Camp Senior Counselor - Hays Camp

The Senior Camp Counselor plays a key role in creating a fun, safe, and inclusive environment for campers. This seasonal position supports the YMCA’s mission by supervising a group of campers and junior staff, facilitating engaging activities, and fostering positive relationships. The Senior Counselor ensures a safe and supportive atmosphere by following YMCA policies, managing schedules, upholding behavior expectations, and communicating with families as needed.

This role helps inspire and guide campers’ growth throughout the summer experience.

• Models the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility in all interactions with campers, families, and staff.
• Provides direct supervision of a camper group, maintaining a positive, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate environment.
• Supports and coaches junior counselors with daily routines, camper engagement strategies, and behavior expectations, escalating concerns as needed.
• Assists camp leadership in implementing schedules, transitions, and activities; helps prepare materials and ensures readiness of program spaces.
• Builds positive relationships with parents/caregivers; supports day-to-day communication as directed (drop-off/pick-up updates, routine needs, concerns).
• Uses positive behavior guidance and de-escalation strategies; documents and communicates significant incidents per camp procedures.
• Maintains active supervision at all times (visual/auditory awareness, positioning, head counts, and engagement), and remains alert to surroundings.
• Ensures camp areas, equipment, and supplies are clean, organized, and used safely; reports hazards or maintenance needs promptly.
• Follows YMCA policies, emergency procedures, and mandated reporting/abuse-prevention protocols, including the Rule of Three; responds immediately to emergencies and completes required reports.
• Completes required attendance, headcounts, incident/accident documentation, and other daily paperwork; attends all mandatory meetings and trainings.

• Must be at least 18 years old (or entering senior year of high school in the fall) with a passion for working with children.
• At least one year of experience working with youth or teens, preferably in a licensed camp or child care setting.
• Strong communication and teaching skills with the ability to motivate and support campers.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt and remain calm under pressure or in challenging situations.
• Observant, safety-conscious, and able to respond quickly in emergencies.
• Completion of mandatory new employee trainings and department onboarding.
• CPR/AED and First Aid certifications preferred.
• Physical ability to fully participate in camp activities, including lifting up to 25 pounds regularly and up to 50 pounds occasionally.