Getting ready for Summer 2010 and looking for another amazing staff team! Summer sessions will begin June 6th and end August 7th.  For an application, please visit the ‘Employment’ section of the website.

All YMCA Camp Cosby staff are required to attend Staff Training May 29 – June 4, 2010, along with completing on-line training courses before those dates.   

All Program Staff are also required to attend the Program Staff Retreat February 19 - 21, 2010 and Program Staff Training May 24 – 26, 2010.

For more information on these positions, contact Sabrina McClain at smcclain@campcosby.org or call 800-85 COSBY ext 307.

Counselors – (18 years old) Position involves full responsibility in working with a cabin of up to 15 children (ages 6-8; 9-10; or 11-12) and working in an activity area.  Counselors will be trained in debriefing, positively handling consequences, being a mentor, and dealing with specific camper issues.  Applicants should have an empathic personality, strong role modeling skills, and a positive outlook on situations; lifeguard, CPR, First Aid and other certifications a plus.

Senior Counselors – (at least 19 years old) Position involves leading a cabin of children and working in an activity area. Senior Counselors are responsible for the Counselor and Jr. Counselor in the cabin. Staff will be trained in debriefing, positively handling consequences, being a mentor, and dealing with specific camper issues.  Applicants should have an empathic personality, a desire to learn from experiences, strong role modeling skills, and a positive outlook on situations; lifeguard, CPR, First Aid and other certifications a plus.

Adventure Village Counselors – (at least 19 years old) Responsible for the day-to-day programming and supervision of the 13-15 year old campers at the Point.  Counselors will be assigned either Leadership or Outdoor Track responsibilities on a rotating schedule.  Leadership Track counselors will lead teambuilding, high and low rope courses, and camp service projects. Outdoor Track Counselors will assist the Climbing/ Caving Director in rock climbing, caving, canoeing, bouldering, and teaching outdoor skills to the campers.  During their time at camp, ADV counselors will be in charge of a cabin of up to 10 campers and will work an activity area. Staff will be trained in debriefing, positively handling consequences, being a mentor, and dealing with specific camper issues.  Applicants should have an empathic personality, a desire to learn from experiences, an emotionally mature mindset, strong role modeling skills, and a positive outlook on situations; lifeguard, CPR, First Aid and other certifications a plus. Applicants must also have previous camp experience; experience in teambuilding, rock climbing, low and high ropes courses, hiking, canoeing, caving, and related activities is a plus.

Expedition Instructors – (21+ preferred) At least one male and one female instructor who are responsible for the safe implementation of the Cosby Expedition Program and Adventure Village Outdoor Track trip. Expeditions and Outdoor Track will travel all over Central and Northern Alabama. Expedition Program includes whitewater kayaking, rock climbing, caving, backpacking, hiking, and canoeing. Outdoor Track consists of day trips  climbing, hiking, or caving. Instructors must have strong backgrounds in at least 3 of the program areas (with at least one of the instructors be a competent Class IV kayaker). First Aid, CPR, and Lifeguard certifications are required, while Wilderness First Responder is preferred. Must have the ability to be YMCA Driver Certified; must 21 years old, have a clean driving record within the past 36 months, and pass a YMCA Vehicle Training class. Other duties include staff management on Outdoor Track trips, debriefing of trips with instructors and participants, recruiting campers, and organization of all trip documents. Ideal candidates will have demonstrated experience in top-rope and lead climbing, documented caving experience, appropriate rescue/site management, strong organizational skills, and an understanding of Leave No Trace ethics . Preferred applicants will also have experience in a camp setting, working with teens, and teaching the stated programs.

For more information on these positions, contact Sabrina McClain at smcclain@campcosby.org or call 800-85 COSBY ext 307

Filed under: Camp News, Summer Camp on October 15th, 2009 | No Comments »

Work together to make a difference for young people

 

Adults expect a lot of young people: to learn to treat people fairly and with kindness, act responsibly, get good grades, and become successful. Of course, young people can’t learn everything they need to reach their goals without help from parents and other caring adults. Adults also expect a lot of themselves. Consistently modeling appropriate behavior, teaching values, and at the same time, striving for your own goals, can be challenging. That’s why it’s important to work together. If you know a parent with a troubled teenager or a teacher with a failing student, ask them how you can help. If you are having difficulty connecting with a young person, be sure to ask for the help you need. Sometimes there are concrete things people can do to help; other times listening is all that’s needed. Search Institute’s framework of 40 Developmental Assets is meant to help guide young people—as well as adults—to a healthy, happy, thriving life.

