Position Summary:Junior Counselors are to assist Senior Counselors in leading groups, fostering an inclusive environment, and providing positive experiences for participants. Junior Counselors will receive thorough feedback from their assigned Senior Counselors during ongoing meetings with the Teen Lead. As a Junior Counselor, you will have the opportunity to engage with youth, further develop your professional skills, and make connections with other Junior Counselors.
We ask that you volunteer for a minimum of three (3) weekly sessions, consecutively or throughout the summer. Those demonstrating a positive impact may volunteer for additional sessions. We maintain the right to remove a Junior Counselor if they are negatively affecting the program.
*If you are 16 or older, please apply as a Lifeguard or Assistant Counselor.
**This is an UNPAID volunteer opportunity.
***Busing is available to Junior Counselors. Transportation schedules can be accessed on the Camp Streefland website here.
Steps to Apply:
- REVIEW and SUBMIT this Google Form for the Junior Counselor program.
- Participate in a virtual interview. These will happen later this spring, we'll follow up with applicants to schedule interviews!
- Fully complete the WAIVERS and HEALTH FORM for the Junior Counselor program.
- Meet with the Teen Lead and fellow Junior Counselor applicants in late May-early June.
General Responsibilities:- Participate in Junior Counselor program.
- Support the Senior Counselor in ensuring the general health, happiness, and safety of the participants assigned to them.
- Ability to comprehend and demonstrate general rules and expectations.
- Participate in group activities with solid judgment and enthusiasm.
- Support the Senior Counselor in ensuring the general health and safety of participants on transportation.
- Incorporate the 5 Core Values of the YMCA (Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility, Equity) into all programming.
- Keep your phone in your backpack and away from participants at all times. Stay engaged!
Volunteer Qualifications/Requirements:- Must be between the ages of 13-15 years old.
- Previous experience working with youth. (Leaders In Training or similar experience preferred.)
- As part of building professional skills, Junior Counselor applicants are expected to engage via email or phone. With the exception of emergencies, we ask that guardians refrain from communicating on behalf of their applicant.
- Ability to demonstrate the 5 Core Values of the YMCA with participants, fellow Junior Counselors, and employees.
Physical Demands:- Must possess the physical ability to both lead and participate in a variety of outdoors activities, including hiking, canoeing, swimming, team-building initiatives, building campfires, and engaging in physical games and activities.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Pledge:
The Y of the North is committed to the work and everyday practices of eliminating disparities and eradicating of unjust systems to become a multicultural, anti-racist and anti-oppressive organization. YMCA of the North team members and volunteers must exemplify the association’s mission, vision and values of Caring, Equity, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility.
The YMCA of the North continues to develop plans and strategies to ensure team members and volunteers reflect the demographics of the communities we serve. We will continually conduct institutional racism and oppression review of our policies, procedures and practices in recruitment and selection; compensation and benefits; professional development and training; promotions; transfers; layoffs; terminations; and the ongoing development of a multicultural, anti-racist and anti-oppressive work environment and culture that promotes equity and respect for the human dignity of all. We value and respect this diversity and choose to be inclusive through our acceptance of all.
Please contact Ellie Christopherson with further questions or concerns at ellen.christopherson@ymcamn.org
