Overnight/Residential Summer Camp Counselors

YMCA OF THE NORTH in; Amery (WI); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading organization as an Overnight Camp Counselor for the 2025 season! You will lead and coordinate activities, ensuring safety and promoting personal growth amongst kids in a vibrant outdoor setting. With flexible commitment options, this role suits energetic individuals passionate about youth development.

Qualifications

• Experience in camp, youth programs, recreation, or related fields.
• Ability to plan, organize, and lead activities for all age groups.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan, lead, and implement programs and experiences for children.
• Ensure safety and well-being of campers during activities.
• Apply social emotional learning principles.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Organizational skills

Education

Minimum age of 17 years

First Aid & CPR/AED certification

Lifeguard certification (if required)

Job description

Overnight/Residential Summer Camp Counselors (Transportation)

We are hiring Overnight/Residential Summer Camp Counselors for the 2025 season!
Camp Dates: June 4 – August 20, 2025
Schedule: Traditional camp weeks run from Sunday (8:30 AM start) through Thursday evening (wrap-up around 7:30-8 PM)
Pay: $77+ per day
Flexible commitment options available! We are happy to consider applicants who can attend staff training (June 3-13) and commit to just 2 to 6 weeks of camp, rather than the full summer.

1. Job Summary:

The Overnight Camp Counselor is responsible for planning, leading, coordinating, and implementing core and non-core programs and experiences for children in small group settings during daily activities and overnight in cabins. They will ensure the safety, development, growth, and skill achievement of participants, providing high-quality outdoor educational and recreational experiences aligned with YMCA core values of caring, equity, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

2. Essential Responsibilities:

• Assist in directing, supervising, and organizing campers within their living units and activities to meet camper outcomes.
• Apply social emotional learning and youth development principles, fostering communication, relationships, respect for diversity, involvement, and empowerment.
• Ensure proper supervision at all times during daily programs and in cabins.
• Implement safety guidelines and procedures across all activities and sleeping arrangements.
• Participate in developing and implementing camp programs within the mission and desired outcomes.
• Lead or assist with teaching activities such as waterfront, nature, arts and crafts, challenge course, archery, horses, and more.
• Maintain high standards for health and mental health, responding to emergencies with appropriate first aid skills.
• Identify and respond to camper behavior, enforce safety regulations, and apply behavior-management techniques.
• Administer medications as directed by the Health Office.
• Support campers with personal and health needs, consulting with health staff as necessary.
• Contribute to evaluations and maintain accurate documentation, including incident reports.
• Follow all safety and emergency procedures, ensuring the safety and whereabouts of campers at all times.
• Ensure equipment and facilities are maintained and report repairs promptly.
• Model positive attitude and behavior, uphold safety and security rules, and promote sanitation and sportsmanship.
• Demonstrate and embody YMCA’s core values in interactions with campers and staff.
• Participate enthusiastically in all camp activities, including planning and leading as assigned.

3. Relationships:

This role reports to the Program Director, who reports to the Senior Program Director or Executive Director. The incumbent interacts with camp staff, campers, volunteers, and families, engaging with diverse communities.

4. Qualifications:

• Minimum age of 17 years
• First Aid & CPR/AED certification (provided by YMCA or other certified organization)
• Lifeguard certification may be required for some positions, obtainable after hire from recognized institutions.
• Experience in camp, youth programs, recreation, or related fields.
• Ability to plan, organize, and lead activities for all age groups.
• Strong teamwork, organizational, and communication skills.

5. Work Conditions:

• Physical ability to participate in activities like hiking, swimming, canoeing, and team-building exercises.
• Capacity to carry loads up to 50 pounds and navigate uneven terrain.
• Work in outdoor conditions with exposure to dirt, dust, sun, heat, and animals.
• Perform tasks involving reaching, crouching, shoveling, and working in confined spaces.
• Ability to respond to environmental hazards and support children safely.

6. Additional Notes:

This description covers major functions but is not exhaustive. The incumbent will follow directions from the Program Director and contribute to the success of the camp and organization.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Pledge

The YMCA of the North is committed to eliminating disparities and fostering an inclusive, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive environment. We strive for staff and volunteers that reflect the communities we serve, continuously reviewing policies to promote equity and respect for all.