2025 Summer Day Camp Counselor (Seasonal)

YMCA of Rock River Valley; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established nonprofit organization is seeking passionate individuals to join as Summer Day Camp Counselors. This seasonal role focuses on creating a nurturing environment for children, fostering their potential through engaging activities and positive relationships. Counselors will play a vital role in ensuring safety and quality program operations while embodying the core values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, and faith. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying the great outdoors and building lasting connections with youth and families.

Benefits

Discounted Programs & Services

Paid Time Off

Employee Assistance Program

401(a) Retirement Plan

403(b) Savings Plan

Free Family Membership

Tuition Reimbursement

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old and a high school graduate.
• Experience working with children, preferably in a day camp setting.

Responsibilities

• Supervise children in outdoor camp activities ensuring safety.
• Plan and implement culturally relevant program activities.

Skills

Child supervision

Relationship building

Cultural relevance

Communication skills

Character development

Education

High school graduate

One year of college

Tools

CPR & First Aid/AED certification

Praesidium Academy training

Job description

Career Opportunities with YMCA of Rock River Valley

2025 Summer Day Camp Counselor (Seasonal)

POSITION SUMMARY
This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The role provides direct supervision of a group of children in a seasonal day camp. Camp Counselors create positive, nurturing relationships with children, while building cooperative relationships with parents/caregivers. This position promotes and supports the potential of all youth in programs and facilitates peer-to-peer connections as part of the overall camp experience. Camp Counselor ensures safe and quality program operations that promotes the five core values of the YMCA: caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and faith as well as upholds our service standards of welcoming, connecting, supporting, and inviting.

LOCATION

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.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
The Y is made up of people of all ages, from all walks of life, working side-by-side to strengthen communities. Together, we strive to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, age, cultural background, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender expression, gender identity, ideology, income, national origin, race or sexual orientation has the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity. Our core values are caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and faith — they guide everything we do.

OUR COMMITMENT TO YOUTH PROTECTION
The YMCA of Rock River Valley has a responsibility to provide safe and secure programs and services for our community. The YMCA is a leader in child abuse prevention to support the safety of children in our care.

• You'll support the commitment of the YMCA to child abuse prevention by:
• Reporting any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members or guests to your supervisor.
• Following all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children.
• Reporting any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor.
• Completing all child abuse prevention training as required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Facilitates and provides direct supervision of children in an outdoor, seasonal day camp in all programming including weekly summer camp, family nights, overnights and before/after camp support.
• Be a positive YMCA role model for the entire camp program by modeling the YMCA core values: Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility & Faith.
• Provides constant supervision with each activity to ensure the safety of all program participants.
• Plans and implements program activities that are culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate and consistent with YMCA values.
• Adheres to program standards including safety and cleanliness standards. Demonstrates camp stewardship by maintaining cleanliness of buildings and grounds.
• Attends staff meetings and trainings.
• Follows YMCA policies and procedures and adheres to American Camp Association standards, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention and emergencies.
• Cultivates positive relationships and maintains effective communication with parents, children and other staff. Models relationship-building skills in all interactions.
• Ensures a strong focus on character development and diversity, equity and inclusion throughout programming.
• Reports damaged equipment or safety hazards promptly.
• Performs any other functions necessary for the smooth and efficient operation of the YMCA of Rock River Valley.

QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 18 years of age
• High school graduate or equivalent; one year or more of college preferred.
• Previous experience working with children, preferably in a day camp setting.
• Praesidium Academy trainings required.
• CPR & First Aid/AED certification required upon hire
• Training required upon hire: IL Gateways Child Development Health and Safety Basics Course; IL DCFS Child Abuse and Neglect/Mandated Reporter
• Experience preferred in one or more of the following areas: outdoor living, archery, boating, camping, songs/music, skits, sports, aquatics and recreational games
• Prefer knowledge of, and previous experience with, diverse populations.
• Proven track record of developing authentic and deepened relationships with others.

SCHEDULE

• Full Time Seasonal; 40+ hours per week
• Monday-Friday
• Weekly overnights required

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• $580 Weekly Stipend
• Extra weekly stipend based on certifications

The Y is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We offer more than just a job, rather the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of those around you.

ALL STAFF BENEFITS:

• Discounted Programs & Services, Including Child Care
• Pay Differential for Bilingual Employees
• Paid Time Off: Paid Leave for All Workers
• Employee Crisis Fund
• Employee Assistance Program
• Cell Phone Discounts with Participating Providers
• Tickets At Work Discount Program
• 401 (a) Retirement Plan: 8% YMCA Contributed Retirement
• 403 (b) Savings Plan: Tax-Deferred Account and Roth Account Options
• For retirement plan eligibility requirements, and additional information, visit www.yretirement.org.

FULL TIME STAFF BENEFITS:

• Free Family Membership
• 3 Paid Floating Holidays
• 10.5 Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation and Sick Time: Varies by Employment Type
• Short-Term Disability Program
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance: Partially Employer Paid. Employee Contribution Required
• Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance: YMCA Sponsored and Employee Contribution Programs Available
• Accident, Critical Illness & Hospital Insurance Plans: Employee Contribution Required
• Tuition Reimbursement: Must Meet Qualifications

PART TIME STAFF BENEFITS:

• Free individual Membership
• Discounted Rate to Upgrade to Another Membership Category

The Y: We're for Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility