Overnight Camp Counselor - Daily

Camp Ihduhapi in Loretto, MN is hiring overnight cabin counselors for the 2026 summer season, June 1-August 27. Counselors live on-site in shared cabins, with housing and meals included, and work Sunday through Thursday. Compensation begins at $80 per day.

In partnership with a co-counselor, you’ll lead 8-10 campers, ensuring a safe and fun experience. Duties include leading activities like canoeing, archery, swimming, arts and crafts, and nature programs, joining campfires and games, cooking a weekly meal over the fire, and occasional overnight tenting. Counselors may also choose to support a Boundary Waters Canoe Area wilderness trip during the summer, with full training provided.

1. Job Summary: The Overnight Camp Counselor is responsible for planning, leading, coordinating, and implementing core and non-core programs and experiences for children in a small group setting in daily program and in the overnight cabin setting. They will also be responsible for the general safety and development, growth, and skill achievement of the participants in their group. The incumbent will provide high quality outdoor educational and recreational experiences for participants that focus on the YMCA core values of caring, equity, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

2. Essential Responsibilities:

• Assist in the direction, supervision, and organization of campers in their living unit within activities and throughout the camp in order to meet the intended camper outcomes.

• Apply social emotional learning concepts and other basic youth development principles in working with campers through communication, relationship development, respect for diversity, involvement, and empowerment of youth.

• Assure campers are properly supervised at all times while in daily program and in assigned cabin sleeping arrangements.

• Be aware of and implement all safety guidelines and procedures within camp activities and cabin sleeping arrangements.

• Participate in the development and implementation of program activities for campers within the mission and outcomes.

• Responsible for leading or assisting with the teaching of activities.

• Actively participate in all program areas as assigned.

• Provide for the progression of activities within the framework of individual and group interests and abilities.

• Assist in program areas such as waterfront, nature, all camp activities, challenge course, archery, horses, and arts and crafts as directed.

• Maintain high standards for health and mental health in all activities for campers.

• Provide care for each camper within your supervision during the day and at night in cabin sleeping arrangements.

• Ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid. Must be able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury) and possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers.

• Ability to identify and respond to camper behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques in alignment with camp training and proactive response.

• Ensure that campers receive their medications as directed by the Health Office.

• Be alert to campers needs and assist them with personal and/or health problems; discuss with camp health manager and/or camp director when appropriate.

• Contribute to verbal and written evaluations and communication as requested.

• Maintain high standards of safety in all activities for campers and staff.

• Know and understand proper supervision procedures while sleeping in the same cabin as participants of all ages.

• Assist in maintaining accurate program records and documentation including incident reports.

• Know and understand ALL emergency procedures associated with the camp program.

• Know, enforce, and follow all safety guidelines associated with the camp and all program areas. This includes but is not limited to being responsible for your campers’ safety and their whereabouts at all times.

• Be alert to equipment and facilities to ensure utilization, proper care, and maintenance is adhered to; report repairs needed promptly to camp leadership.

• Be a role model to campers and staff in your attitude and behavior.

• Follow and uphold all safety and security rules and procedures.

• Set a good example to campers and others in regard to general camp procedures and practices including sanitation, schedule, and sportsmanship.

• Ensure that the site is kept clean, organized, and free of litter.

• Understand and model the YMCA’s five core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility, and Equity to campers and other staff members.

• Participate enthusiastically in all camp activities, planning, and leading those as assigned.

3. Relationships:

This position reports to the Program Director who reports to the Senior Program Director or Executive Director. The incumbent may take work direction from a Camp Lead or Camp Manager. The incumbent interacts regularly with camp staff, campers, volunteers, and families. This position involves interaction with individuals and communities of diverse backgrounds.

4. Qualifications:

Required

• Minimum age of 17 years

• Adult and Pediatric First Aid & CPR/AED provided by YMCA or other certified organization

• Lifeguard certification may be required for some Counselor positions and can be obtained after hire. The YMCA recognizes and accepts certifications from the following institutions: American Red Cross, YMCA, Star Guard, and Boy Scouts of America

• Education classes or experience in camp, youth programs, recreation, working with children, or in a related field.

• Ability to lead, plan, organize, and implement program activities with all age levels.

• Ability to work as a member of a team and the ability to accomplish tasks with little direct supervision.

• Strong organizational and communication skills.

5. Work Conditions:

• Must have the physical ability to lead and participate in camp activities which include, but are not limited to, hiking, canoeing, swimming, team building initiatives, building campfires, physical games, and activities.

• Must be capable of carrying loads of up to 50 pounds and able to traverse hilly and uneven terrain without undue exertion.

• Work in conditions that will create dirt and dust.

• Work in conditions that may require staff to use fire protection equipment, washers and dryers, dishwashers, and specialty program equipment.

• Perform essential program support to camp activities and programs which may include, but not limited to the following activities: semi – reaching to full-reach overhead, crouching, kneeling, shoveling, working in narrow and/or confining spaces underground, overhead, and at ground level, twisting of the waist, shoulders, and legs, and lying on stomach and/or back.

• Must have visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to the activity.

• Must have the ability to physically manage and support children when needed for safety in general camp activities (child weighing 30 - 200 pounds).

• Ability to perform a variety of tasks outdoor in different climate with daily exposure to the sun, heat, and animals such as bugs, snakes, horses, chickens, etc.

6. Additional Notes:

This job description represents the major functions of the position but is not intended to be all-inclusive. The incumbent is also responsible for taking direction from the Program Director or their representatives in completing projects or performing duties deemed necessary for the Camp or Association success.