Summer Day Camp Counselor 2025 - Sage YMCA

YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago; Crystal Lake (IL); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization as a Summer Day Camp Counselor, where you'll lead exciting activities and create lasting memories for children. This role offers a unique opportunity to develop leadership skills while working in a supportive and inclusive environment. You'll engage with diverse youth, promote safety, and foster creativity through various recreational activities. If you're passionate about making a difference and enjoy outdoor adventures, this position is perfect for you. Experience the joy of shaping the future for young campers while building your own skills and friendships.

Benefits

Health Plans

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plans

Learning Opportunities

Supportive Work Environment

Qualifications

• Passion for working with diverse youth and excellent verbal communication skills.
• Ability to establish positive relationships and serve as a role model.

Responsibilities

• Lead recreational activities and ensure the safety of campers.
• Promote the YMCA and create an outstanding camper experience.

Skills

Communication Skills

Leadership Skills

Creativity

Outdoor Activities

Education

Experience in Childcare or Recreation

Job description

Lead the Fun, Shape the Future: Be a Summer Camp Counselor!

Join us for the experience of a lifetime - the YMCA is hiring Summer Day Camp Counselors for 2025!

At the Y, we create an exciting, safe camp environment for kids and staff to have an unforgettable summer. While campers participate in unique experiences and adventures, our Summer Day Camp Counselors develop leadership skills and confidence, making lasting friendships and memories.

Pay starts at $17.90 per hour, Monday-Friday schedule

Responsibilities

• Promote the YMCA, provide excellent customer service, and create an outstanding camper experience for children, parents, and families.
• Lead recreational activities such as arts and crafts, sports, social recreation, nature hikes, archery, and other games and hobbies.
• Instruct campers using various teaching methods, modifying activities to ensure engagement of all ages and experience levels.
• Model socially acceptable behaviors, using positive reinforcement and behavior management strategies.
• Communicate regularly with supervisors and team members about camp activities and schedules.
• Support camp activities as assigned, including specialty camps.
• Ensure the physical and emotional health and safety of campers by following YMCA standards and evaluating risks.
• Ensure compliance with safety rules and regulations.
• Monitor campers and provide corrective coaching when necessary.
• Set up facilities and equipment for activities, and keep camp facilities clean.

Minimum Requirements

• Passion for working with diverse youth.
• Enjoy outdoor activities, creativity, and a willingness to work and play hard.
• Experience in camping, childcare, education, recreation, sports, or related fields is a plus but not required.
• Be at least 18 years old by the start of camp.
• Excellent verbal communication skills.
• Ability to establish positive relationships and serve as a role model.
• Willingness to learn and apply new skills.
• Meet physical qualifications as outlined in the job description.

Child Abuse Prevention

• Report hazards and suspicious behavior to supervisors.
• Follow policies for child safety and supervision.
• Complete required child abuse prevention training.

Our staff is our greatest asset, and we offer various perks and benefits, including competitive salaries, health plans, paid time off, retirement plans, learning opportunities, and a supportive, inclusive work environment.