What are the responsibilities and job description for the Head Camp Counselor (Seasonal) position at The Summit Area YMCA?
Description
Lead the day. Set the tone. Make the impact.
Head Camp Counselors are the leaders of their camp groups and play a key role in shaping each camper’s daily experience. This position is ideal for individuals who enjoy responsibility, leadership, and mentoring others while creating a safe, engaging, and positive environment for campers.
Head Counselors bring different strengths and personalities to their role. Some lead with high energy, others with calm confidence. What they all share is strong judgment, consistency, and a commitment to safety, engagement, and positive role modeling for campers and staff alike.
Head Counselors are deeply involved in every part of their campers’ day. They care about how campers feel when they arrive, how their day goes, and how they leave. They strive to create experiences that campers are excited to talk about long after the camp day ends.
What You Will Do:
Head Camp Counselors are responsible for leading their assigned camp group and supporting the counselors within that group. This role requires constant supervision, strong communication, and the ability to lead by example.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading daily camp operations for an assigned camper group
- Ensuring camper safety and active engagement at all times
- Planning and implementing activities aligned with weekly camp themes
- Supervising, supporting, and modeling expectations for Camp Counselors and Junior Counselors
- Maintaining camper rosters, attendance, and required camp documentation
- Maintaining proper camper-to-counselor ratios at all times
- Demonstrating appropriate behavior, procedures, and leadership throughout the day
We offer summer camp programs at:
- Springfield Community Pool
- Summit YMCA
- Berkeley Heights YMCA
Head Camp Counselor positions are available at all locations.
Camp Season and Schedule:
Active Camp Season: June 15, 2026 through August 28, 2026
Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8-hour shifts
Camp Hours: Pre-Camp begins at 7:00am, Post-Camp ends at 6:30pm
Required Pre Season Training: New and returning camp employees attend several orientations and trainings prior to active camp season to familiarize themselves with the mission of the Y, learn to protect themself and others while at work, and on all areas of camp. Trainings occur on some weekday evenings and weekend days between May 19, 2026 - June 13, 2026.
Salary & Benefits:
This is a seasonal part time position with an opportunity to work up to 40 hours each week of the Camp season. The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $20.00/hour, but is based on experience.
Seasonal benefit includes a free individual YMCA membership while actively employed.
At the Summit Area YMCA, we are committed to equal opportunity employment regardless of gender, age, disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or religious affiliation. Our main purpose is to strengthen community. Every day, we work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone can reach their full potential and we strive to live our cause with purpose every day. No matter who you are or where you’re from, we believe that we’re stronger when we come together.
Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old
- High School Diploma or equivalent required
- Minimum of 3 years of experience working with children in a camp, childcare, or educational setting
- Background in recreation, sports, or youth programs preferred
- Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
- Ability to make sound decisions and manage group dynamics
- CPR and First Aid certification required before camp begins
About the Summit Area YMCA:
We were founded as the Young Men's Christian Association in 1886, but today, we are The Y. Part of a world-class organization, we are one of the area’s leading nonprofits, that values, and is made stronger by, its diverse people. The Summit Area YMCA is committed to strengthening community by connecting all people to their potential, purpose, and each other. Working locally, we focus on empowering young people, improving health and well-being, and inspiring action in and across communities. By bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives, and generations, we ensure that we all have access to the opportunities, relationships, and resources necessary to learn, grow and thrive.
Salary : $18 - $22