As a Day Camp Counselor , your primary role is to provide program, care, and guidance for one specific group of children. In addition to the assigned group, there are times in the day when counselors will work with other groups of children providing skill instruction.
This is a hands‑on leadership role for someone who enjoys working with people, is comfortable taking responsibility, and wants to help create an excellent experience for both campers and staff.
Responsibilities
- Serve a role model to youth to discover their potential through life‑changing experiences and relationships.
- Work with assigned group and ensure the health, safety, and well‑being of the campers in your group.
- Plan and lead activities for your group and also for other participants in the program.
- Help with large group activities.
- Participate in staff training to learn important skills for working with campers.
- Participate in emergency drills and in the event of an emergency, carry out the emergency plans.
- Help ensure that camp stays clean and well cared for by supervising campers in daily chores, caring for equipment, and picking up litter. All members of the camp community are expected to pitch in on all chores and duties.
- Working at camp requires every staff member to cultivate a positive attitude and willingness to help in all areas of the camp experience.
- Counseling staff will work 6 days a week with one, 24‑hour period off each week and one night off. Staff will be given scheduled breaks during the workday, but the days are long, and counselors are on‑duty much of the day and some evenings.
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
- Must be 18 years of age and/or have graduated from high school by the start of camp.
- Prior experience with one of our programs or with another camp program is preferred.
- Prefer candidates who can commit to the full summer; however, we will work with staff to accommodate scheduling conflicts.
- First Aid/CPR/Lifeguard Certified preferred but will provide certification to applicants who are available to participate in extended training.
- Must be able to provide proof of a physical within the 18 months preceding the start of camp and proof that you are up to date on all required immunizations.
- Under Massachusetts state law, our campus is a drug‑and alcohol‑free zone. No one, regardless of legal age, is permitted to consume alcohol or drugs including nicotine or tobacco products (including e‑cigarettes) on the Becket‑Chimney Corners properties.
- See Dept of Public Health for counselor/program
- Length of time working with kids
- Housing and meals are provided on‑site at no cost to the seasonal employee as part of the experience.
- Gain valuable leadership and management skills that will help prepare you for future career opportunities and will reflect valuable work experience on your resume.
- Becket‑Chimney Corners is located in the heart of the Berkshires, which is internationally acclaimed for the arts and cultural venues.
- Planned staff outings are available for staff time off. Camp provides transportation to local towns and cultural experiences for seasonal staff who do not have their own vehicle.
- Work with other young adults from all over the US and from abroad. Many seasonal staff make lifelong connections working at camp.
- Access to a large network of camp alumni who can support you as resources for internships and career development.
Do you love working with children, value community, and want to spend your summer in a beautiful, purpose‑driven setting?
Becket‑Chimney Corners YMCA is a premier overnight summer camp in the Berkshires, serving more than 1,000 children each summer across our four camp programs. At our camps, kids get something increasingly rare - time away from technology and the pressures of everyday life to be themselves, try new things, build confidence, and form meaningful connections that can last a lifetime.
Our staff make that experience possible. Working at BCCYMCA means being part of a close‑knit community, spending your summer in a beautiful setting, and having a direct impact on the lives of young people. It’s an opportunity to build relationships, learn new skills, have fun, and be part of a team where you and your work matters.
400 - 440 USD per week (Becket‑Chimney Corners Y)