Lead Camp Counselor

At the Y, we believe children discover themselves through interactions with others and having the freedom to explore. YMCA Camp at Horsethief Reservoir immerses children in a community where making friends is natural, exploring new interests is encouraged, and discovering inner strength is guaranteed. YMCA Camp teaches self-reliance, instills a love for nature and the outdoors, and builds character and leadership amidst the fun of campfires, canoeing, archery, friends, zip-lining, paddle boarding, mentorships, ropes course, and so much more.

YMCA Camp at Horsethief Reservoir is positively the best way to change a child’s life.

Our YMCA Camp Horsethief Reservoir is ACA-Accredited. This means that the American Camping Association, the only national accrediting body for camps of all, ensured that the YMCA Camp at Horsethief Reservoir meets the accreditation standards for health, safety and risk management. ACA accreditation provides public evidence of a camp’s commitment to the well-being of campers and staff.

Camp Lead Counselor is responsible for planning, leading, and implementing programs and experiences for youth in a small group setting while living in an outdoor primitive camp setting and under all weather conditions. They will also be responsible for the general safety and development, growth, and skill achievement of the participants in their group. Serve as leader to Camp Counselors.

• Develop intentional relationships with parents and campers that result in campers having fun and making new friends.
• Create an environment that fosters safety through the education of campers using the Y voice attributes and by role modeling safe behavior.
• Implement the established curriculum that achieves the five Cause Measurements goals.
• Effectively communicate with campers, parents, and leadership using the Y voice attributes and providing feedback when necessary.
• Resolve camper and parent concerns and issues. Follow appropriate incident response procedures.
• Monitor and ensure safety of participants, staff and volunteers in cabin group and assigned program areas.
• Keep equipment and storage areas clean and organized at all times in addition to educating and holding campers responsible for maintaining equipment in use.
• Promote inclusiveness and community amongst participants and other staff members.

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Experience working with youth.
• Ability to live on site during scheduled program times.
• Wilderness First Responder Certificate preferred.
• Must be able to engage others in conversations and make all people feel welcome.
• Ability to respond calmly and quickly to safety and emergency situations.

This is a seasonal position from May 18, 2026 through August 1, 2026. Typical camp schedule for each session will be Sunday - Friday but occasional Saturdays will be required. All camp staff receive at least 24-hour time off period every 7 days between sessions, as well as scheduled time off each day during sessions. Must be able to live at YMCA camp facilities in Cascade, Idaho during program delivery times.

At the Y, we welcome everyone whose behavior adheres to our core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. We advance our cause by building a stronger and more equitable community where everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow, thrive, and reach their full potential with dignity. The Y is a force for building bridges among all people–regardless of ability, age, birthplace, cultural background, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender identity, ideology, income, race, or sexual orientation.

The Y is for all.

External candidates must complete an online application. If you have any questions regarding the position, please visit our website atvidaho.org or contact jobs. All current and previous YMCA staff must apply through their UKG account, and updated resume and cover letter are recommended.