Day Camp Senior Counselor

Position Summary

This position supports the work of the YMCA, a leading nonprofit organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Senior Counselor provides direct supervision of children in a seasonal day camp and is responsible for a designated group of campers while supporting the supervision of all campers throughout the camp day.

The Senior Counselor helps children adjust to camp expectations, rules, and safety procedures; supports the development of cohesive groups; and ensures campers enjoy a positive camp experience. This role is responsible for planning and delivering daily activities, supporting camp leadership, and promoting the potential of all youth through peer-to-peer connections and inclusive programming.

Essential Functions

• Supervise Junior Counselors and campers to ensure focus and engagement in camp responsibilities.
   
• Assist Specialists during activity periods, keeping staff and campers actively involved.
   
• Learn campers’ names and respond to individual needs.
   
• Greet campers with enthusiasm and positivity each day.
   
• Build positive relationships with member families and understand their connection to the YMCA.
   
• Maintain knowledge of the Strong Kids Campaign and its purpose.
   
• Assist with and lead themes, special events, trips, and daily camp activities.
   
• Encourage campers’ youth development and personal growth.
   
• Help maintain cleanliness within the camp group.
   
• Work cooperatively with all camp staff to plan, implement, and lead activities.
   
• Perform responsibilities with enthusiasm and commitment, treating campers and staff with respect.
   
• Teach and model the YMCA’s Four Core Values: Caring, Respect, Honesty, and Responsibility.
   
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the supervisor.
   
• Create a positive, nurturing learning environment that promotes youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
   

Safety Responsibilities

• Attend and complete all required trainings.
   
• Uphold camp safety standards at all times, including maintaining constant camper counts.
   
• Understand and follow risk management and emergency procedures.
   
• Assist with group control and lunchtime activities.
   
• Follow all Association Aquatics Policy Guidelines and complete assigned aquatic duties.
   
• Assist with safe and efficient transitions to and from the pool.
   
• Follow all YMCA, ACA, and NJ Licensing standards to ensure camper safety, program quality, and ACA accreditation.
   
• Complete and submit accident reports, special plans, schedule changes, and evaluations as required.
   
• Report immediate concerns to the Camp Director or supervising staff.
   
• Assist with bus supervision, ensuring safety, efficiency, and engagement through songs, stories, and games.
   
• Use appropriate behavior management techniques, including redirection and positive reinforcement.
   

Other Duties

• Maintain a professional demeanor at all times as a representative of the YMCA.
   
• Wear the designated camp T-shirt daily.
   
• Demonstrate a positive attitude, responsibility, self-motivation, punctuality, and reliability.
   
• Support a positive and nurturing camp environment.
   

Qualifications

• High school student or equivalent.
   
• Minimum of two previous camp seasons as a Counselor; prior experience working with children in a day camp setting required.
   
• Interest in one or more activity areas such as outdoor living, archery, boating, camping, music, skits, sports, aquatics, or recreational games preferred.
   
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
   
• Previous experience working with diverse populations preferred.
   

YMCA Competencies (Leader Level)

• Mission Advancement: Demonstrates YMCA values and a commitment to serving community needs.
   
• Collaboration: Works effectively with diverse individuals, builds rapport, communicates clearly, and remains calm in challenging situations.
   
• Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound decisions, embraces new ideas, plans effectively, and follows policies and procedures.
   
• Personal Growth: Pursues self-development, adapts to change, understands personal strengths and limitations, and applies best practices and current skills.
   

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Ability to plan, lead, and participate in activities in both indoor and outdoor environments.
   
• Physical demands are representative of those required to perform essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.