Camp Counselor (School Holiday)

Why Your Role Matters 

School Holiday Camp Counselors at center-based YMCA locations are role models who make a difference in the lives of youth throughout Central Texas. These programs provide full-day care when local school districts are out for holidays and breaks. As a Camp Counselor, you'll create enriching, safe, and memorable experiences for hundreds of campers. You'll help campers gain a sense of achievement, build relationships, and find their sense of belonging. Most importantly, you'll ensure our campers have year-round fun! 

How You Make an Impact   

• Lead a variety of outdoor activities like field sports, archery, team-building, camp songs, skits, games, swimming, crafts, and outdoor education to create a fun, engaging camp experience 

• Ensure the safety and well-being of campers at all times. Supervise and engage with campers during activities, meals, and free time.  

• Demonstrate positive behavior and uphold YMCA values. Lead by example the Y’s mission, vision, and values with program participants, members, staff, and guests. Become an Ambassador of the Y’s work and culture by being the ultimate storyteller of who we are as an organization and brand. 

• Maintain open communication with campers, parents, and fellow staff members. Provide updates on camp activities and address any concerns or questions.  

• Handle conflicts or behavioral issues among campers with a calm and constructive approach. Work towards creating a supportive and respectful community within the camp. 

• Provide outdoor education experiences for campers, fostering an appreciation for nature and environmental stewardship.  

• Assist in documenting, recording, and submitting daily attendance records and any other required documents, adhering to policies and procedures in a proactive manner.  

• Make the safety and care of children your primary focus in all activities and decisions. 

• Demonstrate the YMCA’s values in every interaction, fostering a positive culture and serving as an ambassador of our work to inspire others and strengthen our purpose within the community. 

• Assist with additional tasks as needed, contributing to the overall success of the program. 

What You Bring to the Y    

• High school diploma or GED equivalent. 

• Must be at least 18 years old. 

• Availability to work on days when school is out, including teacher workdays, school holidays, and long breaks, between the hours of 7 am – 6 pm.

• A minimum of one year of experience in camps, childcare programs, or similar environments is preferred. 

• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in varying weather conditions. 

• First Aid/CPR certifications (must be obtained within 30 days of employment). 

• You are a team player—You are a team player with a positive, service-oriented attitude and can work well with others.  

• You communicate effectively - You listen for understanding and meaning. You speak and write effectively.  

• You are customer-focused – You build good customer relationships and deliver customer-centric solutions. 

• You foster a culture of inclusion and belonging - You leverage people’s differences as strengths.  

Physical Requirements: 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, hike outdoors in hot temperatures, bend, talk, and occasionally lift and/or move items, including equipment, furniture, and/or children. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions 

The organization has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. 

The YMCA of Austin provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. YMCA of Austin complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which we have employees. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. 

Qualifications:

• Benefit from a free household YMCA membership, enriching both your life and the lives of others.
• Access retirement planning options to secure your future.
• Enhance your skills through participation in learning and development workshops.
• Exclusive cell phone plan discounts for AT&T and T-Mobile/Sprint users.
• Discounts on programs and services to make your YMCA experience even more rewarding.