Summer Camp Senior Counselor (West Side YMCA)

YMCA of Greater New York; New York (NY); On-site; USD 23,653; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused organization in New York is seeking a Summer Camp Senior Counselor for the Summer Camp program. This role is pivotal in creating a safe and positive environment for children, facilitating enriching activities, and ensuring participants' well-being. Candidates should have experience working with youth and demonstrate strong interpersonal and leadership skills. The position involves both planning and documentation, striving to promote an inclusive atmosphere. Competitive hourly wage of $17.17 offered for this seasonal position.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required. College credits preferred.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience working with youth.
• General knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of participants.
• Plan and implement age-appropriate activities.
• Maintain accurate program documentation.

Skills

Experience working with youth

Interpersonal skills

Leadership qualities

General knowledge of Microsoft Office

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

College credits preferred

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Access

Adobe PageMaker

Photoshop

Job description

Full-Time / Seasonal

$17.17 Hourly

The YMCA of Greater New York is here for all New Yorkers — to empower youth, improve health, and strengthen community. Founded in 1852, today the Y serves a diverse population of more than half a million New Yorkers who learn, grow, and thrive through programs and services at our 24 branches. Community is the cornerstone of the Y. Together, we connect active, engaged New Yorkers to build stronger communities.

To help fulfill our mission, we cultivate a culture of learning, leading, and collaboration to enhance community impact. Through our talented staff and “LEAP” career framework (Leadership, Empowerment, Accountability, Personal Growth), we are committed to a people-first approach that fosters trust, inclusion, growth, and development for all.

The West Side YMCA is seeking Summer Camp Senior Counselors. The Summer Camp Senior Counselor plays a critical role in the successful operation of the Summer Camp program. The Summer Camp Senior Counselor is responsible for creating a safe, positive environment for school-age children and for providing opportunities for learning, interaction, and academic or personal growth.

Summer Camp programs operate Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., July through August.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of participants in the program by providing appropriate supervision at all times.
• Understand, maintain, and ensure that participants follow Risk Management and safety procedures.
• Keep the immediate supervisor informed daily of any concerns regarding participants, staff, or the facility.
• Plan and implement meaningful activities, lesson plans, and special events that are structured, age‑appropriate, fun, exciting, challenging, and values‑based in the areas of arts, STEM, character development, literacy, creative expression, community service, physical fitness, and/or nutrition.
• Perform specific scheduled assignments, including, but not limited to, arrival and/or departure and lunch duty.
• Prepare the learning environment, lessons, and necessary supplies for program activities. Assume responsibility for the cleanliness and organization of the camp room, program supplies, and activity space.
• Support the planning and implementation of all camp activities, including, but not limited to, summer learning initiatives, field trips, in‑camp events, and culminating performances.
• Provide support to Activity Specialists with activity implementation.
• Provide guidance and support to Counselors in Training (CITs), hold CITs accountable for program expectations, and complete and maintain all required CIT paperwork.
• Work cooperatively with all program staff.
• Promote an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful environment that embraces the diversity of all staff and participants.
• Create and maintain a strength‑based, youth‑focused atmosphere that is consistent and sensitive to the needs of participants with learning, emotional, or behavioral differences.
• Serve as a positive role model for participants.
• Maintain accurate program documentation (attendance, sign‑in/out forms, behavior reports, incident reports, and accident reports, as appropriate).
• Understand and communicate the YMCA’s core values and the goals of the Summer Camp program to staff, participants, and caregivers.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with parents and guardians through regular communication about their child’s strengths and areas for growth. Take a leadership role in providing caregivers with regular updates (including Snapshots, behavior updates, success stories, etc.).
• Attend all required pre‑camp training sessions. Actively participate in training sessions, designated meetings, and special events.
• Ensure that groups are in ratio. Provide support and accountability to other Summer Camp Counselors and ensure that they maintain all program standards, even in your absence.
• Adhere to all Department of Health, YMCA of Greater New York, and funder standards, expectations, and regulations.

Desired Skills & Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent required. College credits preferred.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience working with youth.
• General knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of Access, Adobe PageMaker, and Photoshop preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills, leadership qualities, and comfortable working with diverse youth and adults.

How to Apply

If you would like to be a member of our dynamic team, please complete our online application and submit your résumé and a thoughtful cover letter that explains your interest in the role and our organization.

If you are a current YMCA employee, please submit your application through the Internal Career Site in Cornerstone.

Job ID

req2943

Employment Type

Full-Time / Seasonal

Location

West Side YMCA
New York, NY

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