This position is seasonal from May 11, 2026 - August 7, 2026. If you wish to continue employment with the Y after the school year, you will need to apply with the desired department.

GENERAL FUNCTION

The Head Camp Counselor is responsible for the overall supervision of all YMCA Camp designated groups. The Head Camp Staff is responsible for overseeing staff in their group, daily activities and to assure that YMCA standards are met.

KNOW-HOW

This position requires that the applicant be at least twenty years of age and have at least one year experience working with children. The person must have an understanding of child development and be able to work as an individual, as well as part of a team. The person must be able to provide leadership and be a role model of the YMCA values. The person must show patience towards children, while at the same time demonstrating enthusiasm. This person must be able to work both indoors and outdoors, and have transportation to properly supervise all camp locations. Upon hiring, the position requires training in CPR and child abuse awareness.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use their hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools or controls, reach with hands and arms and talk or hear.
• The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit and stoop, kneel or crouch.
• The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust and focus.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for assisting the Youth Director in pre-camp program planning and training.
• Responsible for assisting in planning camp curriculum.
• Responsible for assisting in creation of daily camp schedules.
• Assists in delegating staff responsibilities.
• Supervises program, staff and campers at the campsite and on field trips.
• Responsible for dealing with accidents and emergencies that may arise at camp.
• Must attend weekly staff meetings for the Adventure Camps.
• Coordinate camp supplies and equipment amongst all Adventure Camp sites.
• Report daily attendance figures to Youth Director.
• Ensure the daily sign-in/sign-out sheets have been turned in to the Camp Secretary.
• Ensure that all incident and accident reports are turned in to the Youth Director.
• Continually communicate any needs, concerns and complaints to the Youth Director to assure all issues are immediately addressed.

EFFECT ON END RESULT

When this position’s duties are fulfilled successfully, the YMCA camp programs will be viewed as a quality day camp that focuses on the safety of children and improve the quality of life in the Champaign County area. Campers will acquire an understanding of YMCA values, an appreciation of others, a sense of belonging and life long memories of friends and fun.

ABUSE PREVENTION

As a YMCA staff member, you are responsible for ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all members, participants, and colleagues. This includes actively adhering to and promoting the YMCA's abuse risk management policies, which are designed to prevent and address any potential incidents of abuse. You are expected to remain vigilant in recognizing signs of abuse, report any concerns or suspicious behaviors immediately, and participate in required training to stay informed on best practices for safeguarding. Your commitment to these protocols is essential in fostering a trusted, respectful, and secure environment for everyone involved in YMCA programs and services.

BENEFITS

• Free YMCA membership
• Discount on YMCA programs and merchandise