 

Ask others to help

 

You are not alone. Raising young people takes a group effort and everyone—parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, teachers, friends, clergy, coaches—play an important role. There are people, places, and resources everyone can turn to when help is needed to support young people.

 

Offer help to others

 

Families, communities, and schools need support. Even if you’re not a parent, you can support young people and their families. Lending an ear at the end of a long day can make a big difference in the life of a frazzled parent. Offer to baby-sit or take a young person on an outing so parents can rest and rejuvenate. Not only will you be helping parents do their jobs better, you’ll also be helping their children grow and develop in new ways.

 

Also try this

 

In your home and family: Be easy on yourself—and others! Tell yourself and your spouse, significant other, peers, colleagues, and staff what you (and they) are doing right helping young people. Avoid dwelling on mistakes; celebrate your successes and give yourself a pat on the back! 

 

In your neighborhood and community: Help build your neighbors’ confidence as parents and caring adults. Leave a note or voice mail telling a certain neighbor how much you appreciate him or her.

 

In your school or youth program: Send a letter to parents about building Developmental Assets, and then discuss them in conferences or parent meetings.

 

Want to know more about the 40 Developmental Assets and ideas for helping young people build them? Visit www.search-institute.org/assets.

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Developmental Assets^® are positive factors within young people, families, communities, schools, and other settings that research has found to be important in promoting the healthy development of young people. From Instant Assets: 52 Short and Simple E-Mails for Sharing the Asset Message. Copyright © 2007 by Search Institute^®, 877-240-7251; www.search-institute.org. This message may be reproduced for educational, noncommercial uses only (with this copyright line). All rights reserved.

Filed under: Abundant Assets on October 5th, 2009 | No Comments »

Looking forward to a bright future

 

Stories about people who have overcome incredible odds to make a difference or achieve a dream abound throughout history. It’s important to have goals and dreams, but what do you do when the going gets tough? It’s important to model a positive attitude, seek solutions to problems, and keep moving toward your goal. Studies show when people envision themselves reaching their goals, they’re more likely to make them happen. Positive View of Personal Future is Asset 40 of Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets, the qualities, experiences, and relationships that help young people grow up healthy, caring, and responsible.

 

Here are the facts

 

Research shows that young people who are optimistic about the future have better relationships with their parents, increased self-esteem, and decreased emotional or behavioral problems, such as depression, early sexual activity, and violence. About 72 percent of young people, ages 11–18, are optimistic about their personal future, according to Search Institute surveys. Since young people are our future adults, it’s important to help them realize the positive aspects of their lives now and in the years to come.

 

Tips for building this asset

 

Having a sense of hope is one of the most important human traits to embrace. Everyone faces ups and downs in life. But it’s important to teach young people that a bad day, failed test, break-up, or loss of a loved one doesn’t mean the future is without hope. When bad things happen or mistakes occur, help young people focus on solutions or positive aspects of the situation instead of problems.

 

Also try this

 

In your home and family: Clip articles from newspapers or magazines of people doing hopeful things. Post them so the entire family sees them.

 

In your neighborhood and community: If you have concerns about your neighborhood, talk to neighbors about them. Gather a group to address these concerns and create a better future for everyone who lives nearby. Young people who live in a safe, clean, friendly neighborhood are more likely to feel positive about their future.

 

In your school or youth program: React positively when young people tell you their dreams—no matter how far-fetched or unreachable they may seem. Together, figure out a plan to make their dreams come true.

 

Want to know more about the 40 Developmental Assets and ideas for helping young people build them? Visit www.search-institute.org/assets.

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Developmental Assets^® are positive factors within young people, families, communities, schools, and other settings that research has found to be important in promoting the healthy development of young people. From Instant Assets: 52 Short and Simple E-Mails for Sharing the Asset Message. Copyright © 2007 by Search Institute^®, 877-240-7251; www.search-institute.org. This message may be reproduced for educational, noncommercial uses only (with this copyright line). All rights reserved.

Filed under: Abundant Assets on September 28th, 2009 | No Comments »

What if you live to be 100?

