Summer Camp Counselor I– Ages 21 and Older

The Capital Area YMCA is looking for enthusiastic, creative, and caring Summer Day Camp Counselor (internally known as Youth Development Leader) to inspire young minds and build memorable experiences at our Summer Day Camp programs. If you have open availability this summer and would like to work between 20-40 hours per week and have weekends off, this is the perfect job for you.

Summer Day Camp Counselors lead various activities that aim to give children a well-rounded experience. Activities include physical play, teamwork, building positive relationships, and much more! You will provide enriching, safe, and memorable experiences to hundreds of campers. You will help campers gain a sense of achievement, build friendships, and find their sense of belonging. You will supervise a group of campers at one of our camps either in Trenton at the Capital Area YMCA or our location at Rider University.

Description

Summer Camp Counselor

The Lead Counselor serves as a seasonal employee of the Capital Area YMCA summer camp staff team. This position is responsible for the primary supervision of all camp participants. The Lead Counselor plays an important role in the execution of the daily and weekly schedule of activities for children between the ages of 3-15. This position provides a quality experience to children and parents focused on YMCA core values: honesty, respect, responsibility, and caring.

Primary Responsibilities:

· Act as a leader for Counselors II and Jr. Counselors.

· Resolves conflicts among campers, enforces behavior management policy, communicates with parents regarding discipline, and keeps accurate records of same for student files.

· Assigns duties for daily set-up and clean-up of area.

· Must apply basic youth development principles in working with campers through communication, relationship development, respect for diversity, involvement and empowerment of youth

· Plans and implements program activities that are culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate, and consistent with YMCA values.

· Provides supervision for campers during transportation to and from camp or during scheduled field trips.

· Adheres to program standards including safety and cleanliness standards.

· Willing to maintain health and safety standards which include but are not limited to: cleaning and sanitizing all program areas using the supplied disinfectant cleaners.

· Participate in staff training and meetings.

· Follows YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention and emergencies.

· Be a role model to campers and staff in your attitude and behavior.

· Maintains positive relations with parents and other staff. Models relationship-building skills (including Listen First) in all interactions.

· Perform other related duties as assigned.

· 8 week camp season runs June 23, 2025-August 15, 2025.

· Must be available for a Training on June 14, 2025 from 9am-2pm at 431 Pennington Ave Trenton.

· There will be additional trainings as well.

· Competitive salary based on Education and experience.

Benefits:

· Flexible work schedule.

· Work in one or more positions for a few hours a week or full time.

· Membership based on employment status.

· Competitive salary.

· Full or Part Time Discounts on a variety of child care and camp programs.

· Staff development, trainings and mentorship opportunities.

How to Apply:

If you would like to be a member of our dynamic team, please complete our online application and submit your résumé and a thoughtful cover letter that explains your interest in the role and our organization.

If you are a current YMCA employee, please submit your application through PAYLOCITY.

Background check, CARI and Fingerprinting must be completed within 10 days of offer.

We understand and mutually accept the above position description represents our agreement as to the job to be performed.

· Must be able to work the full 8 weeks of camp.

· Must be at least 21 years of age.

· Standard teaching certificate or appropriate eligibility required; Bachelors’ degree in education preferred but will accept other majors.

· Demonstrates leadership abilities.

· Previous experience working with children preferred.

· Ability to communicate with campers and deal effectively with inappropriate behavior.

· Must be energetic, fun and enjoy working with kids.

· Must work outdoors at times and also on pool days.

· Must represent the YMCA’s core values of caring, honesty, responsibility and respect.

· Experience in one or more of the following areas is a plus: songs/music, skits, sports, aquatics, recreational games, etc.

· Previous experience with diverse populations preferred.

· Preferred CPR/First Aid.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

· Ability to plan, lead and participate in a range of activities in a variety of outdoor/indoor settings including working and walking in extreme heat conditions.

· Must be able to get in the pool.

· Able to lift at least 25lbs and climb a flight of stairs.

· Background check must be completed within 10 days of offer.