Summer 2026 Overnight Camp Counselor

Scope Of Responsibilities

• Camper Experience: Promotes the YMCA and provides outstanding customer service by creating an outstanding camper experience for children, parents and families.
• Recreational Activities: Leads recreational activities with campers, including but not limited to, arts and crafts, sports, social recreation, songfests, nature hikes, archery, and other games and hobbies.
• Instruction: Teaches campers using various teaching methods and modifies activities as needed to ensure that campers of all ages and experience levels are engaged.
• Socially Acceptable Behaviors: Teaches socially acceptable behaviors to campers by serving as a role model and by using age-appropriate positive reinforcement and behavior management strategies.
• Communication: Communicates consistently with supervisor, team leader, unit leader and other team members to ensure everyone is kept abreast of camp activities and schedule.
• Support: Supports camp activities as assigned by supervisor, including any specialty camp activities.

Camp Safety

• Physical and Emotional Health and Safety: Ensures the physical and emotional health and safety of campers by being safety conscious, following all established YMCA standards and critically evaluating situations for potential risks.
• Compliance: Ensures compliance with established rules and regulations to ensure safety.
• Monitoring: Monitors campers and counselors and provides corrective coaching and intervention as necessary.
• Facilities: Sets up facilities and/or equipment for activities and stores equipment appropriately after use.
• Notifications: Immediately notifies Program Director of any broken or unsafe equipment or if more resources/equipment are needed.

Requirements And Qualifications

• Age: Must be at least 18 years of age by the first day of camp.
• Experience: Must have prior experience working with youth; previous experience in a camp setting strongly preferred.
• Specialty Experience: Commitment to, and passion for, the YMCA of Metro Chicago’s mission.
• Communication: Excellent verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly and concisely present ideas and concepts and tailor communication to multiple audiences.
• Behavior Management: Passion for working with diverse youth and ability to provide a high-quality of instruction using age-appropriate practices. Ability to observe camper behavior and apply appropriate behavior management techniques.
• Relationship Building: Proven ability to establish constructive relationships and interact as a positive role model.
• Learner: Continuous learner who leverages opportunities for learning and applies new knowledge and skills.
• Physical Qualifications: Demonstrates evidence of YMCA Y Team competencies in previous experience or practice.

Pay & Benefits

• Pay Range: $900-$920 bi-weekly, housing & meals provided.
• Benefits: Competitive salaries reflecting your skills and experience. Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees, plus wellness programs, mental health resources, and a family gym membership. Generous PTO and paid holidays, with flexible work hours for work-life balance. 403(b) plan with company contributions for eligible employees after 2 years of service. Continuous learning opportunities through workshops and training programs. Supportive work environment valuing diversity, equity, and inclusion. Discounts on programs, employee assistance programs, and company-sponsored events.