Camp Counselor

Job Details Job Location: Columbia Metro Camp Sites - Columbia, SC 29201 Position Type: Part Time Salary Range: $10.00 - $11.00 Hourly

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Youth Development Director, Summer Camp Counselors will provide day-to-day direction and supervision of Day Camp campers. Staff will manage groups of children ages 4-15 and lead group games, art/stem time, physical activity, swimming, and play. Staff will uphold the standard of ensuring that all programs operate in a quality manner consistent with the Y mission, cause and values. Staff will act as positive role models for youth. Summer Camp assignments include Traditional Day Camp at Richland One schools, Splash & Skate Camp in Lexington, Friday Fun Days, Adventure Day Camp and Grand Finale.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Supervises children; keep site and sound supervision and accurate head counts of group at all times.
• Plans and implements program activities that are culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate and consistent with YMCA values.
• Assist children in daily needs including but not limited to washing hands, using the restroom, picking up belongings, assisting with meals and packing or unpacking of belongings.
• Adheres to program standards including safety and cleanliness standards.
• Attends staff meetings and trainings.
• Follows YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, drop-off/pick up procedures, supervision, incident reports, child abuse prevention and emergencies, completing appropriate paperwork when needed.
• Maintains positive relations with parents, children and other staff. Models relationship-building skills (including Listen First) in all interactions.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):

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 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.

Qualifications:

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be at least 16 years old.
• CPR, First Aid, and Child Abuse/Sexual Harassment Prevention training before start of 1st shift.
• Ability to lead, plan, organize and implement program activities in a variety of settings, including indoor, outdoor, and swimming.
• Must be able to improvise when unexpected circumstances occur.
• Must be able to remain active, energetic and positive throughout the program day.
• Must be able to attend New Counselor Orientation on May 22 and mandatory summer camp training May 26-29, 2026.
• Must be able to work summer camp season June 1-August 1, 2026.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Two to three years child care or related experience and relevant experience in supervision and administration of youth programs, preferably in a day camp setting.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Ability to frequently stand, sit, walk, talk, hear, type, run, jump, kick, catch, throw, climb, kneel, bend, reach, balance, crouch or crawl, climb and/or balance, reach with hands and arms, handle or feel, stoop, lift/move and carry approximately 35 lbs, and use hands and fingers. Must be able to lift and/or maneuver large gym or office equipment. Special vision abilities required distance, peripheral, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. May be required to be outside for long periods of time. Must possess good analytical, auditory, and verbal capabilities in order to communicate adequately. Must be able to get into swimming pool.