Summer Camp Licensed Leadership Staff: Stratford Richardson YMCA

The Licensed Summer Camp Leadership Staff supports the safe and enriching operation of the YMCA’s licensed summer day camp program. This position provides direct leadership to campers and camp staff, ensuring high-quality program delivery, safety, and compliance with YMCA and licensing standards. The Leadership Staff assists with planning, curriculum delivery, staff coaching, and creating a positive environment that fosters youth development, healthy relationships, and fun.

Culture Statement

The culture of the Y is rooted in our Christian mission and core principles. We strive every day to collectively embody our purpose to love, serve and transform lives. Every day we show up to Lead with Love and Serve with Purpose.
We Love unconditionally – showing genuine care and concern for everyone, making each interaction meaningful and personal and ensuring every person feels valued, seen and welcomed. We elevate Hope – promoting optimism by offering encouragement and practical solutions to challenges. We act with Care & Compassion – listening attentively without judgment, responding with empathy, and creating a sense of belonging by uplifting and supporting those around us. We demonstrate Generosity – sharing our time, skills, and resources freely and with joy.
We walk in Grace – showing patience and kindness, even in difficult moments. We ignite Faith – staying grounded in our mission, principles and purpose, inspiring others to trust in what is possible. Demonstrating consistency in our actions, helping others see how their efforts align with a greater purpose. We treasure Honesty – communicating openly and truthfully, admitting mistakes when they occur, and honoring commitments. We honor Humility – leading with a servant's heart by prioritizing the needs of others above our own. We live with Joy – celebrating small and big wins alike, inspiring connection and shared joy. We offer Respect – addressing everyone by name and honoring diverse perspectives and backgrounds. We value Responsibility – performing every task timely with diligence and excellence and holding ourselves accountable by openly evaluating our performance. We engage in Service – going above and beyond in serving others by anticipating needs and delivering exceptional experiences.

Essential Functions:

• Supervise and ensure the safety, engagement, and well-being of children in alignment with YMCA policies and NC licensing standards.
• Provide leadership and coaching to counselors, maintaining compliance with staff-to-child ratios, supervision, and behavior management.
• Assist in planning and implementing structured, age-appropriate lesson plans that meet weekly themes and licensing requirements.
• Support and participate in staff trainings, meetings, pre-camp planning, and family engagement events.
• Accurately monitor and document attendance, absences, transitions, and required licensing records.
• Conduct daily inspections to maintain a clean, safe, and organized environment that meets health and safety regulations.
• Communicate professionally and confidentially with parents and guardians, following YMCA and licensing guidelines.
• Lead or assist in swim supervision and specialized activities, ensuring compliance with risk management and safety protocols.
• Maintain and submit documentation such as incident reports, medication logs, and behavior tracking tools in a timely manner.
• Participate in program audits and support continuous improvement efforts; perform additional duties to uphold program quality and compliance.

Performs other duties and tasks as assigned by leadership

Qualifications

Required Qualifications
• Minimum age 18 with a high school diploma or GED; some college preferred.
• At least 2 years of experience working with children in camp or youth development settings.
• Demonstrated ability to lead peers and support the success of a team.
• Strong emotional maturity, judgement, and integrity.
• Flexibility and problem-solving skills in a dynamic camp environment.
• Enthusiasm for outdoor activities and youth development.
• Experience in lesson planning, child behavior guidance, and program implementation.
• Proficient in maintaining records and managing administrative responsibilities.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations including parents and staff.
• Completion of annual training hours and required YMCA and NC licensing trainings upon hire.

All YMCA team members are expected to maintain a current and active status for all safety, risk, and
programming certifications defined by the YMCA of Greater Charlotte.

Working Conditions:

• Ability to walk, stand, and actively participate outdoors for extended periods.
• Daily exposure to summer weather conditions, including heat and humidity.
• Frequent lifting and moving of equipment up to 25 pounds.
• Engages in physical activity including swimming and group games.
• Flexible schedule including mornings, evenings, and occasional weekends.
• Indoor and outdoor working environments with noise and frequent transitions.
• Direct supervision of children in varying environments including buses, pools, and gymnasiums.

Competencies:

1. PROGRAM/PROJECT MANAGEMENT: Ensures program or project goals are met and intended impact occurs
2. EMOTIONAL MATURITY: Demonstrates ability to understand and manage emotions effectively in all situations
3. COMMUNICATION & INFLUENCE: Listens and expresses self effectively and in a way that engages, inspires, and builds commitment to the Y’s cause
4. CRITICAL THINKING & DECISION MAKING: Makes informed decisions based on logic, data, and sound judgment 

To learn more about our Y-USA Leadership Competencies, please click here: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://info.ymcacharlotte.org/hubfs/MEME9737 2024 YUSA Cause-Driven Leadership Competency Model-3.pdf