Assistant Camp Counselor

About the role

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Lead Counselor with direct supervision of a group of Pre-K campers to ensure their safety, engagement, and well-being throughout the day.
• Support daily routines including arrival, transitions, meals, rest time, bathroom breaks, and outdoor play.
• Help implement developmentally appropriate activities such as circle time, creative arts, sensory play, music, movement, and theme-based learning.
• Learn and use children’s names; respond to children’s needs with patience, kindness, and age-appropriate guidance.
• Greet campers warmly and help them feel comfortable, supported, and included in the camp environment.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom and playground space.
• Work cooperatively with the Lead Counselor and other camp staff to ensure a positive and consistent experience for children.
• Encourage positive behavior through redirection, modeling, and positive reinforcement.
• Support children’s social skills, peer interactions, and independence through everyday activities and play.
• Help maintain active supervision at all times, including face counts and line-of-sight monitoring.
• Demonstrate enthusiasm, professionalism, and a caring attitude when interacting with children, families, and staff.
• Model and support the YMCA Four Core Values—Caring, Respect, Honesty, and Responsibility—through daily interactions.
• Carry out additional duties as assigned by the Lead Counselor, Camp Director, or Site Supervisor.

Safety & Compliance

• Attend and complete all required YMCA, Summer Sprouts, and NJ childcare licensing trainings.
• Follow all YMCA, Peanut Shell, and NJ Licensing safety policies and procedures at all times.
• Absorb and follow required child-to-staff ratios and active supervision standards.
• Report any safety concerns, injuries, or behavioral issues immediately to the Lead Counselor or Supervisor.
• Help ensure smooth and safe transitions during all parts of the camp day.
• Use approved positive behavior guidance strategies, including redirection and reinforcement of positive choices.

Other duties

• Maintain a professional and positive demeanor as a representative of the YMCA and Peanut Shell Early Learning Center.
• Wear required YMCA or camp apparel as assigned.
• Be punctual, reliable, and prepared for all scheduled shifts.
• Support a welcoming, inclusive, and nurturing early learning environment.