What are the responsibilities and job description for the Camp Lead Counselor position at Whatcom Family YMCA?
Ready to level up your camp leadership skills and help create an unforgettable summer for kids? The Whatcom Family YMCA is looking for enthusiastic and responsible Camp Lead Counselors to support our camp teams and help deliver safe, engaging, and high-energy summer programs.
As a Lead Counselor, you’ll be a key part of the camp leadership team—supporting counselors, guiding campers, and helping ensure every day runs smoothly. From outdoor adventures and games to team challenges and creative activities, you’ll help campers build confidence, friendships, and lifelong memories.
What You’ll Do
As our Camp Lead Counselor, you’ll help lead the day-to-day magic of camp. You’ll:
• Support and guide a team of counselors, staff, and volunteers
• Help plan and run engaging activities like outdoor games, creative projects, team challenges, and all-camp events
• Ensure campers are always safe, supervised, and included in activities
• Model positive leadership and support counselors with group management and problem solving
• Help keep campers engaged, active, and excited throughout the day
• Monitor program spaces and equipment to ensure safety and organization
• Support communication with families and help share the highlights of campers’ days
• Work closely with the Camp Supervisor to keep camp running smoothly
You’ll spend your days encouraging campers, helping staff succeed, solving challenges, and creating a positive camp environment where everyone belongs.
Who You Are
You’re someone who:
• Loves working with kids and believes camp should be fun, inclusive, and meaningful
• Is confident stepping into a leadership role and supporting other staff
• Can stay calm, organized, and positive in a busy camp environment
• Encourages teamwork, kindness, and problem-solving among campers
• Brings energy, creativity, flexibility, and a great attitude to work every day
• Communicates well with both kids and adults
• Believes every camper deserves to feel safe, welcomed, and supported
Experience that helps you thrive in this role:
• Previous experience working with youth in camp, recreation, sports, child care, or similar settings
• Experience supporting or leading teams of staff or volunteers
• Passion for outdoor activities, games, and youth development
If you’ve worked in camps, coached youth sports, led outdoor activities, or supported child care programs before — even better!
Why the Y?
At the Whatcom Family YMCA, we strengthen our community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Our camps give kids a place to explore, grow, and build confidence while creating lifelong memories.
When you join our team, you’ll:
• Gain leadership and youth development experience
• Help create safe, fun, and meaningful summer experiences for kids
• Work with a supportive and mission-driven team
• Spend your summer being active, creative, and outdoors
• Make a lasting impact on campers and families in our community
Ready to Help Create an Amazing Summer?
If you’re ready to support your camp team, inspire campers, and help create fun, safe, and memorable experiences all summer long — we’d love to meet you.
Apply today and help make this The Best Summer Ever, at the Whatcom Family YMCA.
Qualifications:What You’ll Need
• Experience working with youth (camp, sports, recreation, child care, or similar programs)
• Must be 18 years or older
• CPR/First Aid/AED certification (or ability to obtain before camp begins)
• Ability to lead activities and support developmentally appropriate programming
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Commitment to YMCA core values: honesty, respect, caring, and responsibility
• Completion of required safety trainings including Praesidium Child Abuse Prevention training
Bonus Points If You Have:
• Experience with sports, outdoor recreation, or youth coaching
• Knowledge of parks and outdoor spaces in Whatcom or Skagit counties
• Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder certification
• Experience driving or ability to be authorized to drive YMCA vehicles
Salary : $22 - $23