YMCA Camp Counselor - Summer 2025

POSITION SUMMARY:

Summer Camp counselors are responsible for providing an appropriately safe, caring and enriching environment for the children enrolled in the YMCA Camp program. Counselors are responsible for conducting themselves in an appropriate manner, setting an example for children, parents and co-workers by reflecting the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Counselors are responsible for complying with all YMCA Childcare Policies and Procedures.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & JOB DUTIES:

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Following theme and daily schedule set by Camp Coordinator that may include the following: crafts, trips to the park, games, and other activities.
• Adhere to policies as stated in the YMCA Childcare Policies and Procedures
• Attend staff meetings and trainings as they arise
• Work in a team environment and encourage open communication regarding concerns/issues with children, parents or co-workers.
• Communicate with the Childcare Director, Camp Counselors, and VP of Youth Development as needed.
• Keep a consistent headcount on all children present; communicate changes with all other staff
• Assist in maintaining clean-up schedules; including janitorial duties necessary to maintain the cleanliness of the YMCA facilities.
• Comply with all emergency procedures appropriate to the site and in conformity with procedures adopted by emergency service authorities to ensure the safety of the children and staff
• Maintain all supplies, equipment and materials; inform leadership when new/additional supplies are needed
• Ensure that all staff and children are respectful of property; ensure all rules are followed

RESPONSIBILITIES WHEN INTERACTING WITH CHILDREN:

• Consistently demonstrate positive interaction with all children; talk to them and treat them with dignity and respect
• Consistently demonstrate positive discipline; teach and redirect rather than scolding or reprimanding them; firmly and consistently enforce the rules; ensure that „the punishment fits the crime‟
• Express clear expectations and hold children accountable for adhering to them
• Help children to develop a positive self-esteem and sense of self-worth
• Consistently demonstrate and reinforce the values of caring, respect, honesty and responsibility

RESPONSIBILITIES WHEN INTERACTING WITH PARENTS:

• Positively ID parents before releasing children (picture ID necessary until you can personally identify them)
• Introduce yourself to parents and communicate with them regularly regarding program information: schedule changes, permission slips
• Express appreciation for their interest in their child(s) participation in the program

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION:

HS Diploma or General Equivalent Diploma

Experience working with children of varied ages highly desired.

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE:

Must have the ability to demonstrate and/or show competency in the following areas:

• Supervising youth and presenting positive role modeling through all interactions with program participants.
• To meet program goals as outlined in the Childcare Policies and Procedures Manual
• To keep confidences, loyalties and practice professionalism
• Be reliable and dependable
• Must pass CPR/AED/1st Aid certification by an approved provider within 3 months from original date of hire and maintain while employed.
• Work a flexible schedule to meet program staffing/planning needs.
• Exercise mature judgment and sound decision making.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Lift 35 pounds using proper technique
• Must have adequate hearing to respond to the children and co-workers.
• Ability to stand for up to 5 hours
• Ability to run up to 100 yards (in the case of an emergency)
• Currently have excellent health and be free of communicable diseases.

PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS:

The Camp Counselor will present a competent and positive image of the YMCA through the professional and safe coordination of all Child Care programming.

In addition the Camp Counselor will exhibit and represent behaviors consistent with the expectations within the YMCA competency guidelines listed below:

• Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s values.
• Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs.
• Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions.
• Builds rapport and relates well to others.
• Must be able to be outside for extended periods of time in summer heat/weather.
• Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another.
• Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience.

License/Certification:

• First Aid Certification (Preferred)
• CPR Certification (Preferred)

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $8.00 - $10.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $8 - $10