Summer Camp Unit Leader (Vanderbilt YMCA)

YMCA of Greater New York; New York (NY); On-site; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The YMCA of Greater New York invites applications for the Summer Camp Unit Leader position at Vanderbilt YMCA in New York City. This full-time seasonal role involves leading a Summer Camp unit by ensuring safe, engaging, and educative program delivery while managing counselors.

Ideal candidates will possess strong leadership abilities, a background in youth programs, and a commitment to fostering an inclusive environment. Salary is $2,550 Bi-weekly, and candidates must be 20 or older with at least two years of relevant experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years working with youth, supervision experience preferred.
• Must be age 20 or older.
• Strong leadership qualities and ability to work with diverse populations.

Responsibilities

• Ensure safety and well-being of participants through supervision.
• Lead and supervise counselors for program quality.
• Promote an inclusive environment for participants.

Skills

Youth leadership

Interpersonal skills

Team management

Diversity awareness

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

College credits preferred

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Adobe PageMaker

Adobe Photoshop

Job description

Full‑Time / Seasonal

$2,550.00 Bi‑weekly

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.

To help fulfill our mission, the Vanderbilt YMCA seeks a Summer Camp Unit Leader responsible for providing leadership, oversight, and support to one of the Summer Camp units to ensure quality supervision and program execution.

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

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure the health, safety, and well‑being of participants by providing appropriate supervision at all times.
• Maintain and enforce Risk Management and safety procedures for staff and participants.
• Work with Summer Camp counselors to plan and implement meaningful, age‑appropriate, fun, and values‑based activities, lesson plans, and special events.
• Lead and supervise counselors by monitoring performance, providing support, coaching, and recognition, and holding staff accountable for performance expectations.
• Promote an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful environment that embraces diversity and fosters a positive camp spirit.
• Create and maintain a strength‑based, youth‑focused atmosphere sensitive to the needs of participants with learning, emotional, or behavioral differences.
• Perform scheduled assignments such as arrival/departure and lunch duty.
• Support planning and implementation of all camp activities, including learning initiatives, field trips, in‑camp events, and culminating performances.
• Maintain accurate program documentation (attendance, sign‑in/out forms, behavior reports, incident reports, and accident reports).
• Communicate the YMCA’s core values and camp goals to staff, participants, and caregivers.
• Build positive relationships with parents and guardians through regular communication about their child’s strengths and areas for growth.
• Participate in required pre‑camp training and other training sessions, meetings, and special events.
• Adhere to all Department of Health, YMCA, and funder standards, expectations, and regulations.

Desired Skills & Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; college credits preferred.
• Age 20 or older.
• Minimum of two (2) years working with youth, with supervision experience preferred.
• General knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of Access, Adobe PageMaker, and Photoshop preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills, leadership qualities, and comfort working with diverse youth and adults.

Location: Vanderbilt YMCA, New York, NY

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER, DRUGFREE WORKPLACE

Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.