Provides supervision, leadership and instruction for participants in the Outdoor and Environmental Education program. Provides a quality experience to participants focused on YMCA core values: honesty, respect, responsibility, and caring. Represents the YMCA and self in a professional manner of safety and fun.
Key Responsibilities
Essential Functions:
• Promote a positive environment that fosters fun, safety and our YMCA values.
• Treat every participant fairly and equally regardless of circumstances and abilities, making each feel good about themselves and encouraging a fun environment.
• Accentuate positive attributes nurturing the whole; physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally. Give praise for effort.
• Encourage member and parent involvement and identify potential volunteers.
• Maintain good public relations with members and always represent the best interests of the YMCA.
• Arrive with ample time to report to position at the scheduled time.
• Be responsible and fulfill your commitments to scheduled shifts. Notify a supervisor personally and in a timely manner if you are unable to meet your commitment. This includes illness and extenuating circumstances.
• Participate in staff meetings as required.
• Participate in trainings as required.
• Assume other responsibilities as mutually agreed upon with a supervisor.
Naturalist Responsibilities:
• Monitor area and ensure a safe, positive and fun environment. Confidently and tactfully enforce YMCA policies.
• Prepare and teach natural science, group building, and outdoor skills classes to school groups.
• Participate in or direct educational and recreational activities as needed, including waterfront areas and evening activities.
• Actively work to achieve a quality educational experience for all program participants and staff in line with the goals of the Outdoor and Environmental Education Program.
• Maintain the cleanliness and general upkeep of the Environmental Center and other camp areas as needed.
• Develop activities, curriculum, program materials, and displays to enhance the Outdoor and Environmental Education program.
• Communicate the OEE philosophy to administrators, teachers, school staff, and campers.
• Assist in weekend programs as directed.
• Follow YMCA Camp Seymour Standard Operating Policies and Procedures.
Safety:
• Dress according to YMCA dress code, having on the appropriate shirt and nametag. Dress in appropriate athletic attire.
• Double-check the clothing safety of all participants for jewelry, gum, and clothing violations that can result in injury.
• Know the location of the first aid kit, nearest phone, and incident reports. Current certifications in CPR and First Aid preferred.
• Follow all YMCA policies, rules, regulations and procedures, including emergency and safety procedures. Complete incident and accident reports as necessary.
• Ensure emergency procedures are followed, and notify supervisor of any incidents, accidents, and behavior concerns immediately.
• Organize and put away needed equipment. Report damaged equipment.
Ambassador:
• Understand our YMCA’s mission, goals, objectives and programs to relay that information to inquiring families and participants.
• Understand the financial assistance given to members comes from our yearly “Strong Kids” campaign. Assist staff in helping to identify those individuals that may be interested in serving as a campaigner for and a donor to these efforts.
• Convey information on Camp programs and schedules and as appropriate refers members and participants to other programs.
Additional duties:
• Model our YMCA values through fun, positive relationships with staff and members. Seek every opportunity to encourage, motivate and thank fellow staff members for their work.
• Be enthusiastic toward members and staff by learning their names and expressing an interest in their YMCA activities. Strive to enrich their YMCA experience by introducing them to new programs, staff, members and volunteer activities.
• Incorporate “Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility” into all aspects of the position, to ensure YMCA values are being integrated into our culture and programs.
• Maintain a consistent professional image through dress, actions and relationships with others. Speak enthusiastically on behalf of the YMCA at given opportunities.
• Participate in applicable training and conferences to further professional growth as outlined in annual training plans.
Requirements
Qualifications
• Minimum age of 21 years.
• A working knowledge of Outdoor and Environmental Education principles through education or practical experience, and the ability to instruct participants.
• Positive attitude and previous experience with youth in educational and program activities.
• Ability to connect with people of diverse backgrounds.
• The ability to implement the activity program.
• The ability to demonstrate a friendly, courteous and professional manner while working with members, parents and staff and the ability to understand, articulate, and enforce YMCA policies and procedures in a positive way.
• Required trainings within 90 days, Child Abuse Prevention training within 60.
• Certifications: CPR, AED and Basic First Aid (Lifeguarding preferred).
Physical Demands:
• Ability to plan, lead and participate in program activities.
• Ability to lift equipment