Job Description

Join our dynamic team as a Summer Camp Counselor! Being a Summer Camp Counselor is not just a job; it's an opportunity to positively impact the lives of young people and create lasting memories for them. Enjoy the experience and have fun! Your role is crucial in creating a positive and engaging environment for the campers.

What You Will Learn

Besides finding

real human connection

and

reacquainting yourself with nature

, you will find that working at summer camp is

a true leadership boot camp

, and you will leave knowing you had an

impact on the future

.


You can expect to gain valuable employment skills such as:

oral communication skills

- you will be expected to communicate effectively with people at every level of the organization, from campers to directors and parents;

critical thinking and problem-solving

- you will be challenged to think on your feet;

interpersonal and leadership skills

- you will model professionalism and compassion by managing groups of campers;

collaborative skills

- you will receive on-the-ground, practical, real life training in how to work with a team and build the culture of your camp community;

creativity

- you will develop innovative and fun ways to engage an audience of 2 to 200!

You will leave a changed person, better prepared for your chosen career path, and most importantly, you will have impacted the lives of others.

Perks of working at the Y!

Free individual YMCA membership! Discounts on programs Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Program Career Development Tuition Assistance Competitive Wages

PAY RATE:

$480 weekly stipend.

SCHEDULE:

This is a seasonal position during the summer months.


Day Camp Counselor: Weekly hours may vary, typically Monday - Friday, 7:30am-5pm. Counselors can park at the branches and ride the busses to camp daily.


Residential Camp Counselor: Weekly hours may vary, but will include at a minimum Sunday afternoon - Friday afternoon. Free room and board.

Responsibilities:

Leadership and Role Model:

Be a positive role model for the campers by demonstrating good behavior, responsibility, and respect. Lead by example and encourage campers to follow camp rules and guidelines.

Safety First:

Ensure the safety and well-being of the campers at all times. Familiarize yourself with emergency procedures and protocols. Supervise activities to prevent accidents and injuries.

Activity Planning:

Plan and organize age-appropriate activities and games for the campers. Incorporate a variety of activities to cater to different interests and abilities. Ensure activities are inclusive and promote teamwork.

Communication:

Maintain open and effective communication with campers, their parents or guardians, and fellow staff members. Listen actively to campers and address any concerns or issues promptly.

Teamwork:

Collaborate with other counselors and staff members to create a cohesive and supportive team. Share responsibilities and work together to ensure a smooth camp experience.

Adaptability:

Be flexible and adaptable to changes in schedule or unforeseen circumstances. Have backup plans for outdoor activities in case of inclement weather.

Fun and Enthusiasm:

Bring energy and enthusiasm to the camp environment to keep the campers excited and engaged. Foster a sense of fun and adventure to make the camp experience memorable for the children.

We are looking for someone who displays the YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility and adheres to our mission. Must be able to obtain CPR/AED/FA certification (classes provided through the YMCA), pass a background check, and be 16 years of age. Prior experience working with children in a camp, school or recreational setting is preferred.


Camp Abe Lincoln is part of the the YMCA of the Iowa Mississippi Valley association which is a 4-star rated Charity Navigator employer for over 16 years. "Only 2% of the charities we evaluate have received at least 11 consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that YMCA of the Iowa Mississippi Valley outperforms most other charities in America." - Charity Navigator. We have also been voted "Best in the QC" by Locals Love Us several years in a row.