Summer 2026 Overnight Camp Counselor

YMCA Camp MacLean is now hiring Overnight Camp Counselors for the 2026 Summer Camp Season! 

The Overnight Camp Counselor serves as a professional role model for our campers by leading through example and guiding campers through recreational activities that teach life skills, encourage healthy and safe behaviors and create a positive camper experience. The Overnight Camp Counselor ensures that each youth has adequate supervision including ensuring that no youth is unsupervised at any time.  Overnight Camp Counselors must be 18 years of age at the start of camp.

Pay starts at $600 bi-weekly, housing & meals provided

The Overnight Camp Junior Counselor is responsible to assist the Overnight Camp Counselor with supervising campers at all times, so that a camper is never unsupervised or unattended.   Junior Counselors cannot supervise campers on their own without a lead counselor (18 years old).   

Pay starts at $520 bi-weekly, housing & meals provided 

• Competitive salaries reflecting your skills and experience.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees, plus wellness programs, mental health resources, and a family gym membership.
• Generous PTO and paid holidays, with flexible work hours for work-life balance.
• 403(b) plan with company contributions for eligible employees after 2 years of service.
• Continuous learning opportunities through workshops and training programs.
• Supportive work environment valuing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Discounts on programs, employee assistance programs, and company-sponsored events.

Scope of Responsibilities

Camper Experience

• Promotes the YMCA and provides outstanding customer service by creating an outstanding camper experience for children, parents and families.
• Leads recreational activities with campers, including but not limited to, arts and crafts, sports, social recreation, songfests, nature hikes, archery, and other games and hobbies. Instructs campers using various teaching methods and modifies activities as needed to ensure that campers of all ages and experience levels are engaged.
• Teaches socially acceptable behaviors to campers by serving as a role model and by using age-appropriate positive reinforcement and behavior management strategies.
• Communicates consistently with supervisor, team leader, unit leader and other team members to ensure everyone is kept abreast of camp activities and schedule.
• Supports camp activities as assigned by supervisor, including any specialty camp activities.

Camp Safety

• Ensures the physical and emotional health and safety of campers by being safety conscious, following all established YMCA standards and critically evaluating situations for potential risks.
• Ensures compliance with established rules and regulations to ensure safety. Monitors campers and counselors and provides corrective coaching and intervention as necessary.
• Sets up facilities and/or equipment for activities and stores equipment appropriately after use. Immediately notifies Program Director of any broken or unsafe equipment or if more resources/equipment are needed.
• Works to keep camp facilities clean at all times

Requirements and Qualifications:

• Overnight Camp Counselor - Must be at least 18 years of age by the first day of camp 
• Overnight Camp Junior Counselor - Must be at least 16 years of age
• Must have prior experience working with youth; previous experience in a camp setting strongly preferred
• Relevant specialty experience for positions supporting specialty camps
• Commitment to, and passion for, the YMCA of Metro Chicago’s mission
• Excellent verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly and concisely present ideas and concepts and tailor communication to multiple audiences
• Passion for working with diverse youth and ability to provide a high-quality of instruction using age-appropriate practices. Ability to observe camper behavior and apply appropriate behavior management techniques.
• Proven ability to establish constructive relationships and interact as a positive role model
• Continuous learner who leverages opportunities for learning and applies new knowledge and skills
• Demonstrates evidence of YMCA Y Team competencies in previous experience or practice
• Meets physical qualifications required as outlined in job description. The YMCA will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities.

Child Abuse Prevention - Supports the commitment of the YMCA to child abuse prevention by:

• Reporting any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members or guests to your supervisor.
• Following all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children.
• Reporting any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor.
• Completing all child abuse prevention training as required.

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Salary : $520 - $600