Summer Camp Lead Counselor (2027)

Foothills Area YMCA; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 15,000 - 18,000; Full time

Job summary

Foothills Area YMCA is seeking a Summer Camp Lead Counselor to supervise activities and support the Camp Coordinator in delivering a safe, engaging camp experience for youth. A strong emphasis is placed on inclusion, safety, and positive relationship-building with children and families.

The role requires CPR/First Aid/AED certifications, a preferred high school diploma, and the ability to create developmentally appropriate, culturally relevant activities that empower youth to lead and reflect on

Qualifications

• High school diploma preferred.
• CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications required.
• Child Abuse Prevention training within 30 days of hire.
• Experience with children in a camp setting preferred.
• Commitment to inclusion and ADA compliance.

Responsibilities

• Supervise children, staff, and program activities.
• Assist Camp Coordinator with duties.
• Plan activities, crafts, games, and other camp programming.
• Follow all Y policies, procedures, and safety standards.
• Nurture children with developmentally appropriate programming.
• Foster positive rapport with youth and families, encouraging youth leadership.

Skills

Positive youth development

Relationship building

Inclusion and ADA compliance

Communication with parents

Education

High school diploma preferred

Minimum age per state law

Tools

CPR certification

First Aid certification

AED certification

Job description

Job Title: Summer Camp Lead CounselorReports to: Camp CoordinatorJob Type: SeasonalPay Range: $11.00 - 13.50 / hourSchedule: 40 hours weeklyCode: FLSA Status: Non-ExemptRevision Date: February 2026This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Summer Camp Lead Counselor at Foothills Area YMCA maintains a supportive, positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals, promotes the potential of all youth, and provides a quality experience to both youth and their families.Helps to supervise children, staff, and program activities.Assists the Camp Coordinator with their duties.Helps to plan the activities, crafts, games, etc. for the Camp program.Follows all policies, procedures, and standards as established by the law or the Y (e.g., safety or emergency procedures, behavior guidance strategies, child abuse prevention policies); makes ADA accommodations where appropriate; maintains the program site, equipment, and required program records.Nurtures children through purposeful programming; plans activities that are intended to achieve program goals and outcomes, are culturally relevant, are developmentally appropriate, and are consistent with the Y’s values.Creates a positive rapport and shared interest with all youth; models relationship-building skills in all interactions.Provides opportunities for youth to lead, problem-solve, and make decisions and choices within the program and provides daily opportunities for youth to reflect on and respond to their experiences.Provides and welcomes ongoing dialogue with parents and caregivers about their child’s needs and progress; connects families to the Y.Attends and participates in family nights, program activities, staff meetings, and staff training.Performs other duties as assigned.Qualifications:High school diploma preferredMeets minimum age standards as established by state law and/or the Y.CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications required.Child Abuse Prevention training required within 30 days of hire.Previous experience working with children in a camp setting preferred.Previous experience in one or more of the following areas preferred: outdoor living, archery, boating, camping, songs/music, skits, sports, aquatics, or recreational games.Previous experience working with diverse populations.Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.Commitment to inclusion and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).Physical Requirements: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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Ability to plan, lead, and participate in program activities in a variety of indoor and/or outdoor settings.Employees And Volunteers Who Directly Supervise Youth Will:Adhere to policies related to boundaries with youth.Attend required abuse risk management training.Adhere to procedures related to managing high-risk activities and supervising youth.Report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.Follow mandated abuse reporting requirements.Employees And Volunteers Who Do Not Directly Supervise Youth Will:Adhere to policies related to boundaries with youth.Attend required abuse risk management training.Report suspicious and inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.Follow mandated abuse reporting requirements.Adhere to job specific abuse risk management responsibilities.Maintenance employees and volunteers—ensure unused rooms and closets remain locked; routinely monitor high-risk locations (locker rooms and bathrooms, hallways, stairwells), etc.Front desk personnel—ensure youth are properly signed in and signed out, ensures only authorized adults are allowed in the facility, etc.The above statements reflect the general details considered necessary to describe the essential functions of the job as identified, and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the position.