Summer Day Camp Counselor

Newark Ymca; Newark, Northern (NJ, KY); Hybrid; USD 22,000 - 31,000; Part time

Job summary

The YMCA of Newark and Vicinity is hiring seasonal Summer Day Camp Counselors for the 2026 program in Newark, NJ. Counselors supervise groups of children, plan daily activities, and serve as positive role models in line with YMCA values.

Requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent; at least 18 years old; minimum one year of youth experience; strong communication and interpersonal skills. CPR/First Aid/AED certifications are a plus, bilingual skills are a plus.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience working with youth in a group setting is preferred.
• Must be able to model YMCA values and ensure safety.

Responsibilities

• Supervise groups of children within programs and plan daily activities.
• Serve as a positive role model and adhere to safety procedures.
• Maintain YMCA values: Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility.
• Follow abuse risk management policies and reporting requirements.

Skills

Strong communication

Youth program experience

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Summer Day Camp Counselor

Seasonal Central Branch YMCA - Newark, Newark, NJ, US

30+ days ago Requisition ID: 1010

Salary Range: $19.00 To $19.00 Hourly

The YMCA of Newark and Vicinity is seeking seasonal Summer Day Camp Counselors for Summer Camp program for summer season 2026. If you wish to make a lasting and positive difference in the lives of others, join our team this summer! We aim to have our summer camp staff on board by the end of May 2026. The YMCA’s recruitment process includes comprehensive background screening including pre-employment drug test and criminal background check and upon hire, a wide range of trainings before start of the camp.

Summary of Essential Functions:

Counselors will be responsible for supervising groups of children within the programs as well as planning and executing the daily activities. Counselors are influential role models that directly impact the children’s overall YMCA experience. Compliance with safety procedures a must. All staff will be required to model the YMCA core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility in their work each day. Counselors are required to adhere to Abuse Risk Management policies:Adhere to policies related to boundaries with program participants. Attend required abuse risk management training. Adhere to procedures related to managing high-risk activities and supervising program participants.Report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.Follow mandated abuse reporting requirements.

• High School Diploma or equivalent required. College credits/ degree a plus.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
Minimum one year of experience working with youth in a group setting.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with all levels including staff, children, and parents.
• Ability to solve problems and make decisions that adhere to the purpose, mission, and goals of the YMCA.
Must be prepared to conduct various activities with children. May be required to go into the pool.
• Current CPR/First Aid/AED certifications a plus.
• Bilingual ability (English/Spanish) a plus.

Schedules: Mondays through Fridays: Three shifts: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 8:45 AM – 4:45 PM, 3:30 PM-6:30 PM. Staff will be scheduled for either one of these shifts. Some Saturdays for Training.

Physical Demand: Sufficient strength, agility, and mobility to perform essential functions and to supervise program activities in a wide variety of outdoor and indoor locations.

The YMCA of Newark and Vicinity is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Upon request, reasonable accommodation is available that does not create an undue hardship on the Y’s business, in accordance with applicable laws.