CAMP KIRKWOOD CAMP COUNSELOR

YMCA of the Cedar Rapids Metro Area; North Carolina; On-site; USD 19,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Complimentary YMCA Membership

Flexible Scheduling

Professional Development

Retirement Benefits

Employee Resource Groups

Job summary

Camp Kirkwood is hiring a Camp Counselor for a summer program. You will live onsite at Camp Kirkwood, serving as mentor and role model to 10–15 campers each week, leading activities and building a supportive, growth-rich environment.

You’ll work alongside activity specialists to craft engaging programs, promote personal growth, and contribute to a community that feels like family. This seasonal role emphasizes teamwork, safety, and a memorable summer experience.

Qualifications

• At least 18 years of age.
• Passion for working with youth and a strong commitment to YMCA values.
• Experience leading or supporting kids.
• Willingness to earn First Aid, CPR, Lifeguard, or Ropes certifications (we’ll train you!).
• A love for the outdoors and an adventurous spirit.

Responsibilities

• Lead and participate in camp activities such as ropes, archery, aquatics, and more.
• Live in a cabin and guide 10–15 campers each week.
• Collaborate with activity specialists and directors to deliver engaging programs.
• Provide hands-on supervision and leadership during all daily activities.

Skills

Youth mentorship

Team leadership

Outdoor activities facilitation

First Aid

CPR

Lifeguard

Ropes certification

Job description

Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

Looking for a summer that’s more than just a job? Ready to make lifelong memories, gain leadership skills, and help kids discover their best selves, all while having a blast?

As a Camp Counselor at Camp Kirkwood this summer, you will live, laugh, and learn alongside 10–15 amazing campers, serving as their mentor, cheerleader, and role model. You will live onsite at Camp Kirkwood for the duration of the camp season, fully immersed in the camp experience and community. You will lead exciting activities, inspire personal growth, and create an environment where kids feel supported, confident, and unstoppable.

Counselors work together in cabins and teach camp activities ranging from ropes and archery to swimming and arts—and the best part? You get to tell us which ones you’re most passionate about! This is your chance to make an unforgettable impact, gain valuable experience, and be part of a community that feels like family.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Lead and participate in awesome camp activities—think ropes, target sports, aquatics, and beyond!
• Live in a cabin, Guide, support, and have fun with 10–15 campers each week.
• Work hand-in-hand with activity specialists and directors to deliver creative, engaging programs.
• Provide hands-on supervision and leadership throughout all daily activities.
• Step up to any other duties needed to keep camp running smoothly (because teamwork makes the dream work!

WHY YOU WILL LOVE IT HERE!

You won’t just work at camp! You will live camp life to the fullest. Campfires, songs, laughter, challenges, and friendships that last a lifetime. If you’re ready to grow, give back, and have the summer of your life, we can’t wait to welcome you to the team!

YMCA PART-TIME BENEFITS OVERVIEW:

At the YMCA, we invest in our people so they can better serve our communities. Our part-time employees enjoy a supportive, inclusive work environment with valuable benefits that reflect our mission and core values.

• Complimentary YMCA Membership
• Flexible Scheduling
• Professional Development
• Retirement Benefits
• Employee Resource Groups

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 fund-raising.

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.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least 18 years of age
• Passion for working with youth and a strong commitment to the YMCA mission
• Experience (formal or informal) leading or supporting kids
• Willingness to earn First Aid, CPR, Lifeguard, or Ropes certifications (we’ll train you!)
• A love for the outdoors, an adventurous spirit, and the ability to laugh and be a little silly—it’s camp, after all!

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This is an active, outdoor job where every day is an adventure! You’ll need to:

• Provide a physical exam from a medical provider
• See, hear, and speak clearly to ensure camper safety
• Lift up to 50 lbs and engage in active movement throughout the day
• Be in good physical condition to bend, climb, hike, and play in all types of weather and terrain
• Comfortably work at heights and around water
• Understand and follow written and verbal instructions

Reasonable Accommodation Statement:

The YMCA provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws. If you require accommodation to complete the application process or to perform essential job functions, please contact Human Resources.

YMCA SAFETY REQUIREMENTS:

CPR & First Aid

Must be able to complete and maintain certification in CPR and First Aid; able to assist individuals in need until professional help arrives.

Emergency Response

Ability to quickly identify emergency situations (medical, fire, environmental, etc.) and respond appropriately following established procedures.

Incident Management

Required to report all safety incidents and hazards immediately and accurately to supervisors.

Safe Environment

Commitment to maintaining a safe, clean, and hazard-free environment for all staff, members, and participants.

Physical Readiness

Must be able to perform physical tasks related to safety, including assisting individuals of various ages and physical abilities.

Compliance

Follow all YMCA safety protocols, OSHA standards, and state/local regulations as applicable.

Job Title:

CAMP KIRKWOOD CAMP COUNSELOR

FLSA Status:

Seasonal June 1- August 7th 2026

Pay Rate:

$425–$475/week | Room & Board Included

Schedule:

Sunday–Friday

Reports to:

Director of Camping and Outdoor Education

Revision Date:

11-12-2025

Equal Opportunity Employer:

The YMCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve.