Summer Day Camp Unit Leader

YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 20,968 - 29,864; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive health insurance

Generous PTO and paid holidays

403(b) plan with contributions

Continuous learning opportunities

Job summary

A community-focused organization in Chicago is seeking a Summer Day Camp Unit Leader for Summer 2026. You will lead recreational activities for children, promote an inclusive environment, and serve as a role model. Ideal candidates possess strong leadership and communication skills, enjoy outdoor activities, and have a passion for working with diverse youth. The role requires a commitment to safety and teamwork, and offers competitive pay and numerous benefits.

Qualifications

• Commitment to working with diverse youth.
• Enjoy being outdoors and engaging in activities.
• Excellent verbal communication skills.
• Ability to establish positive relationships.
• Experience in education, recreation, or childcare is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Promote YMCA values and provide excellent customer service.
• Lead recreational activities and instruct campers.
• Communicate with team members consistently.
• Ensure safety and compliance with regulations.
• Support camp activities and maintain cleanliness.

Skills

Leadership skills

Excellent verbal communication

Creative thinking

Problem-solving skills

Job description

Overview

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 are taking part in unique experiences and adventures, our Summer Day Camp Unit Leaders are developing leadership skills and confidence while making lasting friendships and memories.

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

The 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 through example.

Benefits

Our staff is the Y's greatest asset. Our teams provide valuable skills, knowledge, and passion that is essential to the contribution and positive impact in our communities, which is why we offer YMCA 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 2 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 modifies 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.
• Supports camp activities as assigned by supervisor, including any specialty camp activities.
• Ensures 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.
• Ensures compliance with established rules and regulations to ensure safety.
• Monitors campers and counselors and provides corrective coaching and intervention as necessary.
• Set-up facilities and/or equipment for activities and stores equipment appropriately after use and work to keep camp facilities clean at all times.

Qualifications

• A commitment to and a passion for working with diverse youth.
• Enjoy being outdoors, are creative and not afraid to work and play hard.
• Your experience in camping, childcare, education, recreation, sports or related is a plus but not required.
• You 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.
• Passion for working with diverse youth and ability to provide a high-quality of 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 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.