Seasonal Summer Day Camp Director - Gardena-Carson Family YMCA

YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles; Gardena (CA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Summer Day Camp Director to lead and inspire a team while creating unforgettable experiences for children. This role is perfect for someone passionate about youth development, with a strong focus on safety and community engagement. As the heartbeat of the summer program, you will manage staff, coordinate exciting activities, and ensure a welcoming environment for all participants. Join a vibrant community dedicated to making a difference and enjoy a range of benefits while you help shape the future of young minds. Step into this rewarding opportunity and make this summer truly unforgettable!

Benefits

Flexible Schedules

Free Access to All 28 Greater LA Branches

Free Childcare for Employees' Kids

Paid Wellness Day Off

20% Discount on LA Y Programs

25% Discount on Day Camps for Kids

10% Y Retirement Fund Contribution

Tuition Assistance

Access to Rize Credit Union

Discount Programs

Qualifications

• Must be 25 years or older with a high school diploma.
• Strong communication and organizational skills required.

Responsibilities

• Lead staff and ensure safety while providing a top-tier camp experience.
• Engage families and manage key administrative tasks.

Skills

Leadership

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Risk Management

Team Management

Child Development

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Job description

️ Lead. Inspire. Make This Summer Unforgettable. ️

There's no better time to make a lasting impact than during summer break. If using your leadership talents to guide children and empower youth-serving staff is on your 2025 BINGO card-get ready, because it FEELS LIKE SUMMER!

Step into the role of the ultimate Summer Day Camp Director and leave a lasting legacy. Inspire, manage, and motivate your team to create meaningful experiences, help children bridge the gap between school years, lead exciting field trips, and dive into summer fun-while keeping everyone safe.

As a YMCA Seasonal Summer Day Camp Director, you'll be the heartbeat of the program-leading staff, engaging families, ensuring safety, handling key administrative tasks, and running a top-tier camp experience. This is your moment to lead boldly, rise to the challenge, and make a difference. Find your local Y and be the leader you were born to be!

What We Are Looking For:

• Must be 25 years-old or older and possess a high school diploma or equivalent
• Passion for working with elementary-aged children in a recreational setting
• High spirit and desire to uplift, elevate, mentor and guide day camp counselors and camp group leaders
• Strong communication and organizational skills. Must have an eye for details, particularly around safety and risk management
• Human-centered; able to relate well to parents, caregivers, school administrators, community partners and colleagues
• Ability to create a safe and welcoming environment for all
• Eagerness to contribute to a diverse and inclusive community
• Ability to attend all pre-camp trainings and development sessions (see below)
• This position requires the final candidate to successfully pass an E-Verify check.

Required Trainings: In order to work for the YMCA this summer, all day camp hires are required to attend the following trainings. If you cannot attend the trainings, we will unfortunately not be able to employ you at the YMCA this summer. All trainings are paid trainings. In addition, the YMCA offers free CPR/First Aid classes for all summer employees:

You must attend a total of three (3) trainings. In addition to the three (3) trainings listed below, if you are not currently certified in CPR/First Aid, you may need to attend an additional CPR/First Aid certification training offered by the YMCA. You must attend one (1) training from GROUP A, one (1) training from Group B and the training offered in Group C.

GROUP A TRAINING: YMCA Day Camp Health & Safety (you will need to attend just ONE of the training dates on this list):

• Option 1: Wednesday & Thursday, May 21 & 22, 6:30pm-9:30pm, Torrance, CA
• Option 2: Wednesday & Thursday, May 21 & 22, 6:30pm-9:30pm, Northridge, CA
• Option 3: Friday, May 23, 9:00am-3:45pm, Westchester, CA (near LAX)
• Option 4: Friday, May 23, 9:00am-3:45pm, Reseda, CA
• Option 5: Wednesday & Thursday, May 28 & 29, 6:30pm-9:30pm, Downey, CA
• Option 6: Wednesday & Thursday, May 28 & 29, 6:30pm-9:30pm, Santa Clarita, CA
• Option 7: Friday, May 30, 9:00am-3:45pm, Northridge, CA
• Option 8: Friday, May 30, 9:00am-3:45pm, Monrovia, CA
• Option 9: Saturday, May 31, 9:00am-3:45pm, Torrance, CA
• Option 10: Saturday, May 31, 9:00am-3:45pm, Gardena, CA
• Option 11: Wednesday & Thursday, June 4 & 5, 6:30pm-9:30pm, Los Angeles, CA (Koreatown)
• Option 12: Wednesday & Thursday, June 4 & 5, 6:30pm-9:30pm, Reseda, CA
• Option 13: Friday, June 6, 9:00am-3:45pm, East Los Angeles (Boyle Heights area)
• Option 14: Friday, June 6, 9:00am-3:45pm, Reseda, CA
• Option 15: Friday, June 6, 9:00am-3:45pm, South Central Los Angeles (near Baldwin Hills)

