Do you love camping and being outside?  Are you looking for a fun interactive summer work environment working with youth and families?  The YMCA is looking to hire fun, energetic, leaders that love working with children and families as a Camp Counselor in a summer seasonal “full time” role.

Do you like to play games, lead activities or are you creative?  Do you want to make a difference in the lives of others? The camp counselor is a great mission to get behind and is a FUN environment. 

As a Camp Counselor you must enjoy a fun and interactive work environment, live entertainment (camp songs, etc.), and a lot of kid questions! At the YMCA Camp Counselors have a passion for having a positive impact on children and families each summer. 

As a Camp Counselor you can get paid to play with the kids all summer.  You will help to develop and explore creative and imaginative curriculum, activities and games. You will have fun teaching kids a love of reading, leading art activities, leading a gym activity, teaching being a good sport and social skills. Become a role model and engage with children, helping them discover the fun in playing, learning and making new lifelong friends over the summer.

Our goal at the YMCA summer Camp program is to provide kids with a safe, fun space at the Y to thrive! As a Camp Counselor you will interact with camper and parents from a diverse background.

1.  Job Summary: 

The Camp Counselor is responsible for planning, leading, coordinating, and implementing core and non-core programs and experiences for children in a small group setting. They will also be responsible for the general safety and development, growth, and skill achievement of the participants in their group. The incumbent will provide high quality outdoor educational and recreational experiences for participants that focus on the YMCA core values of caring, equity, honesty, respect, and responsibility. 

This role will take place at a variety of different physical locations throughout the summer at public parks, community centers and Day Camps. The location for most of these sites are in St. Paul. Preferred candidate will have access to their own means of transportation.

2.  Essential Responsibilities: 

• Assist in the direction, supervision, and organization of campers in their camper group within activities and throughout the camp in order to meet the intended camper outcomes. 
  • Apply Social Emotional Learning concepts and basic youth development principles in working with campers through communication, relationship development, respect for diversity, involvement, and empowerment of youth.
  • Ability to communicate and work with groups (all ages and skill levels) and provide necessary instruction to campers.
  • Assures campers are properly supervised at all times.
  • Be aware of and implement safety guidelines and procedures within camp activities. 

• Participate in the development and implementation of program activities for campers within the mission and outcomes.
  • Responsible for leading or assisting with the teaching of activities.
  • Actively participate in all program areas as assigned.
  • Provide a progression of activities within the framework of individual and group interests and abilities.
  • Organize and lead a variety of small and large group activities and programs each week.  Activities may include crafts, nature, songs, games, swimming, archery, canoeing, Family Night, etc.  

• Maintain high standards for health and mental health in all activities for campers.
  • Provide daily care for each camper within your supervision.
  • Ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid. Must be able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury) and possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers.
  • Ability to identify and respond to camper behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques in alignment with camp training and proactive response.
  • Ensure that campers receive their medications as directed by Camp Health Manager.
  • Be alert to campers needs and assist them with personal and/or health problems; discuss with camp health manager and/or camp director when appropriate.
  • Contribute to verbal and written evaluations and communication as requested.