Camp Counselor (Summer 2025)

Job Title: Camp Counselor

FLSA Status: Seasonal

Leadership Level: Leader

Reports to: Camp Miller Branch Executive

Pay: $400-$450/ Week

Now hiring for Summer 2025!

Seasonal Staff Benefits:

• Retirement accounts (You can contribute at any time, but the Y will contribute 12% after two years of service with 1,000 hours in each of the two years)
• Paid time off
• Complimentary nationwide 2 adult family membership to the Y
• Discounts on programs, summer camps, YMCA Camp Miller 
• Team member referral program
• Employee engagement and appreciation activities
• Employee assistance program
• Growth and development opportunities
• Leadership certification and related training offered and encouraged

Camp Summary

Serving Duluth and the surrounding communities for more than 120 years, YMCA Camp Miller provides over 750 campers each summer with a first-class camp program. Nestled on 340 acres of pristine campgrounds, Camp Miller serves as a regional residential camp and conference/retreat center. Located in Pine County, in the town of Sturgeon Lake, Camp Miller provides a picture-perfect, all-inclusive Y camp experience unlike any other in Northern Minnesota and serves as a destination camp for the surrounding communities. Its large field, abundant trail system, horseback riding arena, and art/activity structures provide an environment that builds self-confidence, strengthens independence, and forges relationships. It’s not just children who benefit from zip-lining, canoeing, fishing, archery, climbing, and wildlife/nature encounters. In addition, Camp Miller operates during the shoulder season providing programming for school groups, family camps, corporate retreats, specialized events, and weddings. The Director of Camp Miller should demonstrate a passion to work with campers, support the vision and capital campaign goals for the Y and Camp Miller, and commit to excellence in every aspect of the services we provide. The Duluth Area Family YMCA is a cause-driven association with a focus on nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving the nation’s health and well-being, and providing opportunities to give back and support our neighbors.

YMCA Camp Miller’s mission: To provide positive, life-enhancing experiences for youth through activities that focus on teaching YMCA core values, developing life skills, and building character in a safe, fun, and supportive outdoor setting.

Position Summary

Camp Miller Camp Counselors are the primary caregivers for each camper. The Counselor is responsible for planning, teaching, coordinating, and carrying out activities and guiding campers in their personal growth and daily living skills.

Our Culture

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

Essential Functions

• Assist in the direction, supervision, and organization of campers in their living unit, within activities, and throughout the camp to meet the intended camper outcomes.  
• Apply basic youth development principles in working with campers through communication, relationship development, respect for diversity, involvement, and empowerment of youth. 
• Assure campers are properly always supervised. 
• Be aware of and implement safety guidelines. 
• Fosters an inclusive environment appreciative of differences in the workplace. Meaningfully participate in and lead efforts to support the Y’s commitment to equity and diversity

YMCA Competencies

• Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y's values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs.  
• Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Seeks first to understand the other person's point of view and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.  
• Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work, and actively participates in meetings.  
• Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates and openness to change and seeks opportunities in the change process. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.   

Expected Hours of Work

The expected hours for the Camp Miller Counselor will Sunday afternoon through Saturday morning. Camp Miller Counselors tend to be with children and onsite 24 hours a day when camp is in operation.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid; must be able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury) and possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers  

Some physical requirements of a Cabin Counselor position could be endurance including prolonged standing, some bending, stooping, walking long distances, hiking, climbing, and stretching; requires eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity to manipulate outdoor equipment and camp activities; requires normal range of hearing and eyesight to record, prepare, and communicate appropriate camper activities/programs and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs.; willing to live in a camp setting and work irregular hours with limited or simple equipment and facilities; and with daily exposure to the sun, heat, and animals such as bugs, snakes, bats, etc.

Travel

Camp Miller Counselors who have authorized driving authorization may take children on day and overnight trips, depending on skills, knowledge, and personal job duties within camp. Counselors may also be required to travel to Duluth or surrounding areas to retrieve a van from the Duluth Area Family YMCA fleet.

Required Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age (Sr. Counselor) 
• Must be able to obtain or become certified in First Aid/CPR within 60 days of employment (camp will provide certification). 
• Ability to schedule and supervise children.  
• Desire and ability to work with children outdoors.  
• Ability to relate to youth and adults in a positive manner.  
• Demonstrate knowledge and skill in program areas designated camp program areas.  
• Ability to communicate and work with groups participating (age and skill levels) and provide necessary instruction to campers and staff.  
• Ability to observe camper behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply behavior-management techniques. 
• Commitment of supporting principles of equal opportunity and affirmative action to achieve a diverse work environment

Preferred Qualifications

Lifeguard certifications (camp will provide certification)

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• Must be able to pass a background check.

EEO Statement

The Duluth Area Family YMCA (the Y) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment with regards to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, the Y complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Job Type: Temporary

Pay: $400.00 - $450.00 per week

Benefits:

• Employee assistance program
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Salary : $400 - $450