Summer Day Camp Counselor

South Side YMCA is hiring Summer Day Camp Counselors for Summer 2026!

South Side YMCA 6330 S Stony Island Chicago, IL 60637, USA

• Pay or shift range: $17.90 USD to $18.45 USD. The estimated range is the budgeted amount for this position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications and other job-related reasons.

• 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.

• Promote the YMCA, provide excellent customer service and create an outstanding camper experience for children, parents and families.
• Lead recreational activities with campers, including but not limited to 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 ensure that campers of all ages and experience levels are engaged.
• Teach socially acceptable behaviors to campers 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 ensure everyone is kept abreast of 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 ensure 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, keeping camp facilities clean at all times.

• Commitment to and passion for working with diverse youth.
• Enjoy being outdoors, creative and willing to work and play hard.
• Experience in camping, recreation, sports or related is a plus but not required.
• Must be 18 years of age or older by the start of camp.
• Excellent verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly and concisely present ideas and concepts and tailor communicationli>
• 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 leverages learning opportunities 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 pose a health or safety hazard to staff, members or guests to your supervisor.
• Follow all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to monitoring and supervision of children.
• Report any suspicious behavior and violations of policy and procedures to your supervisor.
• Complete all child abuse prevention training as required.

Equal Opportunity Employer
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.