What are the responsibilities and job description for the Summer Camp Lead position at Greater Austin YMCA?
Why Your Role Matters
We are now hiring Camp Leads for the Summer! Join the Greater Austin YMCA as a Summer Camp Lead and help create amazing experiences for kids across Central Texas. As a Camp Lead, you’ll oversee daily camp operations, support staff, and ensure a fun, safe, and engaging environment for campers ages 4-12. You'll lead activities, mentor counselors, and foster a positive camp experience. Most importantly, you’ll help create an unforgettable summer for both campers and staff!
As a YMCA Summer Camp Lead, you may work in one of our exciting camp programs:
Adventure Camp
Counselors must have flexible availability during program hours and reliable attendance throughout the summer season. Full availability is strongly preferred to ensure consistency for our campers and teams. We encourage candidates to apply early as positions fill quickly. Most YMCA summer camps begin in late May or early June and run through August.
How You Will Make An Impact
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.
We are now hiring Camp Leads for the Summer! Join the Greater Austin YMCA as a Summer Camp Lead and help create amazing experiences for kids across Central Texas. As a Camp Lead, you’ll oversee daily camp operations, support staff, and ensure a fun, safe, and engaging environment for campers ages 4-12. You'll lead activities, mentor counselors, and foster a positive camp experience. Most importantly, you’ll help create an unforgettable summer for both campers and staff!
As a YMCA Summer Camp Lead, you may work in one of our exciting camp programs:
Adventure Camp
- Spend your days outside leading hiking, canoeing, rock climbing, and team-building challenges. Adventure Camp focuses on nature-based learning, confidence-building, and exploration in a beautiful outdoor setting. This is perfect for counselors who love fresh air, movement, and hands on experiences.
- Programs run Monday through Friday between 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM.
- Location: Camp Moody, 1220 Old San Antonio Rd, Buda, TX 78610.
- Our traditional day camps are packed with swimming, games, creative activities, field trips, and group projects. You will guide a small group of campers through fun filled days that build friendships, encourage teamwork, and help kids try new things.
- Programs run Monday through Friday between 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Locations: Northwest Y, North Y, East Communities Y, TownLake Y, Southwest Y, Springs Y.
- These camps take place in schools and community spaces and offer the same great YMCA camp experience with activities, swimming days, and field trips right in local neighborhoods. You will work with larger groups and play a key role in bringing summer fun to families across Central Texas.
- Programs run Monday through Friday between 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Locations: Elementary schools and churches across Austin, Manor, and Hays, including AISD, Manor ISD, Hays CISD, RRISD, and Charter Schools
Counselors must have flexible availability during program hours and reliable attendance throughout the summer season. Full availability is strongly preferred to ensure consistency for our campers and teams. We encourage candidates to apply early as positions fill quickly. Most YMCA summer camps begin in late May or early June and run through August.
How You Will Make An Impact
- Act as the primary point of contact between counselors and camp leadership, ensuring effective communication throughout the camp experience.
- Lead and facilitate outdoor activities, team-building exercises, sports, swimming, crafts, and outdoor education to enhance the camper experience.
- Supervise and engage with campers and counselors during activities, meals, and free time, prioritizing safety and well-being at all times.
- Model positive behavior, uphold YMCA values, and create a supportive and respectful camp environment.
- Assist counselors in managing conflicts or behavioral issues among campers with a calm and constructive approach.
- Document and submit daily attendance and other required records in accordance with camp policies and procedures.
- Address behavioral concerns, first aid incidents, and parent communication with professionalism and swift action.
- Take initiative in preparing activity areas, managing supplies, maintaining cleanliness, and providing feedback to staff.
- Participate in staff development through team meetings, pre-service training, and at least 15 additional hours of training throughout the year.
- Lead portions of Summer Camp Staff Training and contribute to the development of staff.
- Serve as an Ambassador for the YMCA’s mission, vision, and values, and share the organization’s story and culture with camp participants, members, staff, and guests.
- Complete other duties as assigned.
- High School graduate or GED equivalent.
- Minimum age of 21 years.
- at least 6 months experience in camp/childcare related job.
- CPR and First Aid certification will be provided as part of the training.
- For Camp Moody site location - Willingness to obtain and maintain any required program-specific certifications (e.g., climbing, canoeing, ropes course).
- Growth Mindset: Learn and improve to better serve members and the mission.
- Team Player: Work collaboratively with others and support a positive team environment.
- Communicates Effectively: Listen actively and communicate clearly with members and peers.
- Customer Focused: Anticipates needs and ensures quality, member-centered service.
- Fosters Belonging: Ensure everyone feels welcomed, respected, and included.
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.