CAMP KIRKWOOD JUNIOR COUNSELOR

YMCA of Southeastern NC; Willard (NC); On-site; USD 14,000 - 16,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Complimentary YMCA Membership

Flexible Scheduling

Professional Development

Retirement Benefits

Employee Resource Groups

Job summary

The YMCA of Southeastern NC is seeking a Junior Counselor for Camp Kirkwood this summer. You will live onsite in a cabin with 8–12 campers, mentor kids ages 8–12, and co-lead activities such as swimming, archery, crafts and climbing while building your leadership skills.

You’ll be paired with an experienced counselor who guides you, helping you develop confidence, responsibility, and teamwork. If you love the outdoors and want a memorable, fun summer, join our camp team and start your leadership

Qualifications

• Must be 17 years or older.
• Ability to live and work on Camp Kirkwood Property for the minimum commitment time.
• Passion and enthusiasm for working with kids and supporting the YMCA mission.
• A positive attitude, willingness to learn, and eagerness to grow as a leader.
• Willingness to earn (or already have) First Aid, CPR, Lifeguard, or Ropes certification (we’ll help train you!).
• A love of the outdoors, a good sense of humor, and a readiness to have FUN while making a difference!

Responsibilities

• Serve as a role model and mentor while living in a cabin with 8–12 campers.
• Co-lead fun, engaging activities alongside counselors and specialists.
• Bring energy, creativity, and enthusiasm to everything you do!
• Support counselors with cabin life and daily routines.
• Provide a safe, welcoming, and inclusive camp environment.
• Jump in to help with any other camp needs as assigned by the director.

Job description

Description

POSITION SUMMARY: Looking for an unforgettable summer adventure? Want to grow your leadership skills, make new friends, and create memories that last a lifetime?

As a Junior Counselor at Camp Kirkwood this summer, you’ll be part of an incredible camp team dedicated to helping kids grow, explore, and have fun! You’ll live onsite at Camp Kirkwood for the duration of the camp season, fully immersed in the camp experience and community. You’ll live in a cabin, mentor campers ages 8–12, and assist counselors in leading awesome camp activities like swimming, archery, crafts, climbing, and more.

You’ll be paired with an experienced counselor who will guide and mentor you throughout the summer—helping you build confidence, responsibility, and teamwork skills that will stick with you long after camp ends.

If you love the outdoors, enjoy being around kids, and have a positive attitude, this is the perfect way to kick off your camp leadership journey!

Essential Functions

• Serve as a role model and mentor while living in a cabin with 8–12 campers.
• Co-lead fun, engaging activities alongside counselors and specialists.
• Bring energy, creativity, and enthusiasm to everything you do!
• Support counselors with cabin life and daily routines.
• Provide a safe, welcoming, and inclusive camp environment.
• Jump in to help with any other camp needs as assigned by the director.

Why you will love it here!

As a Junior Counselor, you’ll gain hands‑on leadership experience, lifelong friendships, and the satisfaction of knowing you’ve made a real difference in kids’ lives ,all while having the most fun you can imagine.

If you’re ready to spend your summer outdoors, learn new skills, and be part of something amazing, we can’t wait to have you join 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 Ys 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.

The YMCA of southeastern NC does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, faith, gender, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, sexual preference, gender identity, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law, except where a bona fide occupational qualification applies.

The Y: We’re for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility

Requirements

Qualifications

• Must be 17 years or older.
• Ability to live and work on Camp Kirkwood Property for the minimum commitment time
• Passion and enthusiasm for working with kids and supporting the YMCA mission
• A positive attitude, willingness to learn, and eagerness to grow as a leader.
• Willingness to earn (or already have) First Aid, CPR, Lifeguard, or Ropes certification (we’ll help train you!).
• A love of the outdoors, a good sense of humor, and a readiness to have FUN while making a difference!

Physical Requirements

Camp life is active, rewarding, and full of 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 participate in daily physical activity.
• Be in good health—able to bend, climb, walk, and play outdoors in all types of weather.
• Feel comfortable around heights and water.
• Understand and follow written and verbal directions.

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 JUINIOR COUNSELOR

Job Type

Seasonal | June 1 – August 7 2026

Pay Rate

$300–$350/week | Room & Board Included

Schedule

Sunday–Friday | 4-week minimum commitment

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.