2026 Warlick Summer Camp Counselor

Job DetailsJob Location: Warlick Family YMCA - Gastonia, NC 28054Position Type: Part TimeSalary Range: $9.50 - $11.07Are you eager to make a positive impact in the lives of children and families in our community? Do you want to grow as a leader and develop professionally while having fun? Come join our team at the Gaston County Family YMCA and let's have fun! We have 3 camp locations available: Cherryville Family YMCA, Cherryville, NC R.L Stowe Family YMCA, Belmont, NC Warlick Family YMCA, Gastonia, NC Camp is offered Monday - Friday.

Summer Camp begins Tuesday, May 26th and will conclude Friday, August 7, 2026. We provide services from 7am to 6pm each day.

Qualifications:

Under the supervision of the Program Director and/or Camp Coordinator and consistent with the Gaston County Family YMCA Christian Mission, the Summer Camp Counselor is responsible for leading and building relationships with a group of children, while developing summer programming that is fun, culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate and safe.

They provide a quality

experience:

to children and parents with a focus on YMCA core values: honesty, respect, responsibility, and caring. A Summer Camp Counselor strengthens their professional, interpersonal and management

skills:

through daily

responsibilities:

of the job. Day camp programs are for elementary and middle school aged children and are held on-site at all three Gaston County Family YMCA locations. This is a seasonal, summer position. OUR CULTURE: Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day.

We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: We believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential.

We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Supervises a group of campers while providing for the safety and well-being of all children. Enthusiastically participates in all theme days and assemblies.

• Mentors and models responsible behavior while leading children in Summer Day Camp programs.
• Plans and implements program activities that are culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate and consistent with YMCA values.
• Adheres to YMCA policies, procedures and program standards, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention, emergency management, safety and cleanliness standards.

Models and facilitates relationship-building

skills:

in all interactions and maintains positive relationships with campers, parents, and other YMCA staff. Attends staff meetings, training and family nights. Utilizes the YMCA voice (nurturing, genuine, hopeful, determined, and welcoming) toward all staff, participants, and parents. Child Abuse Prevention Functions: Adhere to policies related to boundaries with consumers.

Attend/complete required abuse risk management training before working with consumers and on an annual basis.

• Adhere to procedures related to managing high-risk activities and supervising consumers.
• Follow mandated reporting

requirements:

Consistently follow safety procedures during instruction, transitions, and emergencies.

QUALIFICATIONS:

At least 16 years of age for Counselors. Previous

experience:

working with children, preferred.

Experience:

preferred in one or more of the following areas: outdoor living, archery, boating, camping, songs/music, skits, sports, aquatics, recreational games, etc. Previous

experience:

with diverse populations, preferred. Specific certifications and/or training may be required. WORKING CONDITIONS: Ability to plan, lead and participate in a range of activities in a variety of outdoor/indoor settings. Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range, or special accommodations made of sufficient nature for completion of assigned tasks.

Ability to communicate clearly through speech and understanding of the English language. Ability to walk, run, stand, kneel, stoop, and exhibit manual dexterity. Ability to lift a maximum of 50 pounds. Must be able to work in 80-100 degree weather. SKILL DEVELOPMENT: Leadership Development Character Development Community Development Professional Development Responsibility and ownership Ability to work effectively on a team Communication

Skills:

Problem solving and conflict resolution Group Management Public Speaking Creativity Investing in others Inclusion/Ability to respond to individual needs YMCA LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES: (

skills:

to be developed while working as a YMCA employee) Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s values.

• Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs.
• Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them.
• Supports fundraising.

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.