DAYCAMP COUNSELOR

Reports To

Camp Director / Program Director

Position Summary

The Summer Day Camp Counselor is responsible for providing a safe, engaging, and positive camp experience for children. Counselors lead activities, supervise campers, and serve as positive role models while supporting the YMCA’s mission and values.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and ensure the safety and well-being of campers at all times

• Lead and participate in age-appropriate activities such as games, sports, arts and crafts, swimming, and group activities

• Build positive relationships with campers, parents, and fellow staff

• Maintain active supervision and follow all YMCA policies and safety procedures

• Manage camper behavior using positive guidance and redirection techniques

• Assist with daily camp schedules, set-up, and clean-up of activities

• Communicate effectively with Camp Director regarding camper needs, concerns, and incidents

• Serve as a positive role model by demonstrating YMCA values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility

Child Abuse Prevention Verbiage: 

Employees and volunteers who directly supervise consumers will:

1. Adhere to policies related to boundaries with consumers.
2. Attend required abuse risk management training.

3. Employees and volunteers who do not directly supervise consumers will:

4. Adhere to policies related to boundaries with consumers.
5. Attend required abuse risk management training.
6. Report suspicious and inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.
7. Follow mandated abuse reporting requirements.
8. Adhere to job specific abuse risk management responsibilities.
   • Maintenance employees and volunteers—ensure unused rooms and closets remain locked; routinely monitor high-risk locations (locker-rooms and bathrooms), etc.
   • Front desk personnel—ensure consumers are properly signed in and signed out,ensures only authorized adults are allowed in the facility, etc.
9.  
10. Adhere to procedures related to managing high-risk activities and supervising consumers.
11. Report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.
12. Follow mandated abuse reporting requirements.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 16 years of age (age requirements may vary by program). Ages 18 and up preferred due to YMCA policy with a high school diploma or equivalent.

• Experience working with children preferred

• Ability to lead groups and participate in active, outdoor programming

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

• Ability to respond to emergencies calmly and follow safety procedures

Certifications & Training

• CPR, First Aid, and AED certification (or willingness to obtain before camp begins)

• Completion of child abuse prevention training, YMCA camp training and orientation

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, run, and participate in physical activities for extended periods

• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds

• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions

Work Schedule

• Seasonal, summer position

• Monday–Friday, with varying hours based on program needs

YMCA Mission Statement

The YMCA of South Alabama is a nonprofit organization dedicated to putting Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

The YMCA is an equal opportunity employer.