Day Camp Music & Enthusiasm Leader

This role is a specialized, 8‑week seasonal day camp support role focused on leveraging music and high‑energy leadership to enhance the summer camp experience across the New River YMCA locations (Jacksonville Clyde Erwin, Swansboro Queens Creek, and Sneads Ferry Dixon). The Music & Enthusiasm Leader will be the camp's rhythm section, driving the fun, reinforcing YMCA values, and providing a unique educational component.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Youth Development and working in direct partnership with the Day Camp Coordinator, this position is responsible for creating a vibrant, musical atmosphere, leading enthusiastic assemblies, and teaching foundational music skills to interested campers.

This job announcement is not intended to be inclusive of all functions, responsibilities and qualifications associated with the position, however, representative of the essential job functions and typical criteria considered necessary to successfully perform the position.

• Musical Assembly Leadership:
  Lead three high‑energy, 10‑minute all‑camp assemblies daily (morning, noon, afternoon).
  • Morning assembly:
    Set a positive, energetic tone for the day, focusing on one of the YMCA core values (Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility) through song and movement.
  • Noon assembly (pre/post lunch): A quick, fun “brain break” or spirit booster assembly to re‑energize campers.
  • Afternoon assembly (end of day): A reflective and positive send‑off, celebrating daily achievements and preparing for the next day.
• Instrumental Performance:
  Use acoustic guitar as the primary instrument for assemblies, supplemented by other camp‑appropriate instruments (e.g., ukulele, percussion, keyboard) to create a full, engaging sound.
• Modeling Enthusiasm:
  Serve as the ultimate “program guru” and energy leader, modeling high‑impact activity leadership, knowing all the songs, and actively encouraging participation from staff and campers (aged 6‑14).
• Enrichment Music Instruction:
  Develop and lead an optional, structured 8‑week music lesson program for interested campers focusing on the keyboard or acoustic guitar.
  • Curriculum should cover basic chords, simple melodies, rhythm, and reading basic sheet music/tablature.
  • Organize lesson schedules that do not conflict with core camp activities.
• End‑of‑Summer Talent Showcase:
  Plan, organize, and host a comprehensive Talent Showcase during the final week of camp.
  • Encourage participation from all campers, not just music lesson participants.
  • Use the Showcase to highlight the musical progress of the lesson participants.
  • Manage logistics, setup, and promotion for the final performance.
• Staff Support:
  Assist the Day Camp Coordinator in supervising counselors and volunteers, modeling high‑energy programming, and covering breaks as needed.

• Develop a positive, welcoming, and nurturing atmosphere for children.
• Provide supervision to ensure the safety and well‑being of all campers and staff.
• Serve as a creative and resourceful leader capable of managing staff, campers, and the program day.
• Manage program paperwork, attendance, and provide ongoing, professional communication with parents.
• Uphold the YMCA core values in all interactions.

• Musical Proficiency:
  Demonstrated ability to proficiently play the acoustic guitar and lead group singing. Basic proficiency on a keyboard/piano is highly desirable.
• Performance
  
  Experience:
  
  Experience performing or leading musical activities in front of groups, ideally in a youth or camp setting.li
• Teaching Ability:
  Experience instructing or tutoring youth in music or other creative activities. Ability to develop a simple, progressive 8‑week curriculum.
• High Energy & Charisma:
  Exceptional ability to command a crowd, generate excitement, and maintain an infectious, positive energy throughout the day.
• Benefits: 50% discount on program fees up to $5,000;
  Employee & Employer Retirement Contribution Options;
  Paid Sick Time.
• Compensation: USD $12.50 – $16.50 per hour.