As a branch of the Ridgewood YMCA, YMCA Camp Bernie began as a working farm in 1872. In 1956, 248 acres were purchased by the Ridgewood YMCA. The property was then renamed YMCA Camp Bernie after Bernard Forster due to his endless work for the people of his community and their children. YMCA Camp Bernie, located in Northern New Jersey serves children in both a Summer Day Camp and Residence Camp as well as serving Groups, Retreats and Family programs in the Fall, Winter and Spring Months.
POSITION SUMMARY: The Program Coordinator furthers the mission of YMCA Camp Bernie through the planning and delivery of program activities and events. Design and deliver program activities that are safe, fun, ACA compliant, and appropriate to the participants’ ages and abilities. This position holds strong focus on camp’s specialized and skilled activities, including but not limited to ropes, challenge, target sports, and/or aquatics. The Program Coordinator will report to the Groups and Retreats Director. They will serve as second in command for Groups & Retreats, Spring, Fall and Winter (additional work available during Summer Camp). The Program Coordinator will supervise any Program Specialists hired for those seasons.
- Must be at least 21 years of age.
- Must have a minimum of 2 years of leadership experience.
- Must have experience working with children.
- CPR/AED/First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain.
- ACCT level 1 or CCM preferred
- Prior experience in outdoor education setting preferred i.e., overnight camp, nature center, challenge course
PHYSICAL ASPECTS OF THE JOB:
- Climbing utility poles and trees using staples and lobster claws
- Operating in comfort at heights over 40 feet
- Lifting up to 50 pounds
- Standing and walking for long periods at a time
- Living in a camp setting and working irregular hours
- Performs daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance inspection tasks of all program areas and documents accurately.
- Inventories and stores equipment properly, reports and repairs/retires any damaged equipment, ensures equipment is working properly and makes necessary purchases of new equipment.
- Ensures that assigned staff are conducting regular safety checks of program equipment, keeping adequate logs, and that program areas are cleaned daily and cleared of any hazards or debris.
- In partnership with Groups & Retreats, facilitates the successful training of all high rope’s elements and other program areas to ensure continued confidence and competence of staff in these areas.
- Regularly observe, assess the skills, and monitor work of program instructors and counselors, and report observations to the Groups and Retreats Director.
- With direction from Groups & Retreats, ensures excellent experience for our rental groups and Groups & Retreats staff.
- Works directly with groups for on-site programs by facilitating program activities and hosting groups as needed.
- Coordinates preparation of programs, set-ups and break-down of areas for daily usage.
- Assists in running meals and leading evening programs as needed.
- Acts as a direct supervisor for program specialist staff.
- Designs and develops new programs as well as maintains program areas and equipment.
- At all times, acts as a role model in attitude and action for all YMCA Camp Bernie staff and guests.
- All other duties as assigned.
Change Leadership: Facilitates, co-creates, and implements equitable change for the good of the organization and/or community.
Engaging Community: Builds bridges with others in the community to ensure the Y’s work is community-focused and welcoming of all, providing community benefit.
Collaboration: Creates sustainable relationships within the Y and with other organizations in service to the community
Communication & Influence: Listens and expresses self effectively and in a way that engages, inspires, and builds commitment to the Y’s cause
Inclusion: Values all people for their unique talents, and takes an active role in promoting practices that support diversity, inclusion, and global work, as well as cultural competence
Critical Thinking & Decision Making: Makes informed decisions based on logic, data, and sound judgment
Functional Expertise: Executes superior technical skills for the role
Innovation: Creates and implements new and relevant approaches and activities that improve and expand the Y’s work and impact in the community
Developing Self & Others: Develops self and supports others (e.g., staff, volunteers, members, program participants), both formally and informally, to achieve their highest potential
- ACCT level 1 or CCM preferred