Junior Camp Counselor

Day Camp Junior Counselor

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 Day Camp Junior Counselor provides direct supervision of children in a seasonal day camp program and creates positive, nurturing relationships with campers while building cooperative relationships with parents and caregivers. The role promotes the potential of all youth and encourages peer-to-peer connections as part of the overall camp experience.

Essential Functions

• Keep campers focused and engaged in camp activities.
   
• Assist Specialists during activity periods.
   
• Greet campers consistently with enthusiasm and positivity.
   
• Develop positive relationships with member families and understand their connection to the YMCA.
   
• Learn campers’ names and respond to camper needs.
   
• Assist the Senior Counselor, Specialists, and all camp staff in implementing themes, special events, trips, and daily activities.
   
• Encourage campers’ youth development and personal growth.
   
• Help maintain cleanliness within the camp group.
   
• Work cooperatively with all camp staff when planning and carrying out activities.
   
• Perform all responsibilities with enthusiasm and commitment, treating campers and staff with respect and care.
   
• Use redirection and positive reinforcement to promote appropriate behavior and good choices.
   
• Teach and model the YMCA’s Four Core Values: Caring, Respect, Honesty, and Responsibility.
   
• Perform additional duties as requested by the supervisor.
   

Safety Responsibilities

• Attend regular staff meetings scheduled by the supervisor.
   
• Complete all required trainings.
   
• Uphold camp safety standards at all times, including maintaining constant camper counts.
   
• Understand and follow risk management and emergency policies and procedures.
   
• Assist with group control and lunchtime activities.
   
• Follow all Association Aquatics Policy Guidelines.
   
• Carry out assigned aquatic responsibilities and assist with safe, efficient pool transitions.
   
• Follow all YMCA, ACA, and NJ Licensing standards to ensure camper safety and program quality.
   
• Complete and submit all accident reports.
   
• Report immediate concerns to the Camp Director or nearest supervisor.
   
• Assist with bus supervision, ensuring safety, efficiency, and engagement through songs, stories, and games.
   

Other Duties

• Maintain a professional demeanor as a representative of the YMCA.
   
• Wear the camp T-shirt daily.
   
• Demonstrate a positive attitude, responsibility, self-motivation, punctuality, and reliability.
   
• Create a positive and nurturing learning environment that supports youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Qualifications

• High school student or equivalent.
   
• Previous experience working with children, preferably in a day camp setting (CIT experience preferred).
   
• Interest in one or more activity areas such as outdoor living, archery, boating, camping, music, skits, sports, aquatics, or recreational games.
   
• Must be at least 16 years of age.
   
• Previous experience working with diverse populations preferred.
   

YMCA Competencies (Leader Level)

• Mission Advancement: Demonstrates YMCA values and a desire to serve others and the community.
   
• Collaboration: Works effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds; communicates clearly and remains calm in challenging situations.
   
• Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, embraces new approaches, participates actively in planning and meetings, and follows policies and procedures.
   
• Personal Growth: Seeks 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 settings.
   
• Physical demands are representative of those required to perform essential job functions; reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.