2026 Summer Day Camp Counselor (Seasonal)

YOUR IMPACT

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The role provides direct supervision of a group of children in a seasonal day camp. Camp Counselors create positive, nurturing relationships with children, while building cooperative relationships with parents/caregivers. This position promotes and supports the potential of all youth in programs and facilitates peer-to-peer connections as part of the overall camp experience.

Expectations & Responsibilities

• Facilitates and provides direct supervision of children in an outdoor, seasonal day camp in all programming including weekly summer camp, family nights, overnights and before/after camp support.
• Attends and actively participates in weekly Thursday overnights providing a safe and quality experience to program participants.
• Provides constant supervision with each activity to ensure the safety of all program participants.
• Mentors apprentice counselors, while leading by example and providing daily leadership opportunities.
• Plans and implements program activities that are culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate and consistent with YMCA values.
• Adheres to program standards including safety and cleanliness standards. Demonstrates camp stewardship by maintaining cleanliness of buildings and grounds.
• Attends staff meetings and trainings, completing all required online trainings.
• Follows YMCA policies and procedures and adheres to American Camp Association standards, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention and emergencies.
• Cultivates positive relationships and maintains effective communication with parents and guardians, children and other staff. Models relationship-building skills in all interactions.
• Ensures a strong focus on character development and diversity, equity and inclusion throughout programming.
• Reports damaged equipment or safety hazards promptly.
• Performs any other functions necessary for the smooth and efficient operation of the YMCA of Rock River Valley.
  
  

SCHEDULE & COMPENSATION: 32 Positions

Positions 1-32: YMCA Camp Winnebago

Full-Time, Seasonal; 40 hours per week

Required Staff Training: May 18 - 22, 25 - 27

Summer Camp Season Dates: May 28 - August 7

Monday - Friday with required weekly overnights

$580 Weekly Stipend

Extra weekly stipend based on certifications

Qualifications

• Minimum age of 18 years old
• High school graduate or equivalent; one year or more of college preferred.
• Previous experience working with children, preferably in a day camp setting.
• Current Praesidium Academy trainings required
• CPR, AED, First Aid, and Handle with Care certifications required upon hire
• Training required upon hire: IL Gateways Child Development Health and Safety Basics Course; IL DCFS Child Abuse and Neglect/Mandated Reporter
  
  

The Y is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We offer more than just a job, rather the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of those around you.

All Staff Benefits

THERE'S SO MUCH MORE TO WORKING AT THE Y:

• Discounted Programs & Services, Including Child Care
• Pay Differential for Bilingual Employees
• Paid Time Off: Paid Leave for All Workers
• Employee Crisis Fund
• Employee Assistance Program
• Cell Phone Discounts with Participating Providers
• Tickets At Work Discount Program
• 401 (a) Retirement Plan: 8% YMCA Contributed Retirement
• 403 (b) Savings Plan: Tax-Deferred Account and Roth Account Options
• For retirement plan eligibility requirements, and additional information, visit www.yretirement.org.
  
  

Full Time Staff Benefits

• Free Family Membership
• 3 Paid Floating Holidays
• 10.5 Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation and Sick Time: Varies by Employment Type
• Short-Term Disability Program
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance: Partially Employer Paid. Employee Contribution Required
• Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance: YMCA Sponsored and Employee Contribution Programs Available
• Accident, Critical Illness & Hospital Insurance Plans: Employee Contribution Required
• Tuition Reimbursement: Must Meet Qualifications
  
  

Part Time Staff Benefits

• Free individual Membership
• Discounted Rate to Upgrade to Another Membership Category
  
  

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.

OUR COMMITMENT TO BELONGINGThis position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The role provides direct supervision of a group of children in a seasonal day camp. Camp Counselors create positive, nurturing relationships with children, while building cooperative relationships with parents/caregivers. This position promotes and supports the potential of all youth in programs and facilitates peer-to-peer connections as part of the overall camp experience.

OUR COMMITMENT TO YOUTH PROTECTION

The YMCA of Rock River Valley has a responsibility to provide safe and secure programs and services for our community. The YMCA is a leader in child abuse prevention to support the safety of children in our care.

• You'll support the commitment of the YMCA to child abuse prevention by:
• Report any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members or guests to your supervisor.
• Follow all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children.
• Report any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor.
• Complete all child abuse prevention training as required.
  
  

The Y: We're for Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility