Reporting to a Section Director at Camp Chief Hector YMCA, the General Counselor - tripping focus position is open to individuals with interest in and previous experience working with children and youth in an outdoor environment. Counselors work with campers aged 12-15 years old who come to Camp Chief Hector for 13 day sessions. These campers are ready for the adventure of new experiences and require a leader who is actively involved in facilitating a positive, engaging camp experience for all. Counselors enjoy the company of their campers while providing them with appropriate expectations and clear boundaries. By the end of staff training (the first week of the contract), counselors need to feel comfortable with taking a leadership role and participating in all activities and aspects of camp life. Counselors need to be creative, flexible and approachable, be open to learning and teaching new skills, and be ready to facilitate great adventures for campers.

General Counselors - tripping focus are assigned to work with either the Kananaskin or Pioneer camps. Staff will be hired to lead either backpacking trips or river canoeing trips but will most likely spend some time during the summer supporting both programs. It is important that staff who lead these backcountry trips have experience leading backcountry travel and a passion for hiking, horsemanship, river canoeing, exploring, and learning about wildlands.

For a thorough description of our employment opportunities, staff expectations and summer programs, please see our website at:

http://www.ymcacalgary.org/en/camp_chief_hector_ymca/cchy_employment_opportunities_2012.pdf

Responsibilities:
Provide fun, positive and active leadership to campers

Be a friend and mentor to campers and their families

Support Camp Chief Hector YMCA risk management rules and guidelines

Create a caring, supportive environment where campers feel that they can take risks, make new friends and try new things

Model and support the values of Camp Chief Hector YMCA and YMCA Calgary

Work as an active and positive member of the Camp Chief Hector YMCA staff team

Manage personal energy to perform excellently each week with a busy schedule

Certifications and Experiences

People who have found success in this position have:
Previous experience and positive references related to working with children/youth

Clearly demonstrated a positive attitude and teamwork in prior work/volunteer situations

The ability to provide comfort and guidance to campers

Comfort with and enthusiasm for backcountry travel

Wilderness First Aid and CPR 'C' - 40 hour course

Paddle Alberta Tandem River Instructor certification (required for staff leading river canoe trips)

Canadian Lifesaving Society Bronze Cross or NLS (preferred for paddling staff)

A clean criminal background check including a vulnerable sector search from 2012

Competencies:
Commitment to the Vision and Values: Demonstrates and promotes a personal understanding of and appreciation for the mission, vision and values of YMCA Calgary

Service Attitude/Customer Focus: Identifies needs and wants of campers and their families as priority and responds in an effective and timely manner to enhance every person's Camp Chief Hector YMCA experience

Leadership: Ability to adapt to working with different people in a dynamic environment

Communication: Ability to maintain open, clear, honest rapport with campers and co-workers

Self Management: Ability to adapt personal job expectations and maintain desire for professional growth

Teamwork: Ability to work effectively with others to provide memorable camp experiences for children and youth

Flexibility/Managing Change: Ability to initiate and respond effectively to changing conditions

Diversity: Appreciate that people with varying opinions, backgrounds and personalities bring richness to the YMCA

Commitment to Health a nd Safety: Acknowledges the importance and understands how to manage and educate others of risk management and harm reduction
YMCA Calgary - 13 months ago