper items are claimed to the right owner minimizing lost and found.

19. Create an environment that cares for staff and campers socially, emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually.

20. Write and facilitate evaluations of your villagers counselors with the assistance of the Activities Director and the Cabin Life Director.

21. Assure there is always a staff member 19 or older within earshot or eyesight of the campers.

Effects on End Result:

The effectiveness of this position can be measured by Head Counselors who show an aptitude to lead in an attitude of enthusiasm of service to others providing a safe and engaging program that builds a positive image of Camp Cosby and the YMCA. This positions effectiveness is measured in staff and camper safety, enjoyment and desire to return to YMCA Camp Cosby.