What are the responsibilities and job description for the Cabin Counselor position at Greater Burlington YMCA?
Are you ready for a summer of adventure, laughter, and legendary s’mores? YMCA Camp Abnaki is hiring Cabin Counselors to mentor, inspire, and create unforgettable memories with boys who have completed grades 1-10. You’ll lead cabin life, run awesome activities, and build a tight-knit camp community—all while perfecting your cannonball skills. Spend your days on the shores of Lake Champlain, paddling canoes, conquering the climbing wall, launching water balloons, and battling for glory in capture the flag. If you’re ready to make a real impact while having the best summer ever, we want you on our team!
The contract for this position is from June 12 through August 16. Possibilities of pre-season and post-season work are also available.
Why You'll Love This Job:
- Make an Impact: Help campers build confidence, friendships, and lifelong memories.
- Live the Adventure: Spend your summer on the shores of Lake Champlain in beautiful North Hero, VT with housing and meals included in compensation.
- Build Leadership Skills: Gain valuable experience in youth development, teamwork, and program facilitation.
- Be Part of a Mission-Driven Team: Join a community committed to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
What You'll Do:
- Lead & Supervise Campers: Guide and support campers throughout their daily activities, ensuring a safe and positive experience.
- Create a Positive Cabin Environment: Facilitate cabin clean-up, rest hour, evening cabin chats, and lights out.
- Engage in Camp Activities: Teach skill classes, lead evening programs, and assist in special events.
- Promote Healthy Habits: Encourage campers to practice good hygiene, hydration, and sun safety.
- Manage Camper Behavior: Foster respectful interactions and address any behavioral concerns with support from camp leadership.
- Ensure Safety & Well-Being: Be alert to camper needs, respond to emergencies, and maintain a secure environment.
- Live On-Site: Stay in a cabin with 6-10 campers, providing overnight supervision and support.
- Communicate Effectively: Maintain open communication with camp leadership and parents regarding any camper concerns, progress, or challenges.
- Maintain Camp Spaces: Help care for equipment, supplies, and facilities.
- Build Lasting Relationships: Form meaningful connections with campers, fellow staff, and families.
What We’re Looking For:
- Must be at least 16 years old.
- Experience working with children ages 5 to 16 (preferred).
- Ability to lead small group programs or activities.
- Excellent communication, patience, and empathy.
- Strong problem-solving and teamwork skills.
- Ability to live on-site for the duration of the camp season.
Work Environment & Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those necessary for the role and are essential to ensuring the safety and well-being of children in our care. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
- Ability to navigate camp property, including uneven terrain and remote areas.
- Visual and auditory awareness to respond to safety hazards.
- Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
- Endurance to stand, walk, and engage in physical activities for extended periods.
