Summer 2026 Overnight Camp Counselor

YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago; Burlington (WI); On-site; USD 6,696; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salaries

Comprehensive health benefits

Generous PTO and paid holidays

403(b) retirement plan

Job summary

A prominent community organization in Burlington, Wisconsin, is hiring an Overnight Camp Counselor for Summer 2026. The role involves promoting an outstanding camper experience through various recreational activities and ensuring the safety and well-being of campers. Applicants should be passionate about working with youth and possess effective communication skills. Housing and meals are provided, along with competitive pay starting at $600 bi-weekly. Additionally, there are opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age by the first day of camp.
• Experience working with youth; previous camp experience preferred.
• Passion for working with diverse youth and providing quality instruction.

Responsibilities

• Promote YMCA and create outstanding camper experiences.
• Lead recreational activities such as arts and crafts, sports, and nature hikes.
• Ensure health and safety of campers by monitoring and following rules.

Skills

Youth development

Communication

Behavior management

Job description

Join to apply for the Summer 2026 Overnight Camp Counselor role at YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago.

Pay starts at $600 bi‑weekly. Housing & meals provided.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries reflecting your skills and experience.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees, plus wellness programs, mental health resources, and a family gym membership.
• Generous PTO and paid holidays, with flexible work hours for work‑life balance.
• 403(b) plan with company contributions for eligible employees after 2 years of service.
• Continuous learning opportunities through workshops and training programs.
• Supportive work environment valuing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Discounts on programs, employee assistance programs, and company‑sponsored events.

Scope Of Responsibilities

Camper Experience

• Promotes the YMCA and provides outstanding customer service by creating an outstanding camper experience for children, parents and families.
• Leads recreational activities with campers, including but not limited to arts and crafts, sports, social recreation, songfests, nature hikes, archery, and other games and hobbies. Instructs campers using various teaching methods and modifies activities as needed to ensure that campers of all ages and experience levels are engaged.
• Teaches socially acceptable behaviors to campers by serving as a role model and by using age‑appropriate positive reinforcement and behavior management strategies.
• Communicates consistently with supervisor, team leader, unit leader and other team members to ensure everyone is kept abreast of camp activities and schedule.
• Supports camp activities as assigned by supervisor, including any specialty camp activities.

Camp Safety

• Ensures the physical and emotional health and safety of campers by being safety conscious, following all established YMCA standards and critically evaluating situations for potential risks.
• Ensures compliance with established rules and regulations to ensure safety. Monitors campers and counselors and provides corrective coaching and intervention as necessary.
• Sets up facilities and/or equipment for activities and stores equipment appropriately after use. Immediately notifies Program Director of any broken or unsafe equipment or if more resources/equipment are needed.
• Works to keep camp facilities clean at all times.

Requirements and Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age by the first day of camp.
• Must have prior experience working with youth; previous experience in a camp setting strongly preferred.
• Relevant specialty experience for positions supporting specialty camps.
• Commitment to, and passion for, the YMCA of Metro Chicago’s mission.
• Excellent verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly and concisely present ideas and concepts and tailor communication to multiple audiences.
• Passion for working with diverse youth and ability to provide a high‑quality of instruction using age‑appropriate practices. Ability to observe camper behavior and apply appropriate behavior management techniques.
• Proven ability to establish constructive relationships and interact as a positive role model.
• Continuous learner who leverages opportunities for learning and applies new knowledge and skills.
• Demonstrates evidence of YMCA Y Team competencies in previous experience or practice.
• Meets physical qualifications required as outlined in job description. The YMCA will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities.

Child Abuse Prevention

• Reporting any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members or guests to your supervisor.
• Following all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children.
• Reporting any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor.
• Completing all child abuse prevention training as required.