Senior Camp Counselor

YMCA of Greater Bergen County; New Jersey; On-site; USD 20,664 - 27,552; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Positive work environment

Opportunity for youth development

Community engagement

Job summary

A community-focused nonprofit organization in New Jersey is looking for a Day Camp Senior Counselor to supervise campers and plan engaging activities. The ideal candidate will have experience working with children in a camp setting and a passion for fostering positive youth development. Responsibilities include leading campers, maintaining safety standards, and creating an inclusive environment. This role requires dedication, enthusiasm, and the ability to work cooperatively with staff to ensure a positive camp experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two camp seasons as a Counselor required.
• Prior experience working with children in a day camp setting is essential.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.

Responsibilities

• Supervise children and ensure engagement in camp responsibilities.
• Plan and deliver daily activities.
• Build positive relationships with campers and their families.

Skills

Supervision of children

Leadership skills

Positive communication

Team collaboration

Activity planning

Education

High school student or equivalent

Job description

Day Camp Senior Counselor

Position Summary

This position supports the work of the YMCA, a leading nonprofit organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Senior Counselor provides direct supervision of children in a seasonal day camp and is responsible for a designated group of campers while supporting the supervision of all campers throughout the camp day.

The Senior Counselor helps children adjust to camp expectations, rules, and safety procedures; supports the development of cohesive groups; and ensures campers enjoy a positive camp experience. This role is responsible for planning and delivering daily activities, supporting camp leadership, and promoting the potential of all youth through peer-to-peer connections and inclusive programming.

Essential Functions

• Supervise Junior Counselors and campers to ensure focus and engagement in camp responsibilities.
• Assist Specialists during activity periods, keeping staff and campers actively involved.
• Learn campers’ names and respond to individual needs.
• Greet campers with enthusiasm and positivity each day.
• Build positive relationships with member families and understand their connection to the YMCA.
• Maintain knowledge of the Strong Kids Campaign and its purpose.
• Assist with and lead themes, special events, trips, and daily camp activities.
• Encourage campers’ youth development and personal growth.
• Help maintain cleanliness within the camp group.
• Work cooperatively with all camp staff to plan, implement, and lead activities.
• Perform responsibilities with enthusiasm and commitment, treating campers and staff with respect.
• Teach and model the YMCA’s Four Core Values: Caring, Respect, Honesty, and Responsibility.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the supervisor.
• Create a positive, nurturing learning environment that promotes youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Safety Responsibilities

• Attend and complete all required trainings.
• Uphold camp safety standards at all times, including maintaining constant camper counts.
• Understand and follow risk management and emergency procedures.
• Assist with group control and lunchtime activities.
• Follow all Association Aquatics Policy Guidelines and complete assigned aquatic duties.
• Assist with safe and efficient transitions to and from the pool.
• Follow all YMCA, ACA, and NJ Licensing standards to ensure camper safety, program quality, and ACA accreditation.
• Complete and submit accident reports, special plans, schedule changes, and evaluations as required.
• Report immediate concerns to the Camp Director or supervising staff.
• Assist with bus supervision, ensuring safety, efficiency, and engagement through songs, stories, and games.
• Use appropriate behavior management techniques, including redirection and positive reinforcement.

Other Duties

• Maintain a professional demeanor at all times as a representative of the YMCA.
• Wear the designated camp T-shirt daily.
• Demonstrate a positive attitude, responsibility, self-motivation, punctuality, and reliability.
• Support a positive and nurturing camp environment.

Requirements

Qualifications

• High school student or equivalent.
• Minimum of two previous camp seasons as a Counselor; prior experience working with children in a day camp setting required.
• Interest in one or more activity areas such as outdoor living, archery, boating, camping, music, skits, sports, aquatics, or recreational games preferred.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Previous experience working with diverse populations preferred.

YMCA Competencies (Leader Level)

• Mission Advancement: Demonstrates YMCA values and a commitment to serving community needs.
• Collaboration: Works effectively with diverse individuals, builds rapport, communicates clearly, and remains calm in challenging situations.
• Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound decisions, embraces new ideas, plans effectively, and follows policies and procedures.
• Personal Growth: Pursues self-development, adapts to change, understands personal strengths and limitations, and applies best practices and current skills.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Ability to plan, lead, and participate in activities in both indoor and outdoor environments.
• Physical demands are representative of those required to perform essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.