What are the responsibilities and job description for the Camp Twelve Trails Teen Counselor position at YM & YWHA of Washington Heights and Inwood?
Camp Overview
Camp Twelve Trails gives children entering Kindergarten - 10th grade the best of both specialty and traditional day camp programs. It is comprised of five Neighborhoods (elective tracks): Play, Create, Explore, Discover, and Grow that allow campers to strengthen their skills in their favorite specialty while encouraging them to explore new areas. Our program is rooted in universally shared values central to Jewish life. These values are incorporated in everything we do, with the hope that it encourages our staff and campers to be the best versions of themselves.
Position Overview
Teen General Counselors are responsible for the overall safety and supervision of campers entering 7th-10th grade, while playing a key role in creating a fun, safe, and engaging environment for campers throughout the summer. Teen General Counselors are responsible for overseeing a group of teens during daily activities, day trips throughout the week, and three overnight experiences. Twice a week, counselors will accompany their group to the Henry Kaufmann Campgrounds, where they will integrate with the wider camp community and participate in a variety of recreational and team-building activities throughout our 5 neighborhoods. Additionally, counselors help facilitate teen-led service projects one day each week, working closely with the Teen Tribe Leader to guide and support participants in making a meaningful impact. This role requires strong leadership, enthusiasm, and a passion for working with teens in a dynamic camp setting.
Duties Pre Camp
Salary Range: $2600 - $3300 (plus an additional $100 for each overnight worked).
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other functions and responsibilities may change or may be assigned.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
YM & YWHA of Washington Heights & Inwood provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law.
About YM&YWHA Of Washington Heights & Inwood
Established in 1917 as one of the first Jewish community centers in New York City, the YM & YWHA of Washington Heights and Inwood (the Y) is a thriving and visionary not-for-profit human services organization in Northern Manhattan. We welcome people of diverse ethnicities and all ages, from pre-school to older adults, into the Y family with a wide range of educational, recreational and social services and programs that focus on improving the quality of their lives. With a long and distinguished history, the Y is a multi-service community center that is well known for its nurturing environment and non-judgmental philosophy.
Camp Twelve Trails gives children entering Kindergarten - 10th grade the best of both specialty and traditional day camp programs. It is comprised of five Neighborhoods (elective tracks): Play, Create, Explore, Discover, and Grow that allow campers to strengthen their skills in their favorite specialty while encouraging them to explore new areas. Our program is rooted in universally shared values central to Jewish life. These values are incorporated in everything we do, with the hope that it encourages our staff and campers to be the best versions of themselves.
Position Overview
Teen General Counselors are responsible for the overall safety and supervision of campers entering 7th-10th grade, while playing a key role in creating a fun, safe, and engaging environment for campers throughout the summer. Teen General Counselors are responsible for overseeing a group of teens during daily activities, day trips throughout the week, and three overnight experiences. Twice a week, counselors will accompany their group to the Henry Kaufmann Campgrounds, where they will integrate with the wider camp community and participate in a variety of recreational and team-building activities throughout our 5 neighborhoods. Additionally, counselors help facilitate teen-led service projects one day each week, working closely with the Teen Tribe Leader to guide and support participants in making a meaningful impact. This role requires strong leadership, enthusiasm, and a passion for working with teens in a dynamic camp setting.
Duties Pre Camp
- Participate in pre-camp training.
- Along with your co-counselor, supervise a group of campers during all camp activities. This includes campers with special needs who may be a part of your general group.
- Full participation in all camp activities, including swim and activities provided on all trips.
- Lead and/or assist in small and large group activities either within your group or in the Neighborhoods.
- Work with your co-counselor to provide the highest level of support and programming for your campers.
- Work with other counselors in the Teen Division to help them provide support to their campers.
- Be familiar with and enforce the personnel policies, safety rules, and program of camp.
- Participate in all camp meetings, activities, and special programs.
- Keep records as required, including documenting all incidents and behavioral issues.
- Ensure the health, safety, and welfare of all campers in any area or programs at camp.
- Model appropriate behavior to campers including on the bus to and from camp.
- Use positive behavior-management techniques with campers.
- Go on the scheduled overnight trips.
- Staff lunch is provided by camp each day.
- Free summer fitness membership at our 3 JCC’s.
- Must be 18 years of age or older per DOH overnight camping trip regulations.
- 2 years of previous experience working with children.
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to remain calm and maintain perspective under pressure.
- Commitment to work collaboratively with others.
- Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing needs.
- Full-time Seasonal.
- Mondays through Fridays, June 30 - August 15, 2025, including 40-45 hours of staff training in May and June.
Salary Range: $2600 - $3300 (plus an additional $100 for each overnight worked).
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other functions and responsibilities may change or may be assigned.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
YM & YWHA of Washington Heights & Inwood provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law.
About YM&YWHA Of Washington Heights & Inwood
Established in 1917 as one of the first Jewish community centers in New York City, the YM & YWHA of Washington Heights and Inwood (the Y) is a thriving and visionary not-for-profit human services organization in Northern Manhattan. We welcome people of diverse ethnicities and all ages, from pre-school to older adults, into the Y family with a wide range of educational, recreational and social services and programs that focus on improving the quality of their lives. With a long and distinguished history, the Y is a multi-service community center that is well known for its nurturing environment and non-judgmental philosophy.
Salary : $2,600 - $3,300
