EXPLORERS LEADER - Summer Camp 2026

POSITION SUMMARY:

This is a seasonal role from June - August and supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Explorers Leaders lead campers on daily offsite programs that introduce campers to a variety of activities that focus on recreation and outdoor adventure. Explorers I (X1) participants focus on recreation and comradery with programs to state parks, escape rooms, surfing, beaches and more. Explorers II (X2) participants focus on outdoor adventure activities such as hiking, paddling, climbing, and camping. Explorers II programs include leading both onsite and offsite overnights with campers. Explorers Leaders are responsible for the physical and mental wellbeing of campers and peers. Leaders set a positive example for campers and program partners.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Lead daily offsite field trips for campers entering grades 5th – 9th that focus on recreation and outdoor adventure. Examples include escape rooms, state parks, beaches, escape rooms, paintball, hiking, paddling, rock climbing, camping, and more.
• Provide campers with excellent supervision and exercise strong judgement in all circumstances to ensure high levels of safety and program quality.
• Model Camp Lincoln’s four core values of honesty, caring, respect, and responsibility for campers and program partners.
• Drive camp mini-buses on all trips providing safe transportation and positive environment throughout.
• Explorers II programs include one onsite overnight and one offsite overnight camping trip. Leaders are oversee overnight programs to ensure campers safety and wellbeing.
• Introduce campers to basic skills in outdoor activities such as proper strokes in paddling, setting up tents for camping, and hiking.
• Maintain strict safety protocol on all trips according to Camp Lincoln’s policies and industry standards.
• Responsible for inspecting all equipment for functionality and safety before each use.
• Work alongside Specialty Camp Unit Leader and Assistant Camp Director to finalize trip itineraries, plan meals, program equipment, and transportation.
• Coordinate with Specialty Camp Unit Leader to manage petty cash and payments for vendors.
• Complete program debrief with campers and Assistant Camp Director at conclusion of programs.
• Attend required abuse risk management training.
• Report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations. Follow mandated abuse reporting requirements.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Must possess valid driver’s license
• Must have a clean driving record.
• Lifeguard certification preferred. Certification opportunities provided for successful candidates.
• Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification preferred. Certification opportunities provided for successful candidates.
• Prior experience working with children preferred.
• Familiarity with various camp activities.
• Patient and reliable.
• Ability to handle sensitive, confidential information.
• Organizational and communication skills.
• Energetic and positive personality.
• Must be able to complete YMCA required training as scheduled by management.
• Must maintain updated certifications of the job (CPR and First Aid/AED).
• Must successfully clear FBI and state criminal background checks.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to stand or walk for long periods of time
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs.
• Ability to push, pull, bend and kneel regularly.
• Ability to travel and work multiple days/weeks at a time.
• Ability to work outdoors for entire shift, regardless of weather.

Southern District YMCA is an Equal Opportunities employer and embraces diversity in our employee population. It is the policy of SDYMCA to provide equal opportunity to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or genetic information.