Summer Program Counselor - Holyoke

Holyoke-YMCA; Holyoke (MA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 35,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Engaging work environment

Opportunity to impact youth development

Job summary

Holyoke-YMCA is looking for a Program Counselor in Holyoke, Massachusetts. This position involves supervising children in various daily activities, maintaining safety through adherence to policies, and building positive relationships with participants. The ideal candidate has experience working with children and a commitment to promoting healthy living and social responsibility.

Successful candidates will need to demonstrate adaptability, leadership qualities, and the ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment. The role offers an engaging and supportive atmosphere aimed at fostering youth development.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children in camp, school, or recreational settings preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team-oriented environment.
• Commitment to YMCA core values and a positive role model for youth.

Responsibilities

• Supervises and actively engages a group of children in daily program activities.
• Creates and implements engaging and developmentally appropriate activities.
• Maintains communication with parents/caregivers and provides updates on camper progress.

Skills

Experience working with children

Strong interpersonal skills

Ability to respond to safety and emergency situations

Education

CPR/First Aid/AED Certification

Minimum age requirement (16+ or 18+ depending on position)

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Program Counselor creates a safe, engaging, and inclusive experience for all participants, helping them build relationships, develop confidence, and create lasting memories.

OUR CULTURE

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing and we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with you.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Supervises and actively engages a group of children in daily program activities including swimming, field trips, sports, arts, nature, and team‑building games.
2. Ensure safety by following all YMCA and summer program policies, procedures, and emergency protocols.
3. Creates and implements engaging, developmentally appropriate, and culturally relevant activities aligned with the Y’s values.
4. Builds positive, respectful relationships with all participants, modeling YMCA core values and behavioral expectations.
5. Encourages youth to participate, lead, and make choices that foster independence and problem‑solving skills.
6. Maintains communication with parents/caregivers and provides updates on camper progress and experiences.
7. Attends and contributes to pre‑camp orientation, daily check‑ins, staff training, and end‑of‑season wrap‑up.
8. Maintains the cleanliness and organization of camp areas, supplies, and equipment.
9. Performs additional duties as assigned.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES

• Communication & Influence: Listens and expresses one’s effectively and in a way that engages, inspires, and builds commitment to the Y’s cause.
• Inclusion: Values all people for their unique talents and takes an active role in promoting practices that support diversity, inclusion, and global work, and cultural competence.
• Critical Thinking & Decision Making: Makes informed decisions based on logic, data, and sound judgment.
• Functional Expertise: Executes superior technical skills for the role.
• Innovation: Creates and implements new and relevant approaches and activities that improve and expand the Y’s work and impact in the community.
• Program/Project Management: Ensures program or project goals are met and intended impact occurs.
• Developing Self & Others: Develops self and supports others (e.g., staff, volunteers, members, program participants), both formally and informally, to achieve their highest potential.
• Emotional Maturity: Demonstrates ability to understand and manage emotions effectively in all situations.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working with children in camp, school, or recreational settings preferred.
• Must meet minimum age requirements (typically 16+ or 18+, depending on position).
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team‑oriented environment.
• CPR/First Aid/AED Certification (or willingness to obtain prior to camp start).
• Ability to respond to safety and emergency situations.
• Ability to adapt to various outdoor/indoor environments and remain active throughout the day.
• Commitment to YMCA core values and a positive role model for youth.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Must be able to lead, actively participate in, and demonstrate camp activities in both indoor and outdoor environments.
• Ability to work in summer heat, move quickly, lift supplies (up to 25 lbs), and respond to emergencies.