Summer Camp Specialist

Day Camp Specialist
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 Camp Specialist provides direct supervision of children in a seasonal day camp and designs and delivers programming within a designated specialty area tailored to the skills and interests of each age group.

The Camp Specialist works collaboratively with counselors to provide high-quality specialty programming that nurtures creativity, cooperation, skill development, and self-esteem. This role promotes the potential of all youth and encourages peer-to-peer connections as part of the overall camp experience.
Essential Functions

• Plan, set up, and lead age-appropriate specialty activities that maintain camper engagement.
• Instruct and support Counselors in delivering specialty activities, encouraging leadership and activity planning.
• Lead specialty activities with assistance from Counselors while maintaining focus and structure.
• Manage supply inventory for the specialty area, assist with ordering, and maintain an organized storage area.
• Assist the Camp Director with themes, special events, and general camp activities.
• Greet campers with enthusiasm and positivity.
• Learn campers' names and respond to their needs.
• Encourage campers' youth development and model positive behavior.
• Teach problem-solving skills and maintain basic discipline and group control.
• Ensure volunteers have a positive experience to support increased volunteer participation.
• Build positive relationships with member families and understand their connection to the YMCA.
• Help maintain cleanliness within the camp group.
• Perform all duties with enthusiasm, commitment, and initiative.
• Act as needed when not leading a specialty program.

Safety Responsibilities

• Attend and complete all required trainings.
• Uphold all camp safety standards and maintain constant camper counts.
• Understand and follow risk management and emergency procedures.
• Assist with group supervision and lunchtime activities.
• Follow all YMCA, ACA, and NJ Licensing standards and procedures to ensure camper safety and program quality.
• Complete and submit accident reports, special plans, schedule changes, and evaluations as required.
• Report immediate concerns to the Camp Director or supervising staff.
• Use appropriate behavior management techniques, including redirection and positive reinforcement.

Other Duties

• Maintain a professional demeanor as a representative of the YMCA.
• Wear the designated camp T-shirt daily.
• Demonstrate a positive attitude, responsibility, self-motivation, punctuality, and reliability.
• Create a positive and nurturing environment that supports youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

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 preferred.
• Interest in one or more specialty areas such as outdoor living, art, archery, 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 commitment to community service.
• Collaboration: Works effectively with individuals of diverse backgrounds, abilities, and perspectives.
• Operational Effectiveness: Exercises sound judgment, embraces innovation, and follows policies and procedures.
• Personal Growth: Seeks self-development, adapts to change, and applies best practices and current skills.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Ability to plan, lead, and participate in activities in both indoor and outdoor settings.
• Physical demands consistent with active supervision and program leadership.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.