Camp Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

An exciting opportunity to join the team of a progressive YMCA located in vibrant Somerset County, New Jersey. The YMCA is one of the nation’s leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. With a 150-year-old history, Greater Somerset County YMCA (GSCY) is a pillar of the community and has seven locations across three counties, which collectively serve upwards of 30,000 individuals. GSCY has 100 full-time and 950 part-time employees along with operating revenues to $22+ million.

The Y empowers everyone—no matter who they are or where they are from. To fulfill our purpose of strengthening community for all, GSCY is committed to being an inclusive organization and leveraging our collective impact to address social inequities. To learn more about GSCY, visit our website:

POSITION SUMMARY

Camp SOAR, Franklin Twp, June 29th-August 21st, 2026

Camp SOAR is seeking a Camp Specialist to support the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Provides direct supervision of a group of children in a seasonal day camp. Creates positive, nurturing relationships with children, while building cooperative relationships with parents/caregivers. The Camp Specialist shall design and deliver a program specialty in their designated area tailored to the skills and interests of each age group. This position will work with other counselors to bring about quality programming in that specialty area. Activities should nurture creativity, cooperation, skill and self-esteem and support the potential of all youth in programs and facilitate peer-to-peer connections as part of the overall camp experience.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Plan, set up and deliver a variety of activities within specialty area that are age specific and that keep children’s interests high.
• Lead specialty activities with assistance from camp staff and help keep camp staff focused on the activity.
• Control all supply inventory used in specialty. Assist Camp Director with ordering supplies. Keep supply storage area neat and organized.
• Assist the Camp Director in carrying out themes, special events, field trips, and general camp activities.
• Greet campers with a smile and treat them with enthusiasm.
• Learn camper’s names. Respond to campers needs. Encourage camper’s youth development progress.
• Set a good example for the children.
• Teach campers how to solve problems and maintain basic discipline and group control.
• Ensure that all volunteers have a great experience to help our association increase volunteer participation.
• Develop positive relationships with member families and learn why they come to our Y.
• Help groups maintain camp cleanliness.
• Take the initiative to be actively participatory in all activities.
• Work cooperatively with all camp staff while planning all camp activities.
• Perform the above responsibilities in an enthusiastic and committed manner. Do more than the minimum for campers. Treat them as special. Treat campers and fellow staff members with respect.
• Use redirection to appropriate activities when needed and use positive reinforcement to commend good choices.
• Teach and instill the Four Core Values of the YMCA in all camp activities: Caring, Respect, Honesty, & Responsibility.
• Act as requested by the supervisor, especially when not leading a specialty program.

SAFETY:

• Attend regular staff meetings scheduled by supervisor.
• Must attend and complete all required trainings.
• At all times uphold camp safety standards. Maintain constant face counts. Will understand and practice risk management and disaster policies and procedures.
• Help maintain group control and facilitate lunch time activities.
• Must follow all Association Aquatics Policy Guidelines.
• Take on designated assignments for aquatic activities. Help expedite arrival and departure from the pool (i.e. dressing rooms, etc.).
• Follow all YMCA, ACA, and NJ Licensing standards and procedures to ensure the safest and best quality camp and to help maintain ACA accreditation.
• Secure and submit all accident reports.
• Report all immediate concerns to Camp Director or nearest supervisor.
• Follow supervision of bus counselors and help to ensure safety, expedient procedures and fun activities on the bus. Lead bus songs, stories and games.

OTHER DUTIES:

• Always maintain a professional demeanor, as you are a representative of the YMCA.
• Wear Camp T-shirt daily.
• Maintain positive attitude, responsibility and self-motivation. Be punctual and reliable.
• Create a positive and nurturing learning environment to instill youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
• Uphold GSCY’s More Quality At The Y principles at all times.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school student or equivalent.
• Previous experience working with children preferably in a day camp setting, with a minimum of two previous camp seasons.
• Interest preferred in one or more of the following areas: outdoor living, archery, boating, camping, songs/music, skits, sports, aquatics, recreational games, behavioral support, etc.
• At least 18 years of age.
• CPR, First Aid, AED certifications and Child Abuse Prevention training within 30 days of hire date.
• Previous experience with diverse populations preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions and to supervise program activities in a wide variety of indoor and outdoor locations (depending upon the programs).
• Ability to work in a variety of environments, specifically those subject to extreme heat and humidity.
• Physically and mentally able to respond to emergencies and administer CPR and First Aid
• Ability to plan, lead and participate in a range of activities in a variety of outdoor/indoor settings.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):

• Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Ys values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.
• Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.
• Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.
• Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

Benefits of working part-time at GSCY include:

• FREE Individual Membership Access to any YMCA in the Nation.
• 10% Discount on most programming at Greater Somerset County YMCA.
• Access to one of the leading retirement programs "Y Retirement Fund" from the first day of employment.
• Opportunities for professional development, mentoring, growth, and promotion throughout the YMCA Movement.
• Supportive and inclusive community for people of all backgrounds and access to Employee Resource Networks.

Greater Somerset County YMCA is a drug free work environment. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information who share our values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility.