Ready to lead, mentor, and create unforgettable camp magic? YMCA Camp Abnaki is looking for Village Leaders to keep the fun rolling and the cabins running smoothly as part of our Camp Leadership Staff. You’ll support counselors, plan epic activities, and make sure campers are having the summer of their lives—all while living on the shores of Lake Champlain. If you can handle campfire singalongs, capture-the-flag showdowns, and the occasional “I lost my shoe in the woods” crisis, this is the leadership role for you!
The contract for this position is from June 5 through August 16. Possibilities of pre-season and post-season work are also available.
Why You'll Love This Job:
- Make an Impact: Mentor campers and staff to create a fun, safe, and supportive environment.
- Lead & Inspire: Oversee a village, support counselors, and help run exciting camp-wide programs.
- Live the Adventure: Spend your summer on the shores of Lake Champlain, leading campfires, organizing games, and helping campers grow with shared housing and meals included in compensation.
- Be Part of a Mission-Driven Team: Join a community committed to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
What You'll Do:
- Lead & Support: Supervise counselors and campers, ensuring a fun, safe, and inclusive environment.
- Plan Epic Activities: Organize village times, cabin activities, and special events that campers will talk about all year.
- Build Connections: Act as a mentor and role model for both campers and staff, fostering a strong sense of community.
- Communicate with Parents: Provide updates on camper experiences, behavior, and any concerns, in partnership with camp leadership.
- Keep Camp Running Smoothly: Manage cabin assignments, schedules, and village logistics.
- Maintain Camp Spaces: Ensure cabins, washhouses, and shared areas are clean and well-kept.
- Stay Engaged & Alert: Actively monitor campers and staff throughout the day, including during Free Time, Village Time, meals, and evening programs to ensure proper supervision.
What We’re Looking For:
- Must be at least 19 years old with one year of college/work experience beyond high school.
- Experience in child development, mentoring, or leadership.
- Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to lead activities and foster a positive camp culture.
- Patience, empathy, and enthusiasm for working with youth.
Work Environment & Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those necessary for the role and are essential to ensuring the safety and well-being of children in our care. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
- Ability to navigate camp terrain, including uneven and remote areas.
- Strong visual and auditory awareness to ensure camper safety.
- Ability to lift up to 40 lbs. and remain active throughout the day.
- Endurance to stand, walk, and respond quickly to camp emergencies.