Resident Camp Counselors

YMCA of Greater Houston; Town of Texas (WI); On-site; USD 16,531 - 22,041; Part time

Job summary

YMCA Camp Cullen is seeking staff to supervise groups of children at a seasonal resident camp, delivering quality experiences focused on youth development and YMCA values. You will guide activities, ensure safety, and support campers and families in a dynamic outdoor setting.

The role requires prior work with youth, CPR/First Aid/AED certifications, and a collaborative approach with fellow staff to create positive, memorable camp experiences.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; college preferred.
• Experience with children, preferably in camp settings.
• CPR/First Aid/AED certifications and child abuse prevention trainings.

Responsibilities

• Supervises a group of children in cabins and at activities.
• Plans and implements program activities aligned with YMCA values.
• Adheres to program standards including safety and cleanliness.
• Attends staff meetings and trainings.
• Follows YMCA policies, including safety and emergencies.
• Reports suspicious behaviors and policy violations.
• Follows mandated abuse and incident reporting requirements.
• Meets timelines related to supporting systems and compliance.
• Maintains positive relations with parents and staff.

Skills

Child supervision

Safety awareness

Communication

Cultural sensitivity

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

College preferred

Tools

CPR certification

First Aid certification

AED certification

Job description

Overview

YMCA Camp Cullen is a 500-acre summer camp and conference center located on Lake Livingston in Trinity, Texas. Owned by the Greater Houston YMCA, Camp Cullen serves youth ages 7-16 throughout the greater Houston area. Camp Cullen aims to provide high-quality experiences by creating a place where campers can belong, participate in activities, and achieve new goals. During the summer, staff have opportunities to make a genuine impact through programming, guiding campers, and conversations, while gaining skills for future opportunities.

Position Summary

Provides direct supervision of a group of children in a seasonal resident camp and delivers a quality experience focused on youth development and YMCA core values: honesty, respect, responsibility, caring, and faith.

Essential Functions

1. Supervises a group of children in cabins and at activities.
2. Plans and implements program activities that are culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate, and aligned with YMCA core values.
3. Adheres to program standards including safety and cleanliness.
4. Attends staff meetings and trainings.
5. Follows YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention and emergencies.
6. Reports suspicious and inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.
7. Follows mandated abuse and incident reporting requirements.
8. Meets timelines and deadlines related to supporting systems and employee compliance (e.g., Kronos Workforce Ready for time sheets).
9. Maintains positive relations with parents and other staff.

YMCA Competencies (Leader)

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y's values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective relationships. Supports fundraising.

Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds and perspectives, builds rapport, and communicates effectively. Seeks to understand others and remains calm in challenging situations.

Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, follows budgets and procedures, and strives to deliver a high-value experience for members.

Personal Growth: Pursues self-development, openness to change, and maintains up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

Qualifications

1. High school graduate or equivalent; one year or more of college preferred.
2. At least 18 years of age.
3. Previous experience working with children, preferably in a camp setting.
4. Experience in outdoor living, archery, boating, camping, songs/music, skits, sports, aquatics, recreational games, etc. (preferred).
5. CPR, First Aid, AED certifications and Child Abuse Prevention trainings.
6. Previous experience with diverse populations (preferred).

Language Skills

Ability to read, interpret, retain, and teach safety rules, operating instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and to speak effectively before groups of children, parents, staff, and others, including in one-on-one settings.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to perform arithmetic operations in all units of measure, using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to apply common sense and sound judgment to carry out instructions, deal with problems, maintain confidentiality, and ensure children's safety and compliance with YMCA/state standards at all times.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described include the ability to move and/or lift up to 50 pounds frequently and up to 100 pounds occasionally, and to have adequate vision and hearing to monitor the environment and children. Other requirements include tuberculosis/immunization as required by local or state health authorities.

Work Environment

Outdoor work, nonsmoking and drug/alcohol-free environment. Noise level typically moderate to occasionally loud. Exposure to fumes, chemicals, heat, and exposure to bodily excretions of children as needed. YMCA Camp Cullen residency in Trinity, TX.