Camp Wakonda Seasonal Cabin Counselor

Looking for role models to lead our cabins this summer!

Join us at YMCA Camp Wakonda!

UNPLUG from the world, EXPERIENCE the Ozarks, find where you BELONG.

OUR CULTURE:
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with you.

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Cabin Counselor at Ozarks Regional YMCA ensures that camping programs meet community needs including supervising children, implementing existing program activities and meeting its intended goals. The position involves actively engaging with children, teaching, creating and openly communicating. All required training is provided.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assume full responsibility for all the campers in assigned cabin 24 hours a day (excluded assigned time off)
• Maintain high standards of health and safety in all activities for campers.
• Be a positive role model to campers and staff in all aspects of their work – set a good example to campers and other staff regarding general camp procedures and practices including sanitation, schedule, and sportsmanship.
• Participate as a member of the camp staff team to deliver and supervise evening programs, special events, overnights, and other all-camp activities and camp functions.
• Provide outstanding and consistent customer service to all camp guests.
• Attend staff meetings and trainings.
• Responsible for strict adherence to policies and procedures related to safety and other regulations.
• GENERAL CAMP STAFF FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Issued staff shirts are worn on check in and check out days, different shirts are issued for use Monday-Thursday.

  • Be thoroughly familiar with camp emergency procedures. Be familiar with and uphold all safety regulations at camp. A safe atmosphere is the first consideration at all times.

  • Write and submit parent letters and Holiday Cards as scheduled.

  • Maintain a professional attitude toward staff, campers, parents and supervisors. Enthusiastically contribute to camper and staff morale throughout the summer. Strive to use proper motivational techniques and language in all dealings with staff and campers.

  • Assist enthusiastically and participate actively in all camp activities, giving leadership when it is required.

  • Attend all staff training sessions and required staff meetings.

  • Cares for and maintains camp equipment and property used by the cabin group. Must also strive to ensure the preservation of the natural environment of the camp setting.

  • Explains and enforces health and safety regulations.

  • Serve as a positive example to others in the areas of self-control, creativity, punctuality, enthusiasm, discipline, willingness to work and learn, and personal grooming.

  • Follow emergency procedures directly as the situation dictates.
  • Create a positive atmosphere within the cabin group, being aware of each camper’s unique needs, interests and attitudes.

  • Submit reports as required, on time.

  • Actively participate in recreational and instructional swim periods under the supervision of the Aquatics Specialist and Program Coordinator

  • Supervise and guide various activities for the campers.

  • Help with camp set-up and tear-down each week and as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be available between May 24th through August 10th, 2026
• Must Reside on Camp Premises, Room and Board are included
• Must be 18 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Must become certified in First Aid/CPR before the summer session begins (may be provided)
• Able to observe camper behaviors and assess its appropriateness and apply appropriate management techniques, as well as enforce appropriate safety and emergency procedures to the situation.
• Must be able to assist campers in the event of an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury)
• Exemplify the YMCA core values of “Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility.”

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Safety-sensitive position: Apply appropriate safety and emergency procedures.
• Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to weather and program activities.
• Physical ability to respond to situations requiring first aid. Must be able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury) and possess strength
  and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of staff.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Endurance including prolonged standing, some bending, stooping, walking long distances, hiking, climbing, and stretching.
• Requires eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity to manipulate outdoor equipment and camp activities;
• Ability to work in a camp setting and work irregular hours with limited or simple equipment and facilities.
• Daily exposure to the sun, heat, insects, and animals.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.