Camp Counselor

Get Paid to Have the Best Summer Ever

Spend your days outside playing games, leading activities, and making kids’ summer unforgettable. 

At YMCA Summer Camp, no two days are the same. One moment you might be leading a giant game of capture the flag, the next helping campers create a craft masterpiece, explore a nature trail, or cheer them on as they try something new. If you enjoy working with kids, being active, and being part of a fun team, this is the kind of job where the days fly by and the impact lasts long after summer ends.

Job Highlights

• $16.50 per hour

• Free YMCA membership

• Paid staff training before camp begins

• Spend your summer outdoors

• Great experience for future teachers, coaches, or youth professionals

• Work with a fun and supportive team

• Make a real impact in your community

This Job Is Perfect For

• College students studying education, psychology, recreation, or social work

• Future teachers, coaches, or youth mentors

• High school graduates looking for a fun summer job

• Anyone who enjoys working with kids and being outdoors

No previous camp experience required — we’ll train you. Just bring energy, responsibility, and a positive attitude.

Position Summary

Camp Counselors serve as positive role models for campers by leading recreational activities that build confidence, encourage healthy behaviors, and create a safe and positive camp experience. Activities may include arts and crafts, sports, songs, nature hikes, archery, and other games and enrichment activities.

Essential Functions 

• Supervise and be actively engaged with assigned group of campers. Ensure that all campers are always accounted for and safe.
• Lead age-appropriate group activities with campers, including both small and large group activities (i.e., sign-in, out/circle time/community time/enrichment activities/asset development/games & crafts).
• Continually promote the values of inclusion and equity among all participants.
• Arrive prepared for your scheduled shift, with staff shirt, nametag and first aid kit. Be prepared for constant concentration and visual surveillance of program participants with no distractions.
• Maintain the necessary records involving attendance and sign-in and sign-out sheets. When releasing child(ren), ensure that the proper release procedures are followed, and appropriate identification is shown.
• Ensure and promote the health and safety of all children through proactive measures including role modeling. This may include the use of sunscreen, active hydration, avoidance of environmental hazards.
• Care for and help with maintenance of equipment and camp appearance. Includes daily clean-up of activities and site, as well as scheduled site maintenance.
• Report accidents and injuries and complete incident reports. Follow procedure for use of first aid kit.
• Actively participate in pre-camp training.
• Engage in behavior conducive to team building with other staff. Open communication, encouragement, support and tolerance for each other are all essential.
• Act as a professional role model. Maintain good public relations with parents. Understand that you represent the YMCA and maintain a positive disposition, demeanor and attire.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent. 
• Strong communication skills and ability to interact with children and families. 
• Positive role model with leadership and problem-solving skills. 

• Ability to work in an active, outdoor environment. 

YMCA will provide required safety training including Child Abuse Prevention, CPR, First Aid, AED, and other safety certifications prior to working with children.