CAMP COUNSELOR

Description

Position Information 

Position Title: Camp Counselor
Department: Camp Collins
Reports To: AJ Laughlin, Executive Director
Employment Status: Seasonal
FLSA Status: Exempt 
Compensation: $600/week plus room and board
Work Arrangement: On-Site
Primary Work Location: YMCA Camp Collins, 3001 SE Oxbow Parkway, Gresham OR 97080

Must Be Available To Work: August 2 - August 21, 2026

About the YMCA of Columbia-Willamette 

The YMCA of Columbia-Willamette is a leading nonprofit organization serving communities throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington. Guided by our mission to strengthen community through Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility, we provide programs and services that help individuals of all ages learn, grow, and thrive. 

Our employees are passionate about creating welcoming, inclusive environments where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Every position contributes to our mission and plays an important role in strengthening the communities we serve.

Position Summary 

The Cabin Counselor, under the guidance of the Unit Director, is responsible for ensuring the safety, well-being, and positive experience of a designated group of campers within their assigned cabin. This role involves constant supervision, fostering a supportive environment, participating in activities, resolving conflicts, maintaining cabin cleanliness, and serving as a role model while facilitating campers' growth and enjoyment throughout their camp stay. 

Every YMCA employee shares responsibility for protecting children, vulnerable adults, members, employees, volunteers, and guests by maintaining professional boundaries, following abuse risk management policies, and fostering a culture of safety and accountability. 

Essential Functions and Responsibilities 

Essential duties include, but are not limited to: 

• Camper Supervision: Providing continuous supervision and ensuring the safety and well-being of campers within the assigned cabin throughout various camp activities and during resting hours.
• Creating a Positive Environment: Establishing and maintaining a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive atmosphere within the cabin, fostering positive relationships among campers.
• Activity Engagement: Participating actively in planned camp activities, encouraging camper participation, and facilitating cabin-specific programs or team-building exercises.
• Conflict Resolution: Addressing conflicts or behavioral issues among campers within the cabin, employing effective conflict resolution strategies, and promoting a harmonious environment.
• Communication and Collaboration: Communicating effectively with fellow cabin counselors, the Unit Director, and camp staff to address camper needs, share concerns, and ensure a coordinated cabin experience.
• Role Modeling and Mentorship: Serving as a positive role model for campers by demonstrating exemplary behavior, values, and attitudes, and providing mentorship to support campers' personal development.
• Emergency Response: Being trained in first aid and emergency protocols, ensuring camper safety in case of accidents or unforeseen situations within the cabin.
• Cabin Maintenance: Overseeing the cleanliness, organization, and general upkeep of the cabin, ensuring compliance with camp rules and standards.
• Documentation and Reporting: Maintaining accurate records of incidents, camper behaviors, and any noteworthy occurrences, reporting concerns or incidents to camp leadership as required.
• Protect children, vulnerable adults, members, employees, volunteers, and guests by following YMCA Child Protection Policies, maintaining professional boundaries, completing required training, and immediately reporting suspected abuse, safety concerns, and policy violations. 

This list is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other duties as assigned to meet organizational needs. 

What Success Looks Like 

Success in this position may be measured by: 

• Position-specific performance outcomes 
• Achievement of established performance expectations 
• Excellent customer/member service 
• Compliance with YMCA policies and procedures 
• Positive collaboration with coworkers and community partners 
• Reliable attendance and accountability 
• Demonstrates a consistent commitment to participant safety, professional boundaries, and abuse prevention expectations. 

Supervisory Responsibilities 

This position has no supervisory responsibilities. 

YMCA-CW Comprehensive Benefits for Eligible Seasonal Employees 

Eligible part-time employees may receive access to a comprehensive benefits package, including: 

• 403(b) Retirement Plan and Roth Options 
• 9% Employer Contribution to the YMCA Retirement Fund (upon eligibility) 
• Paid Sick Leave in accordance with applicable state and local law 
• Complimentary YMCA Membership (recognized globally!) 
• Tuition Reimbursement 
• Growth Opportunities 

Benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and may change in accordance with YMCA-CW policies and benefit plan documents. 

Participant Safety & Abuse Risk Management 

Protecting children, vulnerable adults, members, employees, volunteers, and guests is an essential function of every position at the YMCA of Columbia-Willamette. 

Employees are expected to: 

• Maintain professional boundaries at all times.  
• Comply with YMCA Child Protection Policies, Abuse Risk Management Standards, and all applicable safety policies and procedures.  
• Complete all required abuse prevention, child protection, safety, and position-specific training.  
• Immediately report suspected abuse, neglect, policy violations, boundary violations, safety concerns, and incidents in accordance with YMCA policy and applicable law.  
• Contribute to a culture of safety, accountability, inclusion, and respect through daily actions and decision-making.  

Additional participant safety responsibilities may apply based on the duties of the position. 

Equal Employment Opportunity 

The YMCA of Columbia-Willamette is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a workplace where all individuals are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness. 

Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, business needs, and organizational requirements. The YMCA of Columbia-Willamette does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, domestic violence victim status, use of a trained service animal, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, Oregon, Washington, or local law. 

The YMCA of Columbia-Willamette provides reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities and to individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, practices, or observances, unless doing so would create an undue hardship. 

Employment Relationship 

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time to meet organizational needs. 

Employees are expected to perform all duties in accordance with YMCA-CW policies, including Child Protection, Abuse Risk Management, and participant safety requirements 

Nothing contained in this job description creates an employment contract, express or implied. Employment with the YMCA of Columbia-Willamette is at will unless otherwise provided by a written agreement signed by an authorized representative of the organization. This means that either the employee or the YMCA may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without notice and with or without cause, subject to applicable law.

Requirements

 Required Qualifications

• Must pass YMCA background check
• 18 years or older

Preferred Qualifications 

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Experience working with youth
• Graduate of Counselor in Training Program
• Experience or certification in Challenge Course Facilitation, Archery, Lifeguard, Horsemanship

Required Certifications & Training  

• Abuse Risk Management Training  
• Child Protection Training  
• CPR/First Aid  
• Bloodborne Pathogens  
• Mandated Reporter Training (where applicable)

Physical Requirements 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation. 

This position may require the ability to: [insert applicable requirements based on the position] 

• Stand and/or walk for extended periods of time 
• Bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach 
• Lift, carry, push, and/or pull up to 50 pounds 
• Use hands and fingers to operate equipment and technology 
• Communicate effectively in person and electronically 
• Read and interpret written information 
• Perform repetitive motions as required by the position 

Working Conditions

Working conditions may include: 

• Living onsite is a requirement and expectation of the job
• Indoor and outdoor work environments 
• Exposure to varying weather conditions 
• Moderate to high noise levels 
• Evening, weekend, and holiday work as needed  
• Frequent interaction with children, families, members, volunteers, and community partners 

Salary : $600