Summer Day Camp Unit Leader

Ymcachicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 25,416 - 26,243; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salaries

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance

Generous PTO

403(b) plan

Continuous learning opportunities

Supportive work environment

Discounts on programs

Job summary

A community-focused organization in Chicago seeks a Summer Day Camp Unit Leader for Summer 2026. The role involves leading recreational activities, ensuring safety, and being a positive role model for campers. Ideal candidates will have strong communication skills, a passion for diversity, and experience in youth engagement. The position offers a competitive salary, health benefits, and a supportive environment that values inclusion.

Qualifications

• Commitment to working with diverse youth.
• Enjoy working outdoors, creative.
• Over 19 years of age by the start of camp.

Responsibilities

• Lead recreational activities including sports and arts.
• Ensure the safety and emotional health of campers.
• Communicate with team members about camp activities.

Skills

Verbal communication skills

Ability to work with diverse youth

Creativity

Job description

South Side YMCA
6330 S Stony Island
Chicago, IL 60637, USA

Pay Range: $18.45 to $19.05 per hour (final offers based on skill set, experience, location, qualifications and other job‑related factors).

Description

Lead the Adventure, Inspire the Future: Be a Summer Day Camp Unit Leader at South Side YMCA for Summer 2026!

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

Pay starts at $18.45 per hour, Monday‑Friday schedule

Summer Day Camp Unit Leader serves as a professional role model by overseeing and monitoring recreational activities in their assigned groups, guiding campers and counselors, and leading by example.

Our staff is the Y’s greatest asset. Our teams provide valuable skills, knowledge, and passion that are essential to the contribution and positive impact in our communities, which is why we offer Y employees numerous perks and benefits, including:

• Competitive salaries reflecting your skills and experience.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees, plus wellness programs, mental health resources, and a family gym membership.
• Generous PTO and paid holidays, with flexible work hours for work‑life balance.
• 403(b) plan with company contributions for eligible employees after two years of service.
• Continuous learning opportunities through workshops and training programs.
• Supportive work environment valuing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Discounts on programs, employee assistance programs, and company‑sponsored events.

Responsibilities

• Promote the YMCA, provide excellent customer service, and create an outstanding camper experience for children, parents, and families.
• Lead recreational activities with campers, including but not limited to arts and crafts, sports, social recreation, songfests, nature hikes, archery, and other games and hobbies.
• Instruct campers using various teaching methods and modify activities as needed to ensure that campers of all ages and experience levels are engaged.
• Teach socially acceptable behaviors to campers by serving as a role model and by using age‑appropriate positive reinforcement and behavior management strategies.
• Communicate consistently with supervisors, team leaders, unit leaders, and other team members to ensure everyone is kept abreast of camp activities and schedule.
• Support camp activities as assigned by supervisor, including any specialty camp activities.
• Ensure the physical and emotional health and safety of campers by being safety conscious, following all established YMCA standards, and critically evaluating situations for potential risks.
• Ensure compliance with established rules and regulations to ensure safety.
• Monitor campers and counselors and provide corrective coaching and intervention as necessary.
• Set up facilities and/or equipment for activities and store equipment appropriately after use, working to keep camp facilities clean at all times.

Qualifications

• A commitment to and passion for working with diverse youth.
• Enjoy being outdoors, are creative, and not afraid to work and play hard.
• Experience in camping, childcare, education, recreation, sports, or related fields is a plus but not required.
• Will be 19 years of age or older by the start of camp.
• Excellent verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly and concisely present ideas and concepts and tailor communication to multiple audiences.
• Ability to provide a high‑quality instruction using age‑appropriate practices.
• Proven ability to establish constructive relationships and interact as a positive role model.
• Continuous learner who leverages opportunities for learning and applies new knowledge and skills.
• Meets physical qualifications required as outlined in the job description.
• The YMCA will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities.

Child Abuse Prevention

• Reporting any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members, or guests to your supervisor.
• Following all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children.
• Reporting any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor.
• Completing all child abuse prevention training as required.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.