Summer Day Camp Counselor

Overall Function

Directly supervised by the Director of Operations and Camp Leadership, the Day Camp Counselor provides direct supervision to a specific age group of children in a seasonal day camp. The Day Camp Counselor is responsible for program leadership and the well‑being of campers, creating positive, nurturing relationships with children while building cooperative relationships with parents and caregivers. The counselor promotes and supports the potential of all youth in programs and facilitates peer‑to‑peer connections as part of the overall camp experience.

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming, genuine, hopeful, nurturing, and determined.

Tri‑Cities Family YMCA Summer Day Camp Program

• Participate in pre‑camp training and in‑service camp training programs as scheduled.
• Complete First Aid and CPR certification prior to unsupervised interaction with campers.
• Embrace and model the mission of the YMCA in all daily activities.
• Create a welcoming and nurturing environment for all campers and their families. Responsible for the direct supervision, safety, and care of children.
• Abide by all Tri‑Cities Family YMCA Policies and Procedures, as well as standards set forth by the American Camp Association (ACA).
• Lead recreational programs, activities, and songs with enthusiasm. Engage with campers by participating in daily programs, activities, and songs.
• Encourage each camper’s potential.
• Serve as an Aquatic Observer during swim time and assist with daily camper swim lessons.
• Model appropriate behavior for children to follow.
• Utilize positive discipline techniques and redirection when responding to behavioral issues of campers.
• Document all incidents, injuries, and behaviors that are out of the normal range of day‑to‑day activities with the population served in a timely fashion.
• Communicate effectively and pleasantly with children, families, YMCA members, and staff members.
• Provide daily communication to parents of campers.
• Assist the YMCA in positively marketing the facility and programs to members and the community.
• Be punctual and dependable.
• Be in the assigned area at all times while clocked in.
• Do not use personal cell phones, texts, or social media during camp hours.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Mon‑Fri, 6:45 am – 6:00 pm as scheduled.

The position is located in a 76,000 sq ft facility with high levels of contact with members and the community. Work may include early mornings and/or late evenings. The outdoor area surrounds the Tri‑Cities Family YMCA and includes outlets such as Mulligan’s Hollow, Imagination Station, Duncan Woods, and Grand Haven State Park. Field trips off‑site and exposure to outdoor elements, such as summer temperatures, are required.

Employees are advised on OSHA Standards through required signage and administrative updates in compliance with federal law.

Employee must demonstrate sufficient strength, agility, and mobility to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The role requires regular computer usage and communication via phone or smart device. The employee frequently must sit and reach, and must be able to move around the work environment.

Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

It should be understood that this Job Description has been developed as an outline for basic responsibility. Additional duties may be assigned by the Summer Day Camp Director as deemed appropriate and/or necessary.

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Have previous work experience with a population similar to that which the camp serves.
• Be compliant with all licensing qualifications.
• Within 30 days of hire, complete CPR/First Aid certification and Child Abuse Prevention Training.