GROUP B TRAINING: YMCA Day Camp Basic Water Rescue Training (you will need to attend just ONE of the training dates on this list):

• Option 1: Saturday, May 31, 2:00pm-6:00pm, Van Nuys, CA
• Option 2 or Option 3: Sunday, June 1, 8:00am-12:00pm or 1:00pm-5:00pm, Los Angeles, CA (Koreatown)
• Option 4 or Option 5: Sunday, June 8, 8:00am-12:00pm or 1:00pm-5:00pm, Northridge, CA
• Option 6: Saturday, June 14, 11:00am-3:00pm, West Los Angeles, CA (near Venice Beach)
• Option 7 or Option 8: Sunday, June 15, 8:00am-12:00pm or 1:00pm-5:00pm, Torrance, CA

GROUP C TRAINING: YMCA Day Camp Association-Wide Programming Training (all summer staff must attend this one option):

• Saturday, June 7, 8:30am-3:30pm, Montebello, CA

CPR/FIRST AID TRAINING: YMCA Day Camp employees needing to complete First Aid & CPR certification courses should attend one (1) of the following options:

• Option 1: Sunday, May 4, 9:00am-12:00pm, Northridge, CA
• Option 2 or Option 3: Sunday, June 1, 9:00am to 12:00pm or 12:30pm-3:30pm, North Hollywood, CA.
• Option 4 or Option 5: Sunday, June 8, 9:00am to 12:00pm or 12:30pm-3:30pm, Gardena, CA
• Option 6: Thursday, June 12, 630pm-9:30pm, Los Angeles, CA (near LAX)
• Option 7: Friday, June 13, 9:00am-12:00pm, Torrance, CA
• Option 8 or Option 9: Sunday, June 15, 9:00am to 12:00pm or 12:30pm-3:30pm, Monrovia, CA
• Option 10: Tuesday, June 17, 6:30pm-9:30pm, Northridge, CA
• Option 11: Tuesday, June 24, 6:30pm-9:30pm, Culver City, CA
• Option 12 and Option 13: Sunday, June 29, 9:00am to 12:00pm or 12:30pm-3:30pm, Torrance, CA
• Option 14, Tuesday, July 1, 6:30pm-9:30pm, Los Angeles, CA (Koreatown)

Additional training and on-site program prep will also be required. All training hours are paid.

Upon hire, the YMCA provides all youth development staff with paid trainings throughout the season in the following areas: child abuse prevention, mandated reporting, positive discipline and child guidance, supervision and safety, risk management, programming, active shooter, diversity & inclusion, anti-bullying, communication and child development.

What's in it for you?:

Learn about our incredible seasonal benefits! Get ready to be a valued part of our YMCA family! Here's a glimpse of the fantastic benefits awaiting you in this role:

Flexible schedules: Land a Full-Time seasonal position with 40 hours per week throughout the summer season.

️️Free Access to All 28 Greater LA Branches: Dive into fun and fitness anytime, anywhere across our vibrant community of facilities.

Give Your Kids the Best! Enjoy free before and after school childcare at select locations for your little ones, along with complimentary sports and youth classes - it's a win-win for everyone! (some limitations apply)

Celebrate Your Health & Well-being: We believe in self-care, so enjoy a paid day off annually dedicated entirely to your wellness and rejuvenation and we offer paid sick leave.

Get Active & Creative with the Whole Family: Grab a 20% discount on our exciting LA Y programs and treat yourself to a myriad of activities designed to keep you energized and inspired!

Adventure Awaits: Enjoy a whopping 25% discount on day camps for your kids, creating memorable experiences for them while you save big.

Plan for the Future: We'll help you start preparing for tomorrow with a 10% Y Retirement Fund contribution (upon eligibility) and access to the Y Retirement 403(b) Savings Plan (tax-deferred and Roth options).

Lifelong Learning: Embrace growth with paid training, leadership development opportunities, and tuition assistance to help you reach your professional goals.

Financial Wellness Matters: Staff are able to enjoy access to Rize Credit Union and can save big on everyday purchases with several discount programs, including access to PerkSpot!

That's Not All: There is a treasure trove of additional perks waiting for you! Imagine combining your passion for education with these amazing benefits - that's the kind of impact we're talking about!

As part of our dedication to the diversity of our staff, the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity without regard for race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender, protected veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or religion. People of color, people with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.