2025 Summer Camp Counselor - Stowe

Gastonymca; West Pottsgrove (Montgomery County); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

An established community-focused organization is seeking enthusiastic Summer Day Camp Counselors to lead and inspire children in a fun and safe environment. This seasonal position offers a unique opportunity to develop leadership skills while making a positive impact on the lives of young campers. You will engage in a variety of activities, foster relationships, and embody the core values of honesty, respect, and caring. Join a team dedicated to nurturing potential and building community connections, all while enjoying the summer sun! If you are passionate about working with children and want to grow as a leader, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 16 years old for counselors; coordinators need to be 21.
• Preferred experience working with children and diverse populations.

Responsibilities

• Supervise campers ensuring their safety and well-being.
• Plan and implement culturally relevant program activities.
• Model responsible behavior and build relationships with children.

Skills

Leadership Development

Communication Skills

Problem Solving

Group Management

Creativity

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Stowe Family YMCA - Belmont, NC

Position Type: Part Time

Salary Range: $9.50 - $11.07 Hourly

Description

Are you eager to make a positive impact in the lives of children and families in our community? Do you want to grow as a leader and develop professionally while having fun? Come join our team at the Gaston County Family YMCA and let's have fun!

We have 3 camp locations available:

1. Cherryville Family YMCA, Cherryville, NC
2. R.L Stowe Family YMCA, Belmont, NC
3. Warlick Family YMCA, Gastonia, NC

Camp is offered Monday - Friday. Summer Camp begins Tuesday, May 27, 2025 and will conclude Friday, August 8, 2025. We provide services from 7am to 6pm each day.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of the Day Camp Director and/or Head Counselor and consistent with the Gaston County Family YMCA Christian Mission, the Summer Day Camp Counselor is responsible for leading and building relationships with a group of children, while developing summer programming that is fun, culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate and safe. They provide a quality experience to children and parents with a focus on YMCA core values: honesty, respect, responsibility, and caring. A Summer Day Camp Counselor strengthens their professional, interpersonal and management skills through daily responsibilities of the job.

Day camp programs are for elementary and middle school aged children and are held on-site at all three Gaston County Family YMCA locations. This is a seasonal, summer position.

OUR CULTURE:

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.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Supervises a group of campers while providing for the safety and well-being of all children.
• Enthusiastically participates in all theme days and assemblies.
• Mentors and models responsible behavior while leading children in Summer Day Camp.
• Plans and implements program activities that are culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate and consistent with YMCA values.
• Adheres to YMCA policies, procedures and program standards, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention, emergency management, safety and cleanliness standards.
• Models and facilitates relationship-building skills in all interactions and maintains positive relationships with campers, parents, and other YMCA staff.
• Attends staff meetings, training and family nights.
• Utilizes the YMCA voice (nurturing, genuine, hopeful, determined, and welcoming) toward all staff, participants, and parents.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Ability to plan, lead and participate in a range of activities in a variety of outdoor/indoor settings. Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range, or special accommodations made of sufficient nature for completion of assigned tasks. Ability to communicate clearly through speech and understanding of the English language. Ability to walk, run, stand, kneel, stoop, and exhibit manual dexterity. Ability to lift a maximum of 50 pounds. Must be able to work in 80-100 degree weather.

SKILL DEVELOPMENT:

• Leadership Development
• Character Development
• Community Development
• Professional Development
• Responsibility and ownership
• Ability to work effectively on a team
• Communication Skills
• Problem solving and conflict resolution
• Group Management
• Public Speaking
• Creativity
• Investing in others
• Inclusion/Ability to respond to individual needs

YMCA LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

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 fundraising.

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

• At least 16 years of age for counselors. Coordinators must be a minimum of 21 years of age.
• Previous experience working with children, preferred.
• Experience preferred in one or more of the following areas: outdoor living, archery, boating, camping, songs/music, skits, sports, aquatics, recreational games, etc.
• Previous experience with diverse populations, preferred.
• Specific certifications and/or training may be required.