Middle School Day Camp Counselor (Summer 2026)

Overview The YMCA of Greenville is a dynamic and rapidly growing association that seeks to strengthen the community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Middle School Day Camp Counselor supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. This role is responsible for implementing safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate programs for campers entering 6th–8th grades. Counselors contribute to the physical, mental, and social–emotional growth of each camper through intentional activities, positive role modeling, and relationship-building in accordance with YMCA values and program goals.

Not only will you be part of amazing mission driven work, we offer the following benefits:

Work Today, Get Paid Today!!! Instant access to your earned wages before payday. Free individual Y membership, with 75% discount on upgraded memberships. 50% Discount on Programs, including Childcare, sports, and aquatics. 20% Discount on Personal Training. 12% Retirement Contribution once fully vested.

403b Retirement Savings Plan. 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.

Responsibilities:

Program & Activity Leadership Supervise and engage with rising 6th–8th grade campers throughout daily activities, ensuring physical and emotional safety.

• Implement weekly lesson plans and activities using YMCA risk-management guidelines, creativity, and an understanding of developmental needs.
• Support and lead group games, enrichment activities, devotions, family events, and water activities as assigned.
• Maintain program areas, supplies, and equipment; notify the Site Lead or Youth Program Director when items need replacement or replenishment.

Consistently demonstrate positive interactions with all middle school campers; treat and talk to each individual with dignity and respect. Consistently demonstrate, model, and reinforce YMCA core values of caring, respect, honesty, and responsibility. Camper Supervision & Behavior Support

• Build and maintain positive, respectful relationships with campers, coworkers, and families.

Use positive behavior-management strategies that model leadership, respect, and responsibility.

• Provide group ratio coverage and respond appropriately to behavioral concerns following YMCA procedures.
• Help campers develop confidence, self-esteem, teamwork skills, and a sense of belonging and self-worth.

Uphold appropriate boundaries and enforce technology and device-use expectations with middle school participants. Communication & Collaboration

• Communicate program needs, updates, and concerns to the Site Lead or Youth Program Director in a timely and professional manner.
• Support the overall operation of the camp program and YMCA mission, including participation in special events as needed.

Clearly communicate expectations, maintain consistency when addressing camper behavior, and hold campers accountable for adhering to them. Administrative Responsibilities & Safety Compliance

• Assist in maintaining program standards, including Quality Check Standards and Licensing Regulations.
• Adhere to all program rules and YMCA policies as outlined in the Staff Manual, Personnel Policy, Code of Conduct, and Risk Management Manual.

Maintain accurate and complete records at all times, including:

Attendance Rosters First Aid Logs Discipline Reports Incident Reports Field Trip Rosters & Checklists Closing Checklists Vehicle Logs (as applicable)

Other Expectations:

• Adhere to policies related to boundaries with consumers.

Attend/complete required abuse risk management training

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

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

Inclusion: Values all people for their unique talents and takes an active role in promoting practices that support diversity, inclusion, and global work, as well as cultural competence.

• Developing Others: Develops self and support others (e.g. staff, volunteers, members, participants, both formally and informally to achieve their highest potential)

Communication & Influence: Listens and expresses self effectively and in a way that engages, inspires, and builds commitment to the Y’s cause Emotional Maturity: Demonstrates ability to understand and manage emotions effectively in all situations

Qualifications:

At least 20 years of age. Possess a valid driver’s license and meet YMCA requirements to operate YMCA vehicles, Ability to drive a 14-passenger minibus. Minimum one year experience working with youth in recreation, education or enrichment programs or equivalent combination of experience and training.

CPR, First Aid, New Staff Orientation, Child Abuse Prevention and Blood Borne Pathogen training within the first 30 days of employment. Ability to communicate and enforce policies and procedures to members, program participants, and guests. Ability to react quickly and properly in emergency situations.

Excellent customer service skills. Previous experience working at a summer camp is preferred but not required.

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. Frequently standing, walking, or moving for extended periods.

Occasionally bending, kneeling, or sitting.

• Maintain a stationary position for more than 2.5 hours per day

Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varied summer weather conditions, including heat and sun exposure. Ability to maintain visual and auditory supervision of participants at all times. Ability to communicate clearly and provide accurate instructions to participant