Youth Support Counselor

Join Camp Koda in Barre this summer as a Youth Support Counselor and make a lasting impact by providing one-on-one support to a youth participant with individualized needs. In this role, you’ll work closely with the Day Camp Director, camp staff, and the child’s family to foster growth, inclusion, and connection. You’ll help adapt activities, guide social-emotional development, and ensure the child can fully participate in all aspects of camp life.

This is a great opportunity for someone with experience supporting youth with diverse learning or behavioral needs who is passionate about inclusion, compassion, and creating a positive summer experience.

Schedule and Location:
This is a seasonal position at Camp Koda, based at the Barre City Elementary and Middle School. Camp runs Monday–Friday from 8:00 AM–5:30 PM, June 24 through August 16. Staff are expected to work the full summer season.

Why You’ll Love This Job:
• Create Real Impact: Help a child grow, thrive, and feel included in a summer camp environment.
• Be Part of a Team: Work alongside supportive, mission-driven camp staff and leadership.
• Model Inclusion: Support a culture of empathy, understanding, and respect for differences.
• Enjoy Y Benefits: Free Y membership, program discounts, meaningful training, and the chance to make a difference.

What You’ll Do:
• Provide one-on-one emotional and behavioral support to a youth camper throughout the camp day.
• Maintain constant visual and auditory supervision to ensure safety and inclusion.
• Adapt camp activities using accessibility tools and differentiated instruction to match the child’s needs.
• Support daily routines, including transitions, hydration, self-care reminders, and sensory breaks.
• Implement positive behavior strategies and follow any Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP).
• Collaborate with counselors and leadership to track progress and improve support strategies.
• Communicate regularly with the child’s guardians and the Day Camp Director.
• Foster peer inclusion by encouraging positive interactions and modeling respectful behavior.
• Assist with activity setup and clean-up, ensuring any adaptive tools are available.
• Uphold the YMCA’s core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.
• Other duties as assigned.

What You’ll Bring:
• Must be at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma or equivalent (Associate degree preferred).
• Experience working 1:1 with youth with behavioral, learning, or social-emotional needs (e.g., paraeducator, behavioral aide, or similar).
• Knowledge of accessibility strategies and positive behavior interventions.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and empathy skills.
• Ability to remain calm and adaptable in changing or challenging situations.
• CPR/First Aid/AED certified or willing to obtain within 30 days of hire.
• Must pass a background check and meet all state-licensed camp training requirements.