YOUR IMPACT

Camp Hope Counselors create positive, nurturing relationships with children, while building cooperative relationships with parents/caregivers. The role provides direct supervision of a group of children in a week-long overnight camp setting and giving pathways of hope to participants. This position promotes and supports the potential of all youth in programs and facilitates peer-to-peer connections as part of the overall camp experience.

EXPECTATIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Facilitates and provides direct supervision of children in a one-week overnight camp.
2. Be a positive YMCA role model for the entire camp program by modeling the YMCA core values: Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility & Faith.
3. Provides constant supervision with each activity to ensure the safety of all program participants.
4. Plans and implements program activities that are culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate and consistent with YMCA values.
5. Adheres to program standards including safety and cleanliness standards. Demonstrates camp stewardship by maintaining cleanliness of buildings and grounds.
6. Attends staff meetings and trainings.
7. Follows YMCA policies and procedures and adheres to American Camp Association standards, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention and emergencies.
8. Cultivates positive relationships and maintains effective communication with parents, children and other staff. Models relationship-building skills in all interactions.
9. Ensures a strong focus on character development and diversity, equity and inclusion throughout programming.
10. Reports damaged equipment or safety hazards promptly.
11. Performs any other functions necessary for the smooth and efficient operation of the YMCA of Rock River Valley.

SCHEDULE & COMPENSATION: 7 Positions

Positions 1-7: YMCA Camp Winnebago and Walcamp

Seasonal, Exempt

Must be available to work One Week Overnight Camp plus Training:

Training June 9 - 11

Overnight Camp June 14 - 19

$1,200 stipend for the week of camp

FUNDING SOURCE

ICJIA/Community - Based Violence Prevention and Intervention Program, 100%, 12/12/2025 - 06/30/2028, Non-Renewable

QUALIFICATIONS

Age Group 1: Camp Hope Qualifications 18-20 years old:

• Minimum age of 18 years old and maximum age of 20 years old
• Able to work with children between ages of 8-12
• High school graduate or equivalent; one year or more of college preferred
• Previous experience working with children, preferably in a day camp setting
• Experience preferred in one or more of the following areas: outdoor living, archery, boating, camping, songs/music, skits, sports, aquatics and recreational games
• Attend trauma-informed training upon hire
• IL DCFS Child Abuse and Neglect/Mandated Reporter
• CPR & First Aid/AED certification required upon hire
• Current Praesidium Academy trainings required

Age Group 2: Camp Hope Qualifications 21-24 years old:

• Minimum age of 21 years old and maximum age of 24 years old
• Able to work with children between ages of 13-17
• High school graduate or equivalent; one year or more of college preferred
• Previous experience working with children, preferably in a day camp setting
• Experience preferred in one or more of the following areas: outdoor living, archery, boating, camping, songs/music, skits, sports, aquatics and recreational games
• Attend trauma-informed training upon hire
• IL DCFS Child Abuse and Neglect/Mandated Reporter
• CPR & First Aid/AED certification required upon hire
• Current Praesidium Academy trainings required

THERE'S SO MUCH MORE TO WORKING AT THE Y! Employment benefit information available HERE.

The Y is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We offer more than just a job, rather the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of those around you.

The Y: We're for Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility