Summer Day Camp Sports Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Description

Organization:

The YMCA Is the nation’s leading nonprofit, committed to strengthening communities through healthy living, youth development and social responsibility. In Boston, the Y is over 150 years old, successful in empowering people of all ages to learn, grow and thrive. In neighborhoods across greater Boston, the Y is community centered and has the presence and partnerships to deliver positive change. Every day the Y’s impact is felt, whether it’s an adult who chooses a healthy lifestyle; a child who is inspired to learn a new skill or a community that comes together for the common good. The Y. So Much More.

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Camp Director, the Sports Specialist oversees all aspects of the Day Camp sports and games program, utilizing both indoor and outdoor spaces. The Sports & Games Specialist provides enriching, age appropriate instruction, while also ensuring the safety, enjoyment, and emotional well-being of every camper.
Key Responsibilities

Program Implementation

• Keeps safety of campers as the first priority. Emphasizes personal safety and emotional wellbeing with campers, parents and other camp personnel at all times.
• Creates and implements a sports curriculum with an appropriate amount of choice. Utilizes sports as a medium to educate and promote healthy activity.
• Provides and promotes opportunities for team work, skill and character development, sports games, and other active games.
• Documents sports curriculum and keeps examples for following years.
• Plans and implements recreational and educational programs that emphasize group participation and team work.
• Creates an active, engaging environment.
• Assist with pre or post care and/or transportation as assigned. Ensures that a name to face is taken before and after any transitions.
• Models the quality of YMCA values to campers, CIT's, parents and staff. Develops appropriate relationships with all campers in their care. Understands, establishes, and abides by appropriate boundaries.
• Acts as a staff peer leader who sets an example for how all other staff should act and present themselves.
• Uses positive, constructive methods of discipline/positive reinforcement, and ensures that all staff does the same.
• Communicates clearly and concisely their expectations and needs for counselors during their period.
• Keeps a direct line of communication open with supervisors.
• Reports all accidents/unusual incidents immediately to appropriate supervisors and creates necessary documentation.
• Communicates program information, problems, and concerns as they occur.
• Assists with planning and implementing Camp Special Events and Family Night Activities.
• Maintains and cares for all program areas and sports equipment. Ensures that campers treat all equipment, supplies, and camp property with respect and responsibility. Takes inventory of equipment weekly and updates camp directors with respect to supply needs.
• Assists with the coordination of camp activities. Actively participates in and takes ownership of all aspects of camp program, including special events, openings, closings, and extended hours.
• Attends all staff meetings and training sessions. Becomes familiar with provided training materials and actively incorporates them in their day today interactions and work with campers.
• Performs other duties as required by supervisor (remains flexible). Demonstrates a willingness to help where needed.
• Abides by the established YMCA/DPH/ACA day camp policies, procedures, regulations, and guidelines.

Work Environment

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to high.
• Available up to 40 hours per week Monday through Friday for an 8 hour shift between the hours of 7am-6pm.
• Works in indoor and outdoor environment/sun exposure.
• Maintains a professional image and manner consistent with the YMCA mission and goals at all times.
• Must have the physical ability to lead and participate in camp activities (physical games and activities).

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age and have a passion for working with and nurturing children.
• Have the ability to work with, develop, and understand the needs of children and appropriate boundary setting.
• Must have high school diploma or equivalent; some college, and experience preferred. Achieved or working toward an education, sports/physical education degree preferred or equivalent coaching experience.
• The individual must demonstrate a commitment to working with participants from a variety of backgrounds.
• Knowledge of group process -- must actively work in harmony with other staff.
• Must be committed to carry out YMCA mission, camp philosophy, policies and goals.
• Must utilize effective communication skills.
• Must possess current First Aid, Oxygen administration, and CPR certifications and all others as required by the specific camp.
• Child Abuse Prevention (within first four weeks of employment).
• Respect in the Workplace (Sexual Harassment Prevention).