Health Officer

General Function

Health Officers are responsible for the safety of campers and staff while at camp under the supervision of the Camp Nurse, Director of Camping, Day Camp Directors and the Resident Camp Directors.

Know How

All Residential Health Officer positions require:

  1. Age minimum of 20 years.
  2. A high school diploma and one year of college and/or camping experience preferred.
  3. A driver’s license and a good driving record.
  4. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with children and families.
  5. Certification – American Red Cross: First Aid – Responding to Emergencies and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer and the Heathcare Provider (training can be provided)
  6. Preferred but not required: Nursing Degree, Certification in Wilderness First Aid, or Emergency Medical Technician

Principal Activities

The Health Officer position requires each person to:

  1. Live by and teach the Four Principles of the Sherman Lake YMCA Outdoor Center: Honesty, Caring, Respect, and Responsibility.
  2. Maintain that the health and safety of campers, members, and participants is the #1 priority of the Sherman Lake YMCA Outdoor Center at all times.
  3. Assist Camp Nurse with check-in on Sundays where you will be screening campers’ health/registration forms for pertinent information, check in medication from parents, answer any parent questions/concerns, and assist in preparing the medication distribution log.
  4. Perform health checks (temperature, visual observation, health status questions) on each camper the first day of check-in while swim tests are conducted.
  5. Distribution of morning, mid-morning, noon, afternoon, dinner and nighttime meds.
  6. Assist the Camp Nurse in keeping nurses station, medical kits, and medicine kits organized and stocked and taking inventory and ordering supplies when necessary.
  7. Under the guidance of the Director of Camping and the Camp Nurse ensure that all applicable YMCA, ACA, local, state, and federal regulations are fulfilled.
  8. Guide and direct campers, members, and participants toward their potential by creating a loving and supportive environment.
  9. Be flexible and assist in any and all areas of the Sherman Lake YMCA Outdoor Center as needed and directed.
  10. Stay overnight in camp and be available and responsible for any medical concerns or emergencies. The hours for a Camp Health Officer are Sundays 12:00 noon – Fridays check-out, weekly, unless previously discussed with and recorded by the Camp Nurse or Director of Camping. Break times will be scheduled and the camp health officers will have rotating schedules.

Please note: Camp is often unpredictable. There will be times when you will be requested to help in addition to your principle activities.

Effect on End Results:

The effectiveness of all Residential Health Officers is measured in part by:

  1. The achievement of the goals and objectives of the Sherman Lake YMCA Outdoor Center.
  2. YMCA Campers, Members, and Participants having a happy, safe, and rewarding experience.
  3. Each Staff member and Volunteer having a rewarding growth experience.
  4. Positive formal and informal performance reviews.