 

If you lived to 100, what would you want people to remember about you? Would your actions over the years reflect what you believed in and stood for? When young people think today about what they want to accomplish in their lives, it shapes their sense of purpose. Each and every young person has something unique to offer the world. Sense of Purpose is Asset 39 of Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets, the qualities, experiences, and relationships that help young people grow up healthy, caring, and responsible.

 

Here are the facts

 

Research shows young people who have a sense of purpose feel good about themselves, get along better with their parents, and get into less trouble. About 57 percent of young people, ages 11–18, say their life has a purpose, according to Search Institute surveys. For those who do not, caring adults can help them identify what matters most to them and what they find meaningful.

 

Tips for building this asset

 

Ask young people what inspires or excites them and share your thoughts on the subject with them. Encourage them to write down their thoughts about the meaning of life to help gain a greater understanding about what’s important to them. Tell them to review what they’ve written from time to time and notice how some of these things may change over time. Let them know changes are healthy and natural as people mature. Encourage them to aim for the things that give their lives purpose.

 

Also try this

 

In your home and family: Ask your child how he or she would like to contribute to the family and to others in the community. Then help her or him get started.

 

In your neighborhood and community: Look for stories or images that depict local people who’ve lived with a clear sense of purpose. What did they accomplish? Write an article about one of these people for your local newspaper or newsletter.

 

In your school or youth program: Ask young people in your school or program to help younger kids. Pair them up in general mentoring relationships or for tutoring on specific school subjects. This will give the older kids a sense of purpose, as well as model to the younger ones what it means to help others.

 

Want to know more about the 40 Developmental Assets and ideas for helping young people build them? Visit www.search-institute.org/assets.

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Developmental Assets^® are positive factors within young people, families, communities, schools, and other settings that research has found to be important in promoting the healthy development of young people. From Instant Assets: 52 Short and Simple E-Mails for Sharing the Asset Message. Copyright © 2007 by Search Institute^®, 877-240-7251; www.search-institute.org. This message may be reproduced for educational, noncommercial uses only (with this copyright line). All rights reserved.

Filed under: Abundant Assets on May 13th, 2009 | No Comments »

As it gets closer to summer (only 11 days until Session 1 Sunday!), we will be putting up the 2009 Summer Camp Staff.

Here is who will on our A-Team staff this summer…

Program Staff:

Megan Counts - Staff/ Cabin Life Director

Woody Mathis - Adventure Village Director

Campbell Dunbar - Ranger Head Counselor

Heather Norris - Blazer Head Counselor

John Medina - Pathfinder/ Buckaroo Head Counselor

Sarah Cox - CIT Director

Adam Bennett - CIT Director

Bobby Thomas - Activities Director

Timothy Casebolt - Aquatics Director

Eric McClain - Minibike Director

Caitie Ziemak - Equestrian Director

Dusty Caldwell - Minibike Mechanic

Jessica Florea - Avian Specialist

Cabin Counselors:

Jeannie Anderson- Alabama

Amanda Gargus - Alabama

Robin Levine - Alabama

Mary Alice Reilly - Alabama

Patrick Glenn - Alabama

Brittany Mitchell - Alabama

Ambriah Brown - Georgia

Colin Aune - Wisconsin

Letio Monica - Uganda

Okudi Godfrey - Uganda

Stefi Nelson - Georgia

Juliana Dark - Alabama

Melanie Smith - Alabama

Philip Stanford - Alabama

Ian Bartlett - Georgia

Morgan Henson - Georgia

Madison Fridal - Alabama

Janina Bufkin - Mississippi

Tyler Staub (Adventure Village Counselor) - Alabama

Michelle Moody (Adventure Village Counselor) - Alabama

Emily Haggerty (Adventure Village Counselor) - Alabama

Adam Wells - Georgia

Jackson Wilson - Georgia

Nancy Acevedo - Georgia

Madison Dworschak - Georgia

Patrick Jones - Alabama

Elijah Ladnier (Adventure Village Counselor) - Mississippi

Beka Hott - Mississippi

David Corson (Adventure Village Counselor) - Alabama

Asha Bennett - Georgia

Kristopher Taylor - Virginia

Jon Cowart - Alabama

Lauren Crandall - Alabama

Paul Namie - Alabama

Cameron Cotney - Alabama

Sanmorteeno Battle - Alabama

Hayden Avera - Louisiana

Check back often to see who will part of our staff!

Filed under: Summer Camp on May 13th, 2009 | No Comments »