Program Specialist

Ymca Camp Echo; Michigan; On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

McGaw YMCA Camp Echo is seeking a Program Specialist to lead and support large-group camp activities, ensuring safe, fun, and meaningful experiences for campers this season. The role coaches staff, coordinates events, and helps plan rainy day and twilight programming across multiple activity areas.

Responsibilities include assisting with cabin life, overnight support, and staff development, while modelling YMCA codes of conduct and inclusive, youth-focused engagement.

Qualifications

• Minimum age of 18 per Michigan State Licensing requirements.
• First Aid/CPR/AED certified.
• Activity area-specific certifications or experience as appropriate.
• Highly organized with ability to manage projects and communicate support needs.
• Leadership ability and teamwork oriented.
• Possess a variety of skills and experience with youth.
• A commitment to working with a diverse staff and camper population for the fulfillment of YMCA and camp goals.

Responsibilities

• Plan and facilitate Campfires, Morning Reflection, Morning Music, Evening Program and Olympics.
• Plans rainy day programming for Campfires, Morning Reflection, Evening Program and Olympics.
• Coach staff in presentation skills and large group camper engagement skills.
• Coordinates cabin clean up through cabin checks and creation and presence of the cleanup character.
• Supports early bird activities including Across the Lake Swim and Night Owl Programming including stargazing and night hikes.
• Supports counselors in organizing materials for cabin groups outside of program areas.
• Supports overnights through tent and supply inventory and ensuring overnight sites are prepared.
• Runs camp entertainment for campers during mid session all staff meetings.
• Coordinates Twilight Fun activity bin preparation and training staff to use.
• Supports Fun Swim through adding all camp programming or bonus activities and preparing programming in event of lake treatment when lake is closed.
• Works with staff life unit leader to plan celebration days and big events.
• Works with leadership program campers when the group leads evening programs.
• Coordinate with Team Leaders to offer specialty/advanced programming for groups.
• Offer specialty activities for teen groups or cabins during twilight fun and cabin group.

Skills

Leadership

Teamwork

Organizational skills

Communication

First Aid/CPR/AED certified

Job description

Camp Echo Program Specialist is the main steward of implementation and programming of large group traditional camp activities and ensures safe, fun, and rewarding programming is delivered to campers. The Program Specialist oversees cornerstone traditional camp activities as well as coaches staff implementing the programming. The Program Specialist gets to use their creativity and skills, while sharing their passion for large group gatherings and helping creativity grow in others. They ensure the group activities are planned thoroughly, creating meaningful and memorable moments for campers.

Employment Type: Part-time/Seasonal, Exempt

Reports to: Traditional Camp Unit Leader, Camp Echo

SPECIFIC DUTIES:

• Plan and facilitate with Traditional Camp Counselors to lead Campfires, Morning Reflection, Morning Music, Evening Program and Olympics.
• Plans rainy day programming for Campfires, Morning Reflection, Evening Program and Olympics.
• Coach staff in presentation skills and large group camper engagement skills.
• Coordinates cabin clean up through cabin checks and creation and presence of the cleanup character.
• Supports early bird activities including Across the Lake Swim. Supports Night Owl Programming including stargazing and night hikes.
• Supports counselors in organizing materials for cabin groups outside of program areas.[SS1.1][AW1.2]
• Supports overnights through tent and supply inventory and ensuring overnight sites are prepared.
• Runs camp entertainment for campers during mid session all staff meetings
• Coordinates Twilight Fun activity bin preparation and training staff to use.
• Supports Fun Swim through adding all camp programming or bonus activities and preparing programming in event of lake treatment when lake is closed.
• Works with staff life unit leader to plan celebration days and big events.
• Works with leadership program campers when the group leads evening programs.
• Coordinate with Team Leaders to offer specialty/advanced programming for groups.
• Offer specialty activities for teen groups or cabins during twilight fun and cabin group.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• Serves as a mentor to staff. Specific assignments may be made by the Traditional Camp UL or Program Director.*
• Lives in shared cabin space with J-Staff, acting as role models, supervisors, and mentors for the program. Specialists may also live in cabins as a second counselor or as a morning and evening routine support as a third counselor.
• Assists with the orientation of cabin groups, as assigned, on the first day of each session.
• Substitutes for counselors on their nights out or when extra evening support is needed, and for kitchen staff during meals, when staff are off or when asked.
• Assists with meal service and meal cleanups including dishes, supporting J-staff with kitchen support.
• Serves as a cabin checker as assigned daily and/or on the last day of each session.
• Works in-between sessions/works as bus staff to support the transition between groups (for campers and/or staff layovers).

*The Program Specialist position is hired with the intention of the individual acting as an out-of-cabin staff member; meaning without counselor duties. There are circumstances where a specialist will be asked to step into the cabin counselor role. If this occurs, the job responsibilities will be adjusted to accommodate the responsibilities of acting as a counselor and specialist, concurrently.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum age of 18 per Michigan State Licensing requirements.
• First Aid/CPR/AED certified.
• Activity area-specific certifications or experience as appropriate.
• Highly organized with ability to manage projects and communicate support needs.
• Leadership ability and teamwork oriented.
• Possess a variety of skills and experience with youth.
• A commitment to working with a diverse staff and camper population for the fulfillment of YMCA and camp goals.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF ALL CAMP ECHO STAFF:

• Models, teaches, and upholds the Camp Echo Code of Conduct and protects the well-being of all campers and staff.
• Reports any behavior that goes against the Camp Echo Code of Conduct and/or puts any camper or staff at emotional or physical risk.
• Aids in the development and education of Teen Leadership program participants.
• Maintains positive relationships with campers and other staff.
• Encourages physical, emotional, and spiritual growth and positive character development in all campers.
• Practices cultural humility, striving to actively learn about and be sensitive to cultures different than their own.
• Is a team player, helping others to achieve their potential by enthusiastically saying “yes” when asked to help.
• Takes initiative and strives to be an active participant in creating positive programs and spaces at camp.
• Cares for and maintains any program equipment, supplies, and spaces they use including activity areas (keeping track of keys) and any shared spaces like the offices, Costume Closet and Program Office.
• Handles whatever else is necessary to ensure that programs run smoothly and safely, or anything else that is deemed necessary by supervisors.
• May be scheduled to work in-between sessions on at least one occasion to support the transition between groups.

All summer positions require living on-site at Camp Echo in Fremont, Michigan. Depending on position hired, staff members live in camper or staff cabins during employment. All meals are provided while camp is in session.

All McGaw YMCA Camp Echo employees are required to support the YMCA’s commitment to child abuse prevention. The YMCA enforces its policies and practices to prevent child abuse. The McGaw YMCA will not tolerate the mistreatment or abuse of youth in its programs. All reports of suspicious or inappropriate behavior with youth or an allegation of abuse will be taken seriously. Because of our concern for the welfare of children, the McGaw YMCA has developed standards, guidelines, and training to aid in the detection and prevention of child abuse. In addition, employees are screened, and background checks are conducted as a part of the hiring process.