The Role In A Nutshell

We’re looking for Senior Counselors to work collaboratively with a junior counselor, serving as mentors for approximately 8-12 campers. Our Senior Counselors also serve as Activity Instructors, leading program instruction throughout the day. This role starts June 19 and runs through September 1.

A Typical Day (even though there’s no such thing as a typical day at camp...)

• Meet your campers inside the YMCA gym and get them ready for an amazing day
• Sing songs on the bus ride to the camp
• Lead your campers to Values for to learn about the 4 core values of the YMCA (respect, responsibility, honesty, and kindness), followed by Critter Talk (Do you know an interesting animal that you can share with the campers?)
• Lead an activity like archery, boating, gaga ball or share one of your favorite activities
• Enjoy your lunch in the staff room or CIT hang out
• Get excited for an all-camp game
• Enjoy swimming with your group as you help monitor their safety
• Guide an overwhelmed camper to the Chill Zone so they can decompress
• Jump on stage with your campers for a hilarious skit or an energetic song
• Hop on the bus to take them back to the YMCA
• Get some sleep so you can come back and do it all again

This Job Might Be For You If:

• You’re a good role model. The role of camp counselor is a hybrid of being a big brother and a parent. You’ll always need to model exemplary behavior while also creating a safe and inclusive environment.
• You’re responsible. Whether it’s showing up to your activity area on time and providing enthusiastic instruction or ensuring the campers are always using equipment properly, the emotional and physical wellbeing of our campers is of utmost importance.
• You’re a great listener. Campers will confide in counselors when there’s an issue with the group. You’ll need to hear all sides of the story and help resolve the conflict, so it doesn’t pop up again. It’s not always what you hear with your ears though - you’ll need to pick up on nonverbal cues and body language to uncover issues that may be bubbling up beneath the surface.
• You enjoy providing support and positive reinforcement. Campers can find themselves out of their comfort zone at camp. Whether it’s reminding a camper to put on sunscreen or helping a scared camper overcome his fears on the archery range, you’re always willing to offer a helping hand.
• You’re an excellent communicator and team player. You’ll work with at least 1 co-counselor and will report to the Assistant Director of People. Making sure everyone is on the same page is crucial to providing a positive camp experience for all the campers.
• You’re calm under pressure. Things move a mile a minute at camp. When a problem arises, you’ll need to be cool under pressure and spring into action to help solve it safely and efficiently.
• You’re open to feedback. Working with kids can be challenging, whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned veteran. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it - our leadership team has worked in the camping industry for years and is happy to support you.
• You’re willing to share your hidden talents with camp. Can you jump rope while balancing a cup of water on your head as you sing “Donut Shop” with perfect pitch? Know how to play the ukulele and harmonica? Campers love to see our staff members’ hidden talents and we’d love to see yours too!
• You will be 18 by the start of the camping season.
• You have or have not had experience working in summer camps, with children, or outdoors. We are looking for people that are capable of being responsible and caring counselors for our campers.

All candidates must have reliable transportation. Job offers are contingent upon completion of a rigorous criminal history background check.