Summer 2026 Overnight Camp Leadership Team

YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago; Burlington (WI); On-site; USD 8,000 - 9,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salaries

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Generous PTO and paid holidays

403(b) plan with company contributions

Job summary

A leading summer camp organization in Burlington, Wisconsin, is seeking motivated individuals for its Overnight Camp Summer Leadership Team. Specific positions include Assistant Program Director, Aquatics Director, and Unit Director. Responsibilities include planning engaging activities, supporting camper development, maintaining safety standards, and mentoring counselors. Candidates should have prior camp experience, a passion for working with youth, and hold required CPR and First Aid certifications. Competitive pay and supportive work environment are provided.

Qualifications

• Commitment to and passion for working with diverse youth.
• At least 1 summer of camp experience with proven ability to work with children.
• 21 years of age or older by the start of camp.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement recreational activities such as arts and crafts and swimming.
• Collaborate to create weekly programs engaging campers of all ages.
• Coach and mentor camp counselors to create positive experiences.

Skills

Verbal communication skills

Leadership

Safety awareness

Relationship building

Creativity

Education

3 years of college experience or equivalent

Tools

CPR certification

First Aid certification

Job description

Overview

Summer 2026 Overnight Camp Leadership Team - YMCA Camp MacLean (YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago)

Join a team that creates an exciting, safe camp environment for kids and staff, fostering leadership skills while making lasting friendships and memories at our beautiful southeast Wisconsin camp located one mile east of Burlington.

Pay range: $700 – $840 bi‑weekly, housing & meals provided.

Positions

• Assistant Program Director
• Waterfront (Aquatics) Director
• Unit Director

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.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement recreational activities such as arts and crafts, fishing, songfests, swimming, nature hikes, archery, boating, adventure activities, and more.
• Collaborate with the Program Director and the Summer Leadership Team to create weekly programs that engage campers of all ages.
• Assist with overall camp daily schedule functions.
• Coach and mentor camp counselors to help them create positive experiences for youth and families.
• Enforce rules and regulations of the facilities to maintain discipline and ensure safety. Monitor campers and counselors, intervene when inappropriate or unsafe behavior occurs.
• Supervise camp staff in assigned program areas.
• Hold current required certification for your assigned program area (vendor of choice or equivalent) or achieve certification upon hire.
• Set up facilities and equipment for activities; store equipment appropriately after use. Notify Program Director of broken or unsafe equipment or resource needs.
• Maintain facilities safe, clean, and inviting in accordance with YMCA and American Camping Association standards.
• Serve as a positive role model, exemplifying Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.
• Follow opening and closing procedures for all program areas and ensure locks when not in use.
• Assist with mid‑summer and end‑summer evaluations for counselors.
• Execute overall safety checks, cleanliness, and upkeep of assigned program area.
• Maintain a positive attitude.
• Address staff management issues promptly. Summer Leadership Team members are expected to model the behavior they expect from staff.
• Support the YMCA’s mission and camp operations as needed.

Qualifications

• Commitment to and passion for working with diverse youth.
• Enjoy being outdoors, creativity, and willingness to work and play hard.
• Minimum 3 years of college experience or equivalent.
• At least 1 summer of camp experience with proven ability to work with children in a camp setting.
• 21 years of age or older by the start of camp.
• Excellent verbal communication skills, with the ability to present ideas clearly and tailor communication to various audiences.
• Passion for working with diverse youth and ability to provide high‑quality instruction using age‑appropriate practices.
• Proven ability to establish constructive relationships and act as a positive role model.
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and commitment to and passion for the YMCA mission.
• Meet physical qualifications as outlined in the job description.
• Mental alertness to dangerous situations to ensure safety of all program participants.
• Physically and mentally able to respond to emergencies and administer CPR and First Aid effectively.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification (within the past year).
• Ability to train staff and campers of all age levels in safety regulations and emergency procedures.
• Ability to observe camper behavior and apply appropriate behavior‑management techniques.

Child Abuse Prevention

• Report any items that may pose a health or safety hazard to staff, members, or guests to your supervisor.
• Follow all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs.
• Report any suspicious behavior and violations of policy and procedure to your supervisor.
• Complete all required child abuse prevention training.

Overnight Camp Summer Leadership Team – Assistant Program Director

Under the direct supervision of the Program Director, the Assistant Program Director assists in the creation, planning, and implementation of recreational activities, ensuring they are safe, engaging, and well‑organized. This role provides support for campers, imparting life skills and promoting wellness.

Overnight Camp Summer Leadership Team – Aquatics Director

Under the direct supervision of the Program Director, the Aquatics Director coordinates and supervises the day‑to‑day water program operations, maintaining high safety standards and enforcing strict safety rules. A certified lifeguard is required.

Overnight Camp Summer Leadership Team – Unit Director

Working under the Program Director, the Unit Director provides support for day‑to‑day camp operation, assisting in ropes programs, aquatic programs, and other program areas as needed.