Senior Camp Counselor

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Day Camp Senior Counselor Position Summary

This position supports the work of the YMCA, a leading nonprofit organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Senior Counselor provides direct supervision of children in a seasonal day camp and is responsible for a designated group of campers while supporting the supervision of all campers throughout the camp day.

The Senior Counselor helps children adjust to camp expectations, rules, and safety procedures; supports the development of cohesive groups; and ensures campers enjoy a positive camp experience. This role is responsible for planning and delivering daily activities, supporting camp leadership, and promoting the potential of all youth through peer-to-peer connections and inclusive programming.

Essential Functions

• Supervise Junior Counselors and campers to ensure focus and engagement in camp responsibilities.
  
• Assist Specialists during activity periods, keeping staff and campers actively involved.
  
• Learn campers’ names and respond to individual needs.
  
• Greet campers with enthusiasm and positivity each day.
  
• Build positive relationships with member families and understand their connection to the YMCA.
  
• Maintain knowledge of the Strong Kids Campaign and its purpose.
  
• Assist with and lead themes, special events, trips, and daily camp activities.
  
• Encourage campers’ youth development and personal growth.
  
• Help maintain cleanliness within the camp group.
  
• Work cooperatively with all camp staff to plan, implement, and lead activities.
  
• Perform responsibilities with enthusiasm and commitment, treating campers and staff with respect.
  
• Teach and model the YMCA’s Four Core Values: Caring, Respect, Honesty, and Responsibility .
  
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the supervisor.
  
• Create a positive, nurturing learning environment that promotes youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
  

Safety Responsibilities

• Attend and complete all required trainings.
  
• Uphold camp safety standards at all times, including maintaining constant camper counts.
  
• Understand and follow risk management and emergency procedures.
  
• Assist with group control and lunchtime activities.
  
• Follow all Association Aquatics Policy Guidelines and complete assigned aquatic duties.
  
• Assist with safe and efficient transitions to and from the pool.
  
• Follow all YMCA, ACA, and NJ Licensing standards to ensure camper safety, program quality, and ACA accreditation.
  
• Complete and submit accident reports, special plans, schedule changes, and evaluations as required.
  
• Report immediate concerns to the Camp Director or supervising staff.
  
• Assist with bus supervision, ensuring safety, efficiency, and engagement through songs, stories, and games.
  
• Use appropriate behavior management techniques, including redirection and positive reinforcement.
  

Other Duties

• Maintain a professional demeanor at all times as a representative of the YMCA.
  
• Wear the designated camp T-shirt daily.
  
• Demonstrate a positive attitude, responsibility, self-motivation, punctuality, and reliability.
  
• Support a positive and nurturing camp environment.
  

Requirements:

Qualifications

• High school student or equivalent.
  
• Minimum of two previous camp seasons as a Counselor; prior experience working with children in a day camp setting required.
  
• Interest in one or more activity areas such as outdoor living, archery, boating, camping, music, skits, sports, aquatics, or recreational games preferred.
  
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
  
• Previous experience working with diverse populations preferred.
  

YMCA Competencies (Leader Level)

• Mission Advancement: Demonstrates YMCA values and a commitment to serving community needs.
  
• Collaboration: Works effectively with diverse individuals, builds rapport, communicates clearly, and remains calm in challenging situations.
  
• Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound decisions, embraces new ideas, plans effectively, and follows policies and procedures.
  
• Personal Growth: Pursues self-development, adapts to change, understands personal strengths and limitations, and applies best practices and current skills.
  

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Ability to plan, lead, and participate in activities in both indoor and outdoor environments.
  
• Physical demands are representative of those required to perform essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.