Overnight Counselor - YMCA Camp Chandler

YMCA of Greater Montgomery; Wetumpka (AL); On-site; USD 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

The Overnight Camp Counselor at YMCA Camp Chandler is responsible for the daily care, safety, and supervision of campers during the overnight camp experience, under the Camp Director.

You will build genuine relationships, support campers through homesickness, and model the YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect, faith, and responsibility in all interactions. This role requires patience, dependability, and a servant's heart, with a focus on creating a welcoming, memorable summer.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and care for a cabin group of campers 24 hours a day, including overnight hours, meals, activities, and free time.
• Build genuine, caring relationships with each camper, taking time to know them individually and make them feel seen.
• Lead campers with kindness, patience, and consistency, modeling the behavior and character Camp Chandler hopes to instill.
• Address homesickness, conflict, and emotional needs with compassion and a calm, steady presence.
• Maintain camper safety and accountability at all times, including during transitions, activities, and overnight hours.
• Communicate openly and respectfully with fellow counselors and camp staff to ensure a smooth camper experience.
• Report any camper concerns — physical, emotional, or behavioral — to the Camp Director promptly.
• Encourage campers to try new items, step outside their comfort zone, and support one another as a cabin.
• Uphold all YMCA and Camp Chandler policies and procedures related to camper safety, supervision, and staff conduct.
• Serve as a positive role model, reflecting Camp Chandler's values of caring, honesty, respect, faith, and responsibility in words and actions.
• Complete additional camper-care and program responsibilities as assigned by the Camp Director.

Job description

YMCA Camp Chandler - Overnight Counselor

Job Description

The Overnight Camp Counselor is responsible for the daily care, safety, and supervision of campers throughout their overnight camp experience. Working under the supervision of the Camp Director, the Overnight Camp Counselor helps ensure that every camper feels welcomed, valued, and cared for during their time at Camp Chandler. This role is at the heart of the Camp Chandler experience — counselors are often the person a camper remembers most, and the relationships built in a cabin can shape a child's entire summer.

Primary Responsibilities

• Supervise and care for a cabin group of campers 24 hours a day, including overnight hours, meals, activities, and free time.
• Build genuine, caring relationships with each camper, taking time to know them individually and make them feel seen.
• Lead campers with kindness, patience, and consistency, modeling the behavior and character Camp Chandler hopes to instill.
• Address homesickness, conflict, and emotional needs with compassion and a calm, steady presence.
• Maintain camper safety and accountability at all times, including during transitions, activities, and overnight hours.
• Communicate openly and respectfully with fellow counselors and camp staff to ensure a smooth camper experience.
• Report any camper concerns — physical, emotional, or behavioral — to the Camp Director promptly.
• Encourage campers to try new items, step outside their comfort zone, and support one another as a cabin.
• Uphold all YMCA and Camp Chandler policies and procedures related to camper safety, supervision, and staff conduct.
• Serve as a positive role model, reflecting Camp Chandler's values of caring, honesty, respect, faith, and responsibility in words and actions.
• Complete additional camper-care and program responsibilities as assigned by the Camp Director.

Expectations

The Overnight Camp Counselor should be patient, dependable, and genuinely invested in the well-being of every camper in their care. This individual should understand that leading campers well starts with caring for them well — showing up with kindness, humility, and a servant's heart, even on the hardest days. Above all, the Overnight Camp Counselor should recognize the privilege of walking alongside a child during a formative week of their summer, and treat that responsibility as sacred.