What are the responsibilities and job description for the RETREATS PROGRAM DIRECTOR position at YMCA of the Cedar Rapids Metro Area?
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Change Lives, Including Yours—Join the Camp Wapsie Team!
Ready for a summer that changes everything?
At YMCA Camp Wapsie, you’re not just impacting campers’ lives—you’re transforming your own. Few experiences are as rewarding as working at camp, where every day is filled with laughter, singing, dancing, swimming, and unforgettable moments.
When you join the Camp Wapsie team, you become part of a community built on the magic of camp, where we lift each other up and grow into the best versions of ourselves. You’ll gain skills, make lifelong connections, and create memories that will stay with you forever.
Please note that all of our employees, outside of maintenance and cooks, live on site during employment.
Interviews for leadership positions begin in October, and the hiring process continues through the end of January, so it may take some time before you hear from us regarding your application.
Applications for summer 2026 are now open! We’re hiring for the following roles:
Program Staff Roles
Click on the title for the full job description and qualifications
Adventure Trip Director/Staff: (MALE FILLED FOR 2026) Plan, prepare & lead off site trips with co-ed teen campers
Aquatics Director: (FILLED FOR 2026) Responsible for organization & operation of aquatics including teaching swim lessons. (LGI preferred)
Assistant Program Director: (FILLED FOR 2026) Program activities, schedules and trainings during the summer with a focus on camp activities
Camper Services Director: (FILLED FOR 2026) Manage the camp store and assist with other camp needs
Camper Wellness Coordinator: (FILLED FOR 2026) Ensure a positive and supportive environment for campers at as part of the camp medical team
Camp Support Specialist: Manage camp laundry & cleaning supplies, assist with other camp cleaning and assist with programming needs
Counselor In Training Director: (FILLED FOR 2026) Schedule & program for 14 teens during their training including instructional, work & recreational sessions
Day Camp Director: (FILLED FOR 2026) Mentor younger staff, oversee organization of program
Food Service Director: Mentor younger staff and work alongside our chefs
Health Services Director (FILLED FOR 2026) Support a weekly volunteer medical professional and manage the health center
Leader In Training Director: (FILLED FOR 2026) Schedule & program for 14 teens during their training including instructional, work & recreational sessions
Media & Communication Specialist: (FILLED FOR 2026) Manage camp’s social media presence, mass communications, & photo documentation
Program Director (FILLED FOR 2026) Program activities, schedules and trainings during the summer with a focus on camp activities
Ranger Director/Staff: (FILLED FOR 2026) Lead outdoor wilderness program for teens
Director positions will be filled on a rolling basis and make good internships, so apply early!
Required to work from June 2 through August 15
Counselor Positions- All Levels
Click on the title for the full job description and qualifications.
Senior Counselor: (FILLED FOR 2026) You’ll play a vital role in creating unforgettable experiences for your campers. You’ll live alongside and guide a cabin of twelve campers, ensuring their safety, well-being, and growth throughout their time at camp. Specializing in one age group and one activity area, you’ll build meaningful connections, lead exciting adventures, and help campers create memories that will last a lifetime. This is more than a job—it’s a chance to inspire others while growing as a leader yourself.
Junior Counselor: (FILLED FOR 2026) You’ll work alongside a Senior Counselor to support a cabin of twelve campers, ensuring their safety, well-being, and enjoyment throughout their stay. This role offers an incredible opportunity to build relationships with campers while gaining hands-on experience. Over the summer, you’ll rotate through 3-4 different age groups and activities, and you may also be assigned to our day camp program for a portion of your weeks. Every day brings new adventures and chances to grow.
Rotating Junior Counselor: (MALE FILLED FOR 2026) As our entry-level counselor position, the Rotating Junior Counselor role lets you explore every corner of camp life! Some weeks, you’ll live alongside a cabin of up to twelve campers, assisting a Senior Counselor in ensuring their health, safety, and enjoyment. Other weeks, you’ll take on new challenges as a counselor in our day camp program, lend a hand in the kitchen, or support the camp’s operations through maintenance work. This dynamic role offers a well-rounded experience, allowing you to build diverse skills, create meaningful connections, and make a positive impact—all while growing as a leader.
Counselors are required to work from June 6 through August 15
Looking for more than just a summer? We also have opportunities to start early or stay into the fall, working with our retreats department to support year-round programs.
Be part of the team that makes camp unforgettable—apply today!
