Summer Family Camp Counselor

Summer 2026 Family Camp Counselor

YMCA Family Camp Pinewood is now hiring Family Camp Counselors for the 2025 season! Family Camp Pinewood is one of a handful of quality YMCA Family Camps in the country. Located at the southern tip of the Manistee National Forest, situated on 200 acres of pine and oak forest, the camp property includes 80% of the Lake Echo shoreline. Open year‑round, there’s endless opportunity for families to explore, learn new skills and make lasting memories together.

Leave the hustle and bustle of everyday life behind and enjoy time together at YMCA Family Camp Pinewood.

The Family Camp Counselor is responsible for leading recreational activities with youth and families staying at Camp Pinewood. The Counselor organizes and promotes activities such as arts and crafts, sports, large group games, music, social recreation, camping and various hobbies to provide campers with experiences that offer support and enrichment, teach life skills, and promote wellness of spirit, body and mind.

Pay is $700 bi‑weekly, housing & meals provided.

• 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.

• Organizes, leads and promotes recreational activities, including but not limited to arts and crafts, fishing, campfire songs, nature hikes, archery, canoeing, kayaking