Overnight Camp Lead - YMCA Camp Icaghowan

YMCA Camp Icaghowan is an overnight, traditional summer camp located in Amery, WI. We serve campers age 7 to 17 with a range of one, two and three week program options.

Overnight Camp Lead (Support Staff) roles we are ACTIVELY HIRING for;

-Climbing/Challenge Course Director

Oversees all challenge course, high and low ropes activities and elements; facilitates or schedules facilitators for all challenge course activities in collaboration with the Assistant Director; oversees and upholds all equipment inventory; will need to complete ACT International Advanced Facilitator qualification course before camp begins, provided by the Y; other additional duties

-Trips/Trail Building Director

Oversees all food, gear and logistics related to the many adventure trips that Icaghowan campers partake in, i.e. overnights outings, multi-day river trip and island kayak excursions, etc.; other additional duties

-Waterfront Director

Oversees all programming and equipment at the waterfront i.e. swimming gear, pfd's, lifeguard equipment, boats and paddles; Upholds all Y of the North, YUSA and ACA waterfront standards and processes; documents all related processes; oversees and facilitates in-service trainings with all camp lifeguards; other additional duties

-Arts & Crafts Director

Oversees all programing and supplies in the Arts & Crafts building; Facilitates all progressive and activity periods for this program area; Develops additional program opportunities and curriculum; other additional duties

Summer Season Dates; May 31 - August 20, 2025

Summer Support Staff Pay Rate; $87 /day, D.O.E.

Job Summary:

The Overnight Camp Lead is responsible for leading a designated program or activity, acting as a unit lead and/or providing program support at camp. The Camp Lead may support camp counselors as a unit or activity lead as well as direct service to campers. The incumbent provides high quality experiences for campers that focus on the YMCA core values: caring, equity, honesty, respect and responsibility.

Provide a progression of programs within the framework of individual and group interests and abilities that align with mission and outcomes.

May assist in the implementation of staff training and train staff in their responsibilities in specialized program areas.

Ensure campers and staff follow safety procedures.

Provide work direction to camp counselors as needed.

Apply Social Emotional Learning concepts and basic youth development principles in working with campers and staff through communication, relationship development, respect for diversity, involvement and empowerment.

Assures campers are properly supervised at all times.

Helps assure staff are properly supported at all times.

Be aware of and implement safety guidelines within all of camp.

Contribute to verbal and written evaluations and communication as requested.

Maintain high standards of safety in all activities for campers and staff.

Assist in maintaining accurate program records including incident reports, documentation, and daily attendance.

Know and understand ALL emergency procedures associated with the camp program. You will be looked to as a leader during emergency procedures.

Assist in the management and care of the physical facilities and equipment for the program.

Oversee the setup, up-keep, and staffing of program area.

Maintain and care for equipment.

Ensure the security of the equipment when not in use and ensure it is off-limits to bystanders when in use.

Conduct daily check of area and equipment for safety, cleanliness, and good repair.

Clean and organize program area daily, keeping it free of hazards and debris.

Maintain and inventory all equipment necessary for the program area.

Be a role model to campers and staff in your attitude and behavior.

Actively participate with all campers and staff in all programs and activities as assigned.

Follow and uphold all safety and security rules and procedures.

Set a good example to campers and staff in regard to general camp procedures and practices including sanitation, schedule, and sportsmanship.

Ensure that camp as a whole is kept clean, organized, and free of litter.

Represent the camp when interacting with families, volunteers, and community members.

Relationships: 

This position reports to the Program Director who reports to the Senior Program Director or Executive Director. The incumbent may take work direction from a Camp Manager or Assistant Camp Director. The incumbent interacts regularly with camp staff, campers, volunteers, and families. This position involves interaction with individuals and communities of a diverse background.

Qualifications: 

Required

Minimum age of 18.

Adult and Pediatric First Aid & CPR/AED provided by YMCA or other certified organization (may be obtained upon hire but must be completed before an employee supervises youth).

Lifeguard certification may be required for some Counselor positions and can be obtained after hire. The YMCA recognizes and accepts certifications from the following institutions: American Red Cross, YMCA, Star Guard, and Boy Scouts of America

Minimum of one (1) season experience in camp, youth programs, recreation, working with children, or in a related field.

Possess or acquire the required certifications for specific program areas.

Demonstrated ability to keep accurate records and organize program area logistics.

Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team and the ability to accomplish tasks with little direct supervision.

Strong organizational and communication skills.

Work Conditions:

Must have the physical ability to lead and participate in camp activities which include, but are not limited to, hiking, canoeing, swimming, team building initiatives, building campfires, physical games, and activities.

Must be capable of carrying loads of up to 50 pounds and able to traverse hilly and uneven terrain without undue exertion.

Work in conditions that will create dirt and dust.

Work in conditions that may require staff to use fire protection equipment, washers and dryers, dishwashers, and specialty program equipment.

Perform essential program support to camp activities and programs which may include, but not limited to the following activities: semi – reaching to full-reach overhead, crouching, kneeling, shoveling, working in narrow and/or confining spaces underground, overhead, and at ground level, twisting of the waist, shoulders, and legs, and lying on stomach and/or back.

Must have visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to the activity.

Must have the ability to physically manage and support children when needed for safety in general camp activities (child weighing 30 - 200 pounds).

Ability to perform a variety of tasks outdoor in different climate with daily exposure to the sun, heat, and animals such as bugs, snakes, horses, chickens, etc.

Additional Notes: 

This job description represents the major functions of the position but is not intended to be all-inclusive. The incumbent may help in other camp program areas as needed. The incumbent is responsible for taking direction from the Program Director or their representatives in completing projects or performing duties deemed necessary for the Camp or Association success.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Pledge

The Y of the North is committed to the work and everyday practices of eliminating disparities and eradicating of unjust systems to become a multicultural, anti-racist and anti-oppressive organization. YMCA of the North team members and volunteers must exemplify the association’s mission, vision and values of caring, equity, honesty, respect and responsibility.

The YMCA of the North continues to develop plans and strategies to ensure team members and volunteers reflect the demographics of the communities we serve. We will continually conduct institutional racism and oppression review of our policies, procedures and practices in recruitment and selection; compensation and benefits; professional development and training; promotions; transfers; layoffs; terminations; and the ongoing development of a multicultural, anti-racist and anti-oppressive work environment and culture that promotes equity and respect for the human dignity of all. We value and respect this diversity and choose to be inclusive through our acceptance of all.