Make Summer Matter — Lead the Magic

Do you catch yourself singing camp songs in the car?  Do you break into a little “dance-it-out” when your favorite song comes on at the grocery store?    Do you secretly (or not so secretly) love the energy of a good skit, a big laugh, and creating moments of pure joy?    If you’re someone who can bring the fun and lead with purpose, keep reading — this might be your summer calling.

At YMCA CAMP DAKANI, we believe summer is more than a season — it’s a bridge to confidence, connection, and lifelong memories. We are seeking an energetic, organized, and people-focused Summer Day Camp Coordinator to help lead our day camp program and support the incredible counselors who bring camp to life each day.

The Summer Day Camp Coordinator provides direct leadership to day camp staff and oversees the daily implementation of programming, safety practices, and camper experiences. This position works under the direction and guidance of the Senior Program Director, partnering closely to ensure programs align with YMCA standards and the mission of nurturing the potential of every child.  The Coordinator is responsible for supervising counselors, supporting program quality, maintaining safety and compliance, and building positive relationships with campers, families, and staff.

This role is perfect for a mission-driven leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, loves mentoring staff, and is passionate about creating safe, inclusive, and joy-filled experiences for kids and families.

As the Day Camp Coordinator, you’ll serve as a key on-site leader — ensuring daily operations run smoothly, staff feel supported, and campers experience the fun, belonging, and growth that define the Dakani experience.

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: 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.

Our summer camp staff will help support the work we do at the YMCA, by helping create a positive, nurturing environments for all our campers and staff. They will also help each camper reach their fullest potential and deepen their connections as part of their overall camp experience.

All Candidates will exhibit the following qualities: Model our core values of Honesty, Caring, Respect and Responsibility. Have an attitude of service and be committed to upholding a high standard of integrity at work daily. The mission of the YMCA Camp Dakani is to put Christian principles in to practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

Are you the cause-driven leader we have been looking for at YMCA Camp Dakani? If so, don't wait, take charge of your adventure and APPLY TODAY!

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Leadership & Staff Support
• Supervise, coach, and support Summer Camp Counselors
• Foster a positive team culture rooted in encouragement, accountability, and growth
• Assist with staff training, daily briefings, and performance feedback
• Serve as a role model of YMCA values and Dakani culture
• Program & Operations
• Ensure daily schedules and activities are implemented safely and effectively
• Support planning and execution of engaging, age-appropriate programs
• Maintain accurate camper counts and staff ratios
• Ensure sites are safe, organized, and well-equipped
• Assist with activity planning and curriculum support 
• Follow and uphold YMCA policies including child abuse prevention and emergency procedures
• Monitor camper wellbeing, incident reporting, and risk management practices
• Ensure programs meet all state and YMCA standards 
• Relationships & Community
• Build positive relationships with campers, families, and staff
• Maintain open communication with parents and guardians
• Help create a welcoming environment where every child feels they belong
• Support camp events, theme days, and all-camp experiences

CAUSE-DRIVEN LEADERSHIP® COMPETENCIES:

• Values- Models and teaches the Y’s values.
• Inclusion- Champions inclusion activities, strategies, and initiatives.
• Relationships- Builds relationships to create small communities.
• Communication- Effectively tailors communications to the appropriate audience.
• Developing Others- Provides staff with feedback, coaching, guidance, and support.
• Quality Results- Holds staff accountable for high-quality results using a formal process to measure progress.
• Project Management- Develops plans and manages best practices through engagement of team.

Requirements

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Must be 21 years of age.
• Must have a high school diploma or GED and have 12 hours’ elementary education or child development course work or at least 2 years’ experience working with children.
• Passion for working with youth and a commitment to supporting the YMCA mission and philosophy.
• Current CPR, AED, and First Aid certifications (or ability to obtain upon hire).
• Complete Annual Compliance Training within 30 Days of hire date. 
• Must attend all scheduled YMCA trainings, have current CPR certification and uphold the YMCA employee appearance guidelines.
• Experience in one or more of the following areas is preferred: outdoor skills, camping, archery, sports, recreational games, music, skits, or other youth program activities.
• A positive attitude, willingness to learn, and enthusiasm for working in a team-oriented camp environment.

COMPENSATION AND AMENITIES:

• Starting Pay $13.00 per hour
• Additional pay for specialized certifications (ie; Lifeguard, ropes and more)
• Camp Staff Shirts are provided.

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.
• Ability to plan, lead and participate in a range of activities in a variety of outdoor/indoor settings. Will require outdoor work during the summer months. May be required to lift up to 50 pounds.

More information on YMCA Camp Dakani:  https://ymcaokc.org/camp-dakani/