Description
The Overnight Camp Counselor aids in supervising and effectively leading a group of campers in a resident camp setting. The Overnight Camp Counselor maintains a supportive, positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals while promoting and maintaining safe conditions in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures. This results in a cause-centered culture that is welcoming, genuine, hopeful, nurturing, and determined. Overnight Camp Counselors may be asked to work in resident camp and/or day camp depending on camp needs.
Essential Functions:
- Demonstrates values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility in relationships with colleagues, members, volunteers, vendors, and guests
- Builds positive, nurturing relationships with children and cooperative relationships with parents/caregivers
- Promotes and supports the potential of all youth and facilitates peer-to-peer connections
- Responds to and provides opportunities to discuss individual or group problems or concerns
- Assists campers in meeting personal and camp-established development goals
- Follows procedures for supervising camper health and enforcing safety regulations
- Supervises all aspects of campers’ daily routines (waking up, kapers, meals, siesta, activities, bedtime, overnights, after-hours duty)
- Plans and leads nightly Cabin Chat sessions
- Instructs campers in emergency procedures (fire, severe weather, lost camper, tag calls)
- Teaches and assists during Coaching Periods as assigned
- Serves as a Lifeguard or Lookout at the waterfront as assigned
- Participates in Weekend Program, Unit On Duty, and other assigned events
- Actively participates in staff training, meetings, and supervisory conferences
- Follows all camp procedures and guidelines related to health, safety, supervision, attendance, and reporting requirements
- Communicates with staff, campers, and parents in a timely and professional manner to support a positive YMCA experience
Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old with the ability to work with and relate to children and peers in an outdoor setting
- Minimum 4 weeks of relevant experience (junior counselor, structured camping, or supervising children)
- Ability to communicate effectively with various age groups and skill levels
- Ability to live in a cabin with campers for the full season
- Serves as a positive role model with integrity and adaptability
- Willingness to accept supervision and guidance
- Ability to teach and assist with activities and skill development
- Strong communication skills to support, motivate, and guide campers and staff
- Maintains composure and objectivity under pressure
- Observant, safety-conscious, and able to respond quickly in emergencies
- Completes required training and onboarding
- Holds valid CPR/AED, First Aid, and Oxygen Administration certifications
Summary
Join our team as an Overnight Camp Counselor and make a meaningful impact while creating unforgettable experiences for campers. You’ll build strong relationships, lead fun activities, and support youth growth in a safe, inclusive environment. If you’re energetic, responsible, and passionate about working with kids outdoors, this is a rewarding opportunity to develop leadership skills and be part of an amazing camp community.