Assistant Camp Counselor

Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges; Livingston (NJ); On-site; USD 19,286 - 24,796; Full time

Job summary

Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges is opening new roles for the Summer Sprouts program in New Jersey. We are hiring an Assistant Camp Counselor to support daily care, supervision, and engagement for preschoolers (ages 3–5) in a licensed early learning environment at Peanut Shell Early Learning Center.

Under supervision of the Lead Counselor and Camp Director, you will assist with activities, routines, and building a safe, nurturing camp experience that promotes social-emotional development and

Qualifications

• Attend YMCA and NJ childcare trainings as required.
• Follow safety policies and licensing procedures at all times.
• Maintain child-to-staff ratios and active supervision standards.
• Report safety concerns or behavioral issues promptly.
• Be punctual, reliable, and prepared for scheduled shifts.

Responsibilities

• Assist Lead Counselor with direct supervision of Pre-K campers.
• Support daily routines including arrival, meals, and rest time.
• Help implement developmentally appropriate activities.
• Learn and use children's names; respond with kindness.
• Create a welcoming, safe, and inclusive camp environment.
• Maintain classroom and playground safety and cleanliness.
• Collaborate with staff to ensure consistent camper experience.
• Encourage positive behavior through modeling and redirection.
• Support children's social skills and independence.
• Maintain active supervision with face counts and line-of-sight checks.

Skills

Active supervision

Patience

Teamwork

Positive behavior guidance

Communication

Job description

Description

Description Exciting Growth Ahead! We're excited to announce that we'll be opening our new West Essex YMCA in December 2026! As we get closer to our opening date, we'll be adding a variety of new positions across multiple departments. If you don't see the right opportunity today, be sure to check back regularly-new roles will be posted throughout the year as we continue to grow. We look forward to welcoming new team members to our expanding organization!

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 Assistant Camp Counselor for Summer Sprouts Pre-K supports the daily care, supervision, and engagement of preschool-aged children (typically ages 3–5) in a licensed early learning environment at the Peanut Shell Early Learning Child Care Center. Under the direction of the Lead Counselor and Camp Director, the Assistant Camp Counselor helps create a safe, nurturing, and fun camp experience that supports young children's social-emotional development, early learning, and positive behavior.

The Assistant Camp Counselor works closely with the Lead Counselor to implement developmentally appropriate activities, maintain classroom routines, supervise children at all times, and ensure all YMCA values, safety standards, and NJ licensing requirements are met.

Requirements

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assist the Lead Counselor with direct supervision of a group of Pre-K campers to ensure their safety, engagement, and well-being throughout the day.
• Support daily routines including arrival, transitions, meals, rest time, bathroom breaks, and outdoor play.
• Help implement developmentally appropriate activities such as circle time, creative arts, sensory play, music, movement, and theme-based learning.
• Learn and use children's names; respond to children's needs with patience, kindness, and age-appropriate guidance.
• Greet campers warmly and help them feel comfortable, supported, and included in the camp environment.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom and playground space.
• Work cooperatively with the Lead Counselor and other camp staff to ensure a positive and consistent experience for children.
• Encourage positive behavior through redirection, modeling, and positive reinforcement.
• Support children's social skills, peer interactions, and independence through everyday activities and play.
• Help maintain active supervision at all times, including face counts and line-of-sight monitoring.
• Demonstrate enthusiasm, professionalism, and a caring attitude when interacting with children, families, and staff.
• Model and support the YMCA Four Core Values—Caring, Respect, Honesty, and Responsibility—through daily interactions.
• Carry out additional duties as assigned by the Lead Counselor, Camp Director, or Site Supervisor.

SAFETY & COMPLIANCE

• Attend and complete all required YMCA, Summer Sprouts, and NJ childcare licensing trainings.
• Follow all YMCA, Peanut Shell, and NJ Licensing safety policies and procedures at all times.
• Assist with maintaining required child-to-staff ratios and active supervision standards.
• Report any safety concerns, injuries, or behavioral issues immediately to the Lead Counselor or Supervisor.
• Help ensure smooth and safe transitions during all parts of the camp day.
• Use approved positive behavior guidance strategies, including redirection and reinforcement of positive choices.

Other Duties

• Maintain a professional and positive demeanor as a representative of the YMCA and Peanut Shell Early Learning Center.
• Wear required YMCA or camp apparel as assigned.
• Be punctual, reliable, and prepared for all scheduled shifts.
• Support a welcoming, inclusive, and nurturing early learning environment.