Day Camp Counselor

POSITION TITLE: Day Camp Counselor – YMCA Camp Alexander

REPORTS TO: Camp Program Coordinator, South Wood County YMCA

DATE: Seasonal – Summer 2026 (May-August)

GENERAL FUNCTION
The Day Camp Counselor provides active supervision and ensures the safety and well-being of campers at all times. This role leads daily routines and transitions, including check-in and check-out, songs and cheers, the camp pledge, and group expectations, while creating a positive, structured environment for all participants.

Camp Counselors plan and facilitate age-appropriate activities such as games, crafts, nature exploration, team-building, and STEM, helping campers stay engaged, supported, and excited to participate. Counselors follow all camp safety procedures and emergency protocols, report incidents and concerns promptly to the Camp Director, and use positive behavior guidance while communicating ongoing or serious concerns according to protocol.

Counselors also support day-to-day operations by assisting with field trips and off-site visits, including loading and unloading and maintaining accurate head counts; communicating professionally with parents and guardians at drop-off and pick-up as assigned; maintaining clean and organized program spaces; and supporting set-up, take-down, supplies, and equipment care. Staff are expected to participate in meetings, training, required documentation, and complete other duties as assigned by their supervisor.

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.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

The Day Camp Counselor demonstrates inclusion, critical thinking and decision making, and emotional maturity.

The Day Camp Counselor provides a safe and fun experience for all participants, creates and delivers engaging and age-appropriate programming, builds positive relationships with campers, families, and staff, demonstrates initiative and works as a contributing team member, models YMCA core values of respect, honesty, caring, and responsibility, and follows YMCA policies, code of conduct, and camp licensing procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS

· Minimum age of 18.

· Ability to work effectively with youth in a structured group setting.

· CPR/First Aid certification required (provided during staff training).

· Child abuse prevention training required (provided during staff training).

· Strong judgment, reliability, and emotional maturity.

· SMART Service training required, if applicable (provided during staff training).

· Preferred: prior camp or childcare experience; lifeguard certification.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

· Physical demands include standing, walking, running, hiking, and participating in outdoor games and activities.

· Must be able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

· Must be able to lift, push, and pull up to 50 lbs.

· Must remain mentally alert and engaged with campers throughout the day.

· Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

COMPENSATION

PAY: $13–$15/hour (Non-exempt).

WORK SCHEDULE
Typical workday is 8:00 a.m.–4:15 p.m., Monday–Friday. Staff may be scheduled for rotational pre- and post-camp coverage (approximately 6:45 a.m.–9:00 a.m. or 4:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.). Pre-camp training is required. Weekly staff meetings may be held at the end of the camp day.

APPLICATIONS

For more information and application instructions, please contact:

Trisha Steinhorst, Camp Director
South Wood County YMCA – Camp Alexander
Wisconsin Rapids, WI
steinhorst@swcymca.org

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Positions will remain open until filled, with priority given to applications received by April 1.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Temporary

Pay: $13.00 - $15.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount

Work Location: In person

Benefits:

Salary : $13 - $15