Summer Camp Day Camp Counselor

Seattle YMCA; Camp Orkila (WA); On-site; USD 14,000 - 17,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Membership to YMCA of Greater Seattle

Mental health resources

Paid time off (PTO)

Discounts on childcare/day camp

Job summary

The YMCA of Greater Seattle is seeking a part-time Day Camp Counselor to model professional behavior and guide campers through recreational activities—arts and crafts, sports, nature hikes, archery, and games. The role emphasizes healthy, safe behaviors and a positive camper experience.

Hiring ranges start at $75/day with increases for returning staff ($80–$90/day). Benefits include YMCA membership, mental health resources, PTO, and childcare program discounts.

Qualifications

• 18 years old or older.
• 1–2 years of experience with children; camps, childcare, tutoring, nannying, coaching.
• Previous camp experience preferred.
• 1+ years of experience leading others as a supervisor or lead.
• Ability to participate in activities with rigorous outdoor physical activity.

Responsibilities

• Supervises a group of campers; ensures all campers are accounted for and safe.
• Facilitates developmentally appropriate program activities that build skills and character.
• Leads and assists with all-camp special events.
• Provides leadership to developing teen leaders placed with the group.
• Maintains safety and cleanliness; notes camper health needs daily.
• Attends staff meetings and trainings; follows YMCA policies.

Skills

Camp supervision

First aid certified

Leadership ability

Outdoor activities

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

Overview

We have a strong commitment to equity

The Y actively promotes a culture free from bias and injustice. We are dedicated to removing institutional and systemic barriers that result in oppression and racism. We will be accountable to marginalized communities for creating equitable and sustainable environments where social justice is woven into every facet of our programs, and by caring for our communities in a culturally versatile and respectful manner.

Tell me about this job!

Day Camp Counselor serves as a professional role model for our campers by leading through example and guiding campers through recreational activities that teach life skills, encourage healthy and safe behaviors and create a positive camper experience. Recreational activities with campers, include but are not limited to, arts and crafts, sports, social recreation, songs, nature hikes, archery, and other games and enrichment activities.

To learn more about working with Camp & Outdoor Leadership at the Y, please visit us online at www.campingandoutdoorleadership.org.

Hiring Range: $75/day, Staff returning to the same or equivalent job for the second season: $80/day, Staff returning to the same or equivalent job for third season: $85/day, staff returning to the same or equivalent job for 4 or more seasons: $90/day.

What you'll get from working at The Y

• Membership to the YMCA of Greater Seattle
• Free access to mental health resources
• Rapidly accruing paid time off (PTO) available immediately upon hire
• Discounts on qualifying YMCA of Greater Seattle childcare and day camp programs

*Some benefits only available to full-time staff

Responsibilities

What you'll be doing as Day Camp Counselor:

1. Supervises a group of campers. Ensures that all campers are accounted for and safe at all times.
2. Facilitates program activities that are developmentally appropriate and which promote camper skill and character development.
3. Leads and assists with facilitation of all-camp special events.
4. Provides leadership and supervision to any developing teen leaders placed with the group.
5. Maintains safety and cleanliness standards. Takes special note of individual camper health needs or concerns on a daily basis. Shares cleaning duties with fellow staff.
6. Communicates personal or camper needs to supervisor in a timely manner.
7. Maintains equipment in sound and safe order.
8. Attends staff meetings and trainings.
9. Follows YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention and emergencies.
10. Other duties as assigned.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This job operates at a seasonal residential camp, both inside and outdoors.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. This position requires the ability to occasionally lift store or janitorial products and supplies, up to 50 pounds.

POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

This is a part-time, shift position. Shifts vary depending on group needs. Working nights and weekend shifts may be required.

TRAVEL

All travel required for work will be done by YMCA Authorized Drivers.

Code of Conduct for Applicants

All employees and volunteers are responsible for adhering to abuse prevention policies, maintaining appropriate boundaries, completing required training, reporting suspicious or inappropriate behavior, and complying with mandated reporting requirements.

Responsible for ensuring staff are properly screened, trained, supervised and held accountable to the organization's abuse risk management standards.

Qualifications

What we're looking for in an applicant:

1. 18 years old or older
2. 1-2 years of experience with children; camps, childcare, tutoring, nannying, coaching
3. Previous camp experience preferred
4. 1+ years of experience leading others as a supervisor or lead
5. Demonstrated experience planning and implementing group activities
6. Ability to participate in activities that involve rigorous physical activity in an outdoor setting including, but not limited to hiking, boating, camping, and swimming.

Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.

Preferred Education/Experience

• Current state approved first aid certification.*
• Current state approved CPR certification.*
• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Current Wilderness First Responder strongly preferred. Documented knowledge of challenge courses and current safety standards and practices.
• Knowledge of and previous experience with, diverse populations (language, culture, race, physical ability, sexual orientation, etc.). Ability to speak any language in addition to English may be helpful.
• Experience with anti-racism practices and coalition building.

Our Mission

Building a community where all people, especially the young, are encouraged to develop their fullest potential in spirit, mind, and body.

YMCA of Greater Seattle's Core Values

• Respect
• Responsibility
• Honesty
• Caring
• Passion for Excellence

YGS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and equitable work environment. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by local, state, or federal law.

All job offers are contingent on the results of a background check. We participate in the Federal E-Verify system.