Overnight Camp Lead - Daily

Camp Ihduhapi in Loretto, MN is hiring Overnight Camp Lead Staff for the 2026 summer season, running from May 27 to August 27. Staff live on-site in shared housing, with meals provided. Lead staff generally work Sunday through Thursday, with occasional weekend shifts as needed. Compensation starts at $90 per day.

In this role, your primary responsibility is to support both staff and campers throughout each week. Lead staff may be asked to help with activity coverage, or cabin coverage as appropriate.

Email grace.larsen@ymcanorth.org to receive a detailed list of our lead staff positions.

Job Summary:

The Overnight Camp Lead is responsible for leading a designated program or activity, acting as a unit lead and/or providing program support at camp. Examples may include but is not limited to arts and crafts lead, climbing lead, nature lead, trail lead, canoe lead, archery lead, etc. The Camp Lead may support camp counselors as a unit or activity lead as well as direct service to campers. The incumbent provides high quality experiences for campers that focus on the YMCA core values: caring, equity, honesty, respect and responsibility.

Essential Functions:

• Develop and deliver programs that are appropriate for the age/ability of the campers while following safety and educational procedures.
• Write lesson plans and implement schedules for the program that meet camp outcomes and the abilities of the campers in small and large group activities.
• Prepare, lead, teach, and evaluate the success of the program which may include theme/special camp activities.
• Provide a progression of programs within the framework of individual and group interests and abilities that align with mission and outcomes.
• Evaluate abilities of campers and staff and ensure they are following safety and educational procedures.
• Prepare for and actively participate in staff training, continued learning, and meetings.
• May assist in the implementation of staff training and train staff in their responsibilities in specialized program areas.
• Assist in training staff in using equipment and lesson planning for the program activity.
• Ensure campers and staff follow safety procedures.
• Provide work direction to camp counselors as needed.
• Assist in the direction, supervision, and organization of campers and staff in their groups within activities and throughout the camp in order to meet the intended camper outcomes.
• Apply Social Emotional Learning concepts and basic youth development principles in working with campers and staff through communication, relationship development, respect for diversity, involvement and empowerment.
• Ability to communicate and work with groups (all ages and skill levels) and provide necessary instruction to campers and staff.
• Assures campers are properly supervised at all times.
• Helps assure staff are properly supported at all times.
• Be aware of and implement safety guidelines within all of camp.
• If applicable, properly supervise campers in cabin sleeping arrangements.
• Maintain high standards for health and mental health in all activities for campers and staff.
• Provide daily care for every camper and staff within your program.
• Ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid. Must be able to assist campers and staff in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury) and possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers and staff. You will be looked to as a leader during emergency procedures.
• Ability to identify and respond to camper and staff 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.
• Be alert to campers and staff 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.
• Assist in maintaining accurate program records including incident reports, documentation, and daily attendance.
• Know and understand ALL emergency procedures associated with the camp program. You will be looked to as a leader during emergency procedures.
• 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 camper and staff safety within your program area at all times and being responsible for 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.
• Provide supervision for campers and staff while being transported to and from camp or during scheduled field trips off camp property.
• If applicable, implement all safety guidelines and procedures while in cabin sleeping arrangements with campers.
• Assist in the management and care of the physical facilities and equipment for the program.
• Oversee the setup, up-keep, and staffing of program area.
• Maintain and care for equipment.
• Ensure the security of the equipment when not in use and ensure it is off-limits to bystanders when in use.
• Conduct daily check of area and equipment for safety, cleanliness, and good repair.
• Clean and organize program area daily, keeping it free of hazards and debris.
• Maintain and inventory all equipment necessary for the program area.
• Be a role model to campers and staff in your attitude and behavior.
• Actively participate with all campers and staff in all programs and activities as assigned.
• Follow and uphold all safety and security rules and procedures.
• Set a good example to campers and staff in regard to general camp procedures and practices including sanitation, schedule, and sportsmanship.
• Ensure that camp as a whole is kept clean, organized, and free of litter.
• Represent the camp when interacting with families, volunteers, and community members.
• Communicate with families regarding participant’s experiences and provide appropriate feedback and information as needed for their campers to have a successful camp experience.
• Follow safety and security protocols when campers are in public while presenting a positive image of the camp.
• Help guide Camp Counselors, Junior Counselors, and Camp Volunteers to have a deeper understanding of leadership and counseling skills.

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 Manager or Assistant Camp Director. The incumbent interacts regularly with camp staff, campers, volunteers, and families. This position involves interaction with individuals and communities of a diverse background.

Qualifications:

Required

• Minimum age of 18.
• Adult and Pediatric First Aid & CPR/AED provided by YMCA or other certified organization (may be obtained upon hire but must be completed before an employee supervises youth).
• 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
• Minimum of one (1) season experience in camp, youth programs, recreation, working with children, or in a related field.
• Possess or acquire the required certifications for specific program areas.
• Demonstrated ability to keep accurate records and organize program area logistics.
• Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team and the ability to accomplish tasks with little direct supervision.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.

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.

Additional Notes:

This job description represents the major functions of the position but is not intended to be all-inclusive. The incumbent may help in other camp program areas as needed. The incumbent is 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.