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CAMPER WELLNESS COORDINATOR CAMP WAPSIE - SEASONAL
Job Title: Camper Wellness Coordinator
FLSA Status: Non Exempt-Seasonal
Reports to: Summer Camp Director
POSITION SUMMARY
Under the direction of the Summer Camp Director, the Camper Wellness Coordinator plays a key role in ensuring a positive and supportive environment for both campers and staff at YMCA Camp Wapsie. This position focuses on camper well-being by assisting with behavioral concerns, homesickness, and sensory needs. The Wellness Coordinator collaborates with the Health Center staff to review camper health forms, reaching out to families before camp if their child has a history of school difficulties, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, depression, anxiety, OCD tendencies or other concerning needs. They also follow up with families during camp to share positive updates on their child’s experience.
Additionally, this role provides guidance and resources to staff working with campers who need extra support, ensuring they feel equipped to manage behavioral and emotional challenges. The Wellness Coordinator is not a therapist for staff but may assist with general wellness initiatives, such as organizing self-care opportunities or stepping into living spaces when requested by the Camp Director.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
1. Review camper health forms in collaboration with Health Center staff, identifying behavioral concerns and wellness needs.
2. Contact families before camp to discuss support plans for campers with significant emotional or behavioral histories.
3. Follow up with families during camp to share successes and provide reassurance.
4. Assist campers struggling with homesickness, overstimulation, or behavioral challenges, offering a safe space and resources.
5. Check in with the Health Center and Camp Director 1-2 times daily to stay updated on camper concerns.
6. Provide staff with strategies and support for managing camper needs but does not serve as a therapist for staff.
7. Assist with general staff wellness efforts, such as organizing self-care activities or morale-boosting events.
8. Step into camper living spaces when requested by the Camp Director to help maintain a supportive environment.
9. General Camp Responsibilities:
a. Supervise campers assigned to their care, especially during night duty.
b. Chair a committee to schedule and implement one special day.
c. Attend weekly staff and program team meetings.
d. Participate in all the courses, activities, classes, training, and planning sessions during the weeks of program pre-camp and pre-camp.
e. Assist with distributing and entering camper evaluations and complete required evaluations for leadership programs as needed.
f. Create and maintain a harmonious, positive working relationship with fellow staff, campers, and participants.
QUALIFICATIONS
• Experience working with youth, especially those with behavioral or emotional challenges.
• Background in education, child development, social work, psychology, or a related field is preferred.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to have sensitive conversations with families.
• Ability to collaborate with camp staff and families to create supportive plans for campers.
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to remain calm in high-stress situations.
• Previous camp experience is a plus.
• Must enjoy working and interacting with people of all types and ages, with an emphasis on children, modeling and utilizing the important core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.
• Current First Aid & CPR certifications. Lifeguard certification & tower training encouraged.