At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting ropes activities and team-building exercises for campers.
- Company: Join the YMCA, a 150-year-old nonprofit dedicated to community empowerment and healthy living.
- Benefits: Enjoy a fun outdoor work environment with flexible hours and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on kids' lives while developing your leadership skills in a supportive community.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, have ropes certification, and a passion for working with children.
- Other info: Work up to 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday, in a vibrant camp setting.
Join to apply for the Day Camp Ropes Specialist - Camp Wakanda (Reading) role at YMCA of Greater Boston.
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.
Department: Child Development: Day Camp
Position Summary: Under the supervision of the Camp Director, the Ropes Specialist creates and implements a challenging, team-building curriculum that is age appropriate and safe. Activities should provide for growth in skills, self-awareness, self-expression, teamwork, and relationship building.
Key Responsibilities:
- 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 theme related, progressively challenging, ropes and team building curriculum which uses high and low ropes equipment and activities with no equipment.
- Documents ropes curriculum and keeps examples for following years.
- Plans and implements recreational and educational programs that emphasize group participation.
- Models the qualities of YMCA values to campers, CITs, parents and staff.
- Acts as staff peer leader, who sets an example for how all other staff should act and present themselves.
- Communicates clearly and concisely their expectations and needs for counselors during their period.
- Reports all accidents/incidents immediately to appropriate supervisors and creates necessary documentation.
- Assists with planning and implementing Camp Special Events and Family Night Activities.
- Maintains and cares for all program areas and supplies.
- Performs other duties as required by supervisor.
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 outdoor environment/sun exposure.
Qualifications:
- Must be at least 18 years of age or have graduated High School.
- Must have Rope Course Technical Skills or Belay Certification Training from Project Adventure or its equivalent.
- Must have high school diploma or equivalent; some college, and experience preferred.
- Must have a passion to work with and nurture children; understand the needs of children and appropriate boundary setting.
- Demonstrates a commitment to working with participants from a variety of backgrounds.
- Knowledge of group process -- must actively work in harmony with other staff.
- 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).
Day Camp Ropes Specialist - Camp Wakanda (Reading) employer: YMCA of Greater Boston
Contact Detail:
YMCA of Greater Boston Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Day Camp Ropes Specialist - Camp Wakanda (Reading)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the YMCA's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to community, youth development, and healthy living will help you align your approach during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Gain hands-on experience with ropes courses or team-building activities. If you can, volunteer at local camps or outdoor education programmes to showcase your practical skills and passion for working with children.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former YMCA staff. They can provide valuable insights into the camp culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach when applying for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your safety protocols and how you would handle various situations with campers. The YMCA prioritises safety, so demonstrating your awareness and preparedness in this area will set you apart.
We think you need these skills to ace Day Camp Ropes Specialist - Camp Wakanda (Reading)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Day Camp Ropes Specialist. Familiarise yourself with the job description and think about how your skills and experiences align with the requirements.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience, especially any work with children, outdoor education, or team-building activities. Emphasise your Rope Course Technical Skills or Belay Certification if you have them.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for working with children and your commitment to the YMCA's mission. Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to create a safe and engaging environment.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at YMCA of Greater Boston
✨Show Your Passion for Working with Children
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working with kids during the interview. Share any relevant experiences you have had in child development or outdoor education, and highlight how you can contribute to their growth and well-being.
✨Demonstrate Safety Awareness
Since safety is a top priority for the YMCA, be prepared to discuss how you would ensure the safety of campers during ropes activities. Mention any certifications you hold, such as First Aid or CPR, and provide examples of how you've handled safety concerns in the past.
✨Prepare a Creative Curriculum Idea
Think of a fun and engaging ropes course activity that you could implement at Camp Wakanda. Be ready to explain how this activity promotes teamwork and personal growth, and how it aligns with the camp's mission and values.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication Skills
The role requires collaboration with other staff members, so highlight your ability to work well in a team. Share examples of how you've effectively communicated expectations and built relationships with colleagues in previous roles.