Summer Day Camp Counselor

Kelly Hall YMCA
824 N Hamlin
Chicago, IL 60651, USA

Pay range: $17.90 – $18.45 per hour, Monday‑Friday schedule

Kelly Hall YMCA is hiring Summer Day Camp Counselors for Summer 2026! At the Y, we create an exciting, safe camp environment for kids and staff to have an unforgettable summer. While campers experience unique adventures, our Summer Day Camp Counselors develop leadership skills and confidence while making lasting friendships and memories.

• Promote the YMCA, provide excellent customer service, and create an outstanding camper experience for children, parents, and families.
• Lead recreational activities, including arts and crafts, sports, social recreation, nature hikes, archery, and other games and hobbies.
• Instruct campers using various teaching methods and modify activities as needed to engage all ages and experience levels.
• Teach socially acceptable behaviors by serving as a role model and using age‑appropriate positive reinforcement and behavior management strategies.
• Communicate consistently with supervisors, team leaders, unit leaders, and other team members to keep everyone informed about camp activities and schedule.
• Support camp activities as assigned by supervisor, including any specialty camp activities.
• Ensure the physical and emotional health and safety of campers by being safety conscious, following all established YMCA standards, and evaluating situations for potential risks.
• Ensure compliance with established rules and regulations to maintain safety.
• Monitor campers and counselors and provide corrective coaching and intervention as necessary.
• Set up facilities and equipment for activities and store equipment appropriately after use; keep camp facilities clean at all times.

• Commitment to and passion for working with diverse youth.
• Enjoy being outdoors, are creative, and not afraid to work and play hard.
• Experience in camping, childcare, education, recreation, sports, or related is a plus but not required.
• Will be 18 years of age or older by the start of camp.
• Excellent verbal communication skills; ability to present ideas concisely to multiple audiences.
• Passion for working with diverse youth and ability to provide high‑quality instruction using age‑appropriate practices.
• Proven ability to establish constructive relationships and act as a positive role model.
• Continuous learner who seeks opportunities for learning and applies new knowledge and skills.
• Meets physical qualifications required as outlined in job description.
• YMCA will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities.

• Report any items that may present a health or safety hazard to staff, members, or guests to your supervisor.
• Follow all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe, including monitoring and supervision of children.
• Report any suspicious behavior and violations of policy to your supervisor.
• Complete all child abuse prevention training as required.

• Competitive salaries reflecting your skills and experience.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance 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 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.

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.