2026 APPLICATION
DATE
Name
STREET ADDRESS
ADDRESS LINE 2 (if needed)
CITY
STATE
ZIP
Email
PHONE
WHAT POSITIONS ARE YOU APPLYING FOR?
Adventure Trip Director/Staff Aquatics Director Assistant Program Director Camper Services Director (Camp Store) Camper Wellness Coordinator Camp Support Specialist Counselor In Training Director Day Camp Director Food Services Director Health Services Director Junior Counselor Leader In Training Director Media & Communication Specialist Program Director Ranger Camp Director/Staff Rotating Junior Counselor Senior Counselor Other
ARE THERE ANY TIMES BETWEEN JUNE 6 (JUNE 2 FOR PROGRAM STAFF) AND AUGUST 15 THAT YOU ARE UNAVAILBLE? PLEASE EXPLAIN
FOR EACH POSITION YOU ARE APPLYING PLEASE WRITE 3-5 SENTENCES ON WHY YOU ARE APPLYING FOR THAT ROLE
HAVE YOU EVER WORKED FOR A YMCA?
Yes No
IF SO WHICH YMCA?
Relevant Skills, Training and/or Certifications
AGE
I am under the age of 16 I am over the age of 16 I am over the age of 18 I am over the age of 21
IF HIRED ARE YOU ABLE TO PROVIDE LEGAL VERIFICATION OF YOUR RIGHT TO WORK?
Yes
No
PLEASE LIST ANY FAMILY MEMBERS OR FRIENDS WHO WORK FOR THE YMCA AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP TO YOU.
HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THIS POSITION?
Family Friend Social Media YMCA Employee Newspaper Job Site Listing Other
REFERENCE #1 NON FAMIILY MEMBER NAME
REFERENCE #1 PHONE
REFERENCE #1 EMAIL
REFERENCE #1 CITY, STATE
REFERENCE #1 RELATIONSHIP TO YOU AND OCCUPATION
REFERENCE #2 NON FAMIILY MEMBER NAME
REFERENCE #2 PHONE
REFERENCE #2 EMAIL
REFERENCE #2 CITY, STATE
REFERENCE #2 RELATIONSHIP TO YOU AND OCCUPATION
HIGH SCHOOL NAME/CITY/STATE
HIGH SCHOOL YEAR COMPLETED
9 10 11 12
COLLEGE ATTENDED (if applicable)
COLLEGE ADDRESS CITY/STATE
COLLEGE DEGREE (if applicable)
OTHER CERTIFICATIONS OR DEGREE (Trades, License, Certification)
IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY EMPLOYED PLEASE PROVIDE BACKGROUND ON YOUR EMPLOYER, POSITION AND HOW LONG YOU HAVE WORKED AT THIS EMPLOYER.
UPLOAD RESUME IF AVAILABLE
In the past 10 years, have you ever been discharged or suspended from employment for disciplinary reasons or have you been asked to resign?
Yes
No
If YES please explain.
Have you ever been convicted of a crime, had adjudication withheld, or pled no contest to a crime?
No
Yes
If yes, please state the type of crime and the circumstances with regard to each including date of conviction, or plea and the penalty, if any imposed by the court.
Have you ever been convicted or had any administrative finding of violating any law involving child abuse, sexual abuse, physical abuse, child endangerment, sexual harassment or exploitation or crime related to children?
Yes
No
If yes, please state the type of crime and the circumstances with regard to each including date of conviction, or plea and the penalty, if any imposed by the court.
Do you currently have any charges pending relating to any of the aforementioned?
Yes
No
If yes, please explain.
Why do you wish to work for Camp Wapsie?:
Please describe your involvement within the community, volunteer groups and other organizations:
If you feel there is additional information about yourself regarding your skills, experience, accomplishments, etc., that would assist us in evaluating your application, please share the details.
I certify that all statements made by me on this application are true and complete to the best of my knowledge and that I have withheld nothing that would, if disclosed, affect this application unfavorably. I understand and agree that any misrepresentation or omission of facts would exclude my being considered for employment, or, after employment, would be cause for termination of employment with the YMCA of the Cedar Rapids Metropolitan Area (YMCA). I understand and agree that if I am employed, there is no contract period for employment, and my employment would be solely “employment at will”, giving either me or the YMCA the right to terminate my employment at any time without liability or obligation, except for my regular pay through date of termination. I HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD THE ABOVE STATEMENTS AND THAT I VOLUNTARILY SIGN THIS EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION. I understand and acknowledge the above:
SUBMIT
Change Lives, Including Yours—Join the Camp Wapsie Team!
