Full Circle Summer Camp Counselor

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the general supervision of the Adaptive Services and Support Director, the Full Circle Summer Camp Counselor creates a safe, engaging, and inclusive day camp experience for children ages 7–15 with neurodivergent disabilities such as Autism, ADHD, Down Syndrome, Sensory Processing Disorders, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, and developmental delays. The counselor builds positive relationships, models YMCA values, and facilitates daily activities that promote social, emotional, and physical growth in a fun summer environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Foster an inclusive and welcoming environment by building positive relationships with campers, parents, and fellow staff; resulting in a sense of belonging and trust that supports each camper’s participation and confidence.
• Plan, supervise, and implement daily camp activities and field trips in collaboration with the Director; ensuring consistent, engaging experiences that align with program goals and YMCA values.
• Actively engage with campers during all scheduled activities—including sports, crafts, games, and free play—to promote meaningful participation, sustained engagement, and positive social interaction throughout the camp day
• Communicate regularly and effectively with parents and caregivers to share updates, reinforce trust, and address questions or concerns; ensuring families feel confident that their child is safe, supported, and thriving.
• Monitor and maintain equipment, supplies, snacks, and program areas according to YMCA and site standards; ensuring a safe, organized, and adequately resourced camp environment.
• Supervise and account for all campers at all times by following established attendance and safety protocols; ensuring each child’s well-being, security, and participation throughout camp hours.
• Maintain accurate camper records through timely completion of sign-in/out sheets, medication logs, and safety checklists; ensuring compliance with YMCA policies and regulatory requirements.
• Apply the YMCA’s positive discipline and behavior management strategies to guide behavior and resolve conflicts; promoting respect, cooperation, and alignment with the YMCA’s core values.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be at least 16 years of age.
• Prior experience working or volunteering with children required; experience supporting individuals with disabilities preferred.
• Experience in camp, recreation, or youth development programming preferred.
• Ability to effectively plan, organize, and lead a variety of recreational and educational activities, while remaining attentive, responsive, and engaged in the supervision of children across indoor, outdoor, and field trip settings.
• Ability to adapt activities to accommodate diverse cognitive and physical abilities, and to effectively de-escalate challenging behaviors with patience, empathy, and professionalism.

COMPETENCIES:

• Relationship-building: Build meaningful, trusting connections with campers, families, and staff.
• Communication: Listen for understanding and tailor messages effectively for parents, staff, and campers.
• Results-oriented: Stay organized and manage time to deliver a high-value, fun, and safe camp experience.
• Conflict-resolution: Respond calmly and logically to behavior issues, emergencies, and changing activity needs.
• Empathy: Foster a camp environment where differences are celebrated and all campers feel welcome.
• Accountability: Takes ownership of decisions, actions, and results.  Follows through on commitments and accepts responsibility.  Completes assigned tasks on time and accepts feedback without defensiveness. Adheres to established policies and procedures.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Camp activities occur in YMCA facilities, outdoor spaces, and off-site locations such as parks and field trip destinations.
• Requires active participation, including standing, bending, lifting up to 50 pounds, and moving equipment or furniture.
• Must be able to move freely throughout the facility and outdoors to monitor campers and participate in activities.
• Summer camp participants’ hours are 9am-4pm Monday-Friday, staff schedule varies within those time frames. Flexibility to work extended hours or adapt to schedule changes as needed.

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, or qualifications. Additional tasks may be assigned as needed to support organizational goals. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.