Summer Youth Development Junior Counselor, YMCA Camp Dakani

Description:

Are you ready for your first job where you can have fun, make friends, and learn real leadership skills? Do you love working with kids, being part of a team, and bringing positive energy wherever you go? If so, your camp adventure starts here!

Apply today and join the team at YMCA CAMP DAKANI as a Summer Day Camp Youth Development Junior Counselor.

YMCA CAMP DAKANI is a 50-acre outdoor adventure camp and retreat center dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences for youth all summer long. Our Youth Development Junior Counselors are an important part of the camp team — supporting counselors, helping activities run smoothly, and bringing enthusiasm to every camper experience.

As a member of our Summer Day Camp Staff team, you’ll gain hands-on experience working with children while building confidence, responsibility, teamwork, and communication skills in a supportive environment. This is more than a summer job — it’s a chance to grow, learn, and take your first steps as a leader.

OUR CULTURE:

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. At the Y, we strengthen community with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all and create spaces where everyone belongs. We are genuine: we value you and encourage you to be yourself. We are hopeful: we believe in your potential and growth.

We are nurturing: we support you as you learn and develop new skills. We are determined: we work together to make our community stronger. Youth Development Junior Counselors help create a positive, safe, and inclusive environment where campers feel supported and staff work as a team to bring camp to life.

Requirements:

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist counselors and program staff with daily camp activities and transitions
• Help create a welcoming, positive, and inclusive environment for campers
• Support activity set-up, clean-up, and organization of program areas

Encourage camper participation and model positive behavior

• Assist with supervision under the direction of a Counselor or Coordinator
• Help maintain safe, clean, and organized camp spaces
• Follow all YMCA policies and procedures, including safety and child protection guidelines
• Communicate respectfully and positively with campers, staff, and families

Attend required trainings, meetings, and staff development opportunities Serve as a team player, bringing enthusiasm and a willingness to learn each day Model YMCA character values of Honesty, Caring, Respect, and Responsibility Bring energy, positivity, and camp spirit — and have fun!

CAUSE-DRIVEN LEADERSHIP® COMPETENCIES:

Values- Models and teaches the Y’s values. Inclusion- Champions inclusion activities, strategies, and initiatives. Relationships- Builds relationships to create small communities. Communication- Effectively tailors communications to the appropriate audience.

• Developing Others- Provides staff with feedback, coaching, guidance, and support.

REQUIREMENTS:

Must be 16 - 17 years of age Interest in working with children and being part of a team Positive attitude, reliability, and willingness to learn Ability to follow directions and YMCA policies Complete required training prior to and during employment

COMPENSATION:

Starting Pay $10.00 per hour Additional pay for specialized certifications (ie; Lifeguard, ropes and more) Camp Staff Shirts are provided.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Ability to assist with and participate in a variety of indoor and outdoor camp activities 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.

Ability to plan, lead and participate in a range of activities in a variety of outdoor/indoor settings. Will require outdoor work during the summer months. May be required to lift up to 50 pounds. More information on YMCA Camp Dakani: https://ymcaokc.org/camp-dakani/