Ready for a summer that changes everything?
At YMCA Camp Wapsie, you’re not just impacting campers’ lives—you’re transforming your own. Few experiences are as rewarding as working at camp, where every day is filled with laughter, singing, dancing, swimming, and unforgettable moments.
When you join the Camp Wapsie team, you become part of a community built on the magic of camp, where we lift each other up and grow into the best versions of ourselves. You’ll gain skills, make lifelong connections, and create memories that will stay with you forever.
Please note that all of our employees, outside of maintenance and cooks, live on site during employment.
Interviews for leadership positions begin in October, and the hiring process continues through the end of January, so it may take some time before you hear from us regarding your application.
Applications for summer 2026 are now open! We’re hiring for the following roles:
Program Staff Roles
Click on the title for the full job description and qualifications
Adventure Trip Director/Staff: (MALE FILLED FOR 2026) Plan, prepare & lead off site trips with co-ed teen campers
Aquatics Director: (FILLED FOR 2026) Responsible for organization & operation of aquatics including teaching swim lessons. (LGI preferred)
Assistant Program Director: (FILLED FOR 2026) Program activities, schedules and trainings during the summer with a focus on camp activities
Camper Services Director: (FILLED FOR 2026) Manage the camp store and assist with other camp needs
Camper Wellness Coordinator: (FILLED FOR 2026) Ensure a positive and supportive environment for campers at as part of the camp medical team
Camp Support Specialist: Manage camp laundry & cleaning supplies, assist with other camp cleaning and assist with programming needs
Counselor In Training Director: (FILLED FOR 2026) Schedule & program for 14 teens during their training including instructional, work & recreational sessions
Day Camp Director: (FILLED FOR 2026) Mentor younger staff, oversee organization of program
Food Service Director: Mentor younger staff and work alongside our chefs
Health Services Director (FILLED FOR 2026) Support a weekly volunteer medical professional and manage the health center
Leader In Training Director: (FILLED FOR 2026) Schedule & program for 14 teens during their training including instructional, work & recreational sessions
Media & Communication Specialist: (FILLED FOR 2026) Manage camp’s social media presence, mass communications, & photo documentation
Program Director (FILLED FOR 2026) Program activities, schedules and trainings during the summer with a focus on camp activities
Ranger Director/Staff: (FILLED FOR 2026) Lead outdoor wilderness program for teens
Director positions will be filled on a rolling basis and make good internships, so apply early!
Required to work from June 2 through August 15
Counselor Positions- All Levels
Click on the title for the full job description and qualifications.
Senior Counselor: (FILLED FOR 2026) You’ll play a vital role in creating unforgettable experiences for your campers. You’ll live alongside and guide a cabin of twelve campers, ensuring their safety, well-being, and growth throughout their time at camp. Specializing in one age group and one activity area, you’ll build meaningful connections, lead exciting adventures, and help campers create memories that will last a lifetime. This is more than a job—it’s a chance to inspire others while growing as a leader yourself.
Junior Counselor: (FILLED FOR 2026) You’ll work alongside a Senior Counselor to support a cabin of twelve campers, ensuring their safety, well-being, and enjoyment throughout their stay. This role offers an incredible opportunity to build relationships with campers while gaining hands-on experience. Over the summer, you’ll rotate through 3-4 different age groups and activities, and you may also be assigned to our day camp program for a portion of your weeks. Every day brings new adventures and chances to grow.
Rotating Junior Counselor: (MALE FILLED FOR 2026) As our entry-level counselor position, the Rotating Junior Counselor role lets you explore every corner of camp life! Some weeks, you’ll live alongside a cabin of up to twelve campers, assisting a Senior Counselor in ensuring their health, safety, and enjoyment. Other weeks, you’ll take on new challenges as a counselor in our day camp program, lend a hand in the kitchen, or support the camp’s operations through maintenance work. This dynamic role offers a well-rounded experience, allowing you to build diverse skills, create meaningful connections, and make a positive impact—all while growing as a leader.
Counselors are required to work from June 6 through August 15
Looking for more than just a summer? We also have opportunities to start early or stay into the fall, working with our retreats department to support year-round programs.
Be part of the team that makes camp unforgettable—apply today!
2026 APPLICATION
DATE
Name
STREET ADDRESS
ADDRESS LINE 2 (if needed)
CITY
STATE
ZIP
PHONE
WHAT POSITIONS ARE YOU APPLYING FOR?
Adventure Trip Director/Staff Aquatics Director Assistant Program Director Camper Services Director (Camp Store) Camper Wellness Coordinator Camp Support Specialist Counselor In Training Director Day Camp Director Food Services Director Health Services Director Junior Counselor Leader In Training Director Media & Communication Specialist Program Director Ranger Camp Director/Staff Rotating Junior Counselor Senior Counselor Other
ARE THERE ANY TIMES BETWEEN JUNE 6 (JUNE 2 FOR PROGRAM STAFF) AND AUGUST 15 THAT YOU ARE UNAVAILBLE? PLEASE EXPLAIN
FOR EACH POSITION YOU ARE APPLYING PLEASE WRITE 3-5 SENTENCES ON WHY YOU ARE APPLYING FOR THAT ROLE
HAVE YOU EVER WORKED FOR A YMCA?
Yes No
IF SO WHICH YMCA?
Relevant Skills, Training and/or Certifications
AGE
I am under the age of 16 I am over the age of 16 I am over the age of 18 I am over the age of 21
IF HIRED ARE YOU ABLE TO PROVIDE LEGAL VERIFICATION OF YOUR RIGHT TO WORK?
Yes
No
PLEASE LIST ANY FAMILY MEMBERS OR FRIENDS WHO WORK FOR THE YMCA AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP TO YOU.
HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THIS POSITION?
Family Friend Social Media YMCA Employee Newspaper Job Site Listing Other
REFERENCE #1 NON FAMIILY MEMBER NAME
REFERENCE #1 PHONE
REFERENCE #1 EMAIL
REFERENCE #1 CITY, STATE
REFERENCE #1 RELATIONSHIP TO YOU AND OCCUPATION
REFERENCE #2 NON FAMIILY MEMBER NAME
REFERENCE #2 PHONE
REFERENCE #2 EMAIL
REFERENCE #2 CITY, STATE
REFERENCE #2 RELATIONSHIP TO YOU AND OCCUPATION
HIGH SCHOOL NAME/CITY/STATE
HIGH SCHOOL YEAR COMPLETED
9 10 11 12
COLLEGE ATTENDED (if applicable)
COLLEGE ADDRESS CITY/STATE
COLLEGE DEGREE (if applicable)
OTHER CERTIFICATIONS OR DEGREE (Trades, License, Certification)
IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY EMPLOYED PLEASE PROVIDE BACKGROUND ON YOUR EMPLOYER, POSITION AND HOW LONG YOU HAVE WORKED AT THIS EMPLOYER.
UPLOAD RESUME IF AVAILABLE
In the past 10 years, have you ever been discharged or suspended from employment for disciplinary reasons or have you been asked to resign?
Yes
No
If YES please explain.
Have you ever been convicted of a crime, had adjudication withheld, or pled no contest to a crime?
No
Yes
If yes, please state the type of crime and the circumstances with regard to each including date of conviction, or plea and the penalty, if any imposed by the court.
Have you ever been convicted or had any administrative finding of violating any law involving child abuse, sexual abuse, physical abuse, child endangerment, sexual harassment or exploitation or crime related to children?
Yes
No
If yes, please state the type of crime and the circumstances with regard to each including date of conviction, or plea and the penalty, if any imposed by the court.
Do you currently have any charges pending relating to any of the aforementioned?
Yes
No
If yes, please explain.
Why do you wish to work for Camp Wapsie?:
Please describe your involvement within the community, volunteer groups and other organizations:
If you feel there is additional information about yourself regarding your skills, experience, accomplishments, etc., that would assist us in evaluating your application, please share the details.
I certify that all statements made by me on this application are true and complete to the best of my knowledge and that I have withheld nothing that would, if disclosed, affect this application unfavorably. I understand and agree that any misrepresentation or omission of facts would exclude my being considered for employment, or, after employment, would be cause for termination of employment with the YMCA of the Cedar Rapids Metropolitan Area (YMCA). I understand and agree that if I am employed, there is no contract period for employment, and my employment would be solely “employment at will”, giving either me or the YMCA the right to terminate my employment at any time without liability or obligation, except for my regular pay through date of termination. I HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD THE ABOVE STATEMENTS AND THAT I VOLUNTARILY SIGN THIS EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION. I understand and acknowledge the above:
SUBMIT
Benefits:
Gym Membership, Employee Discounts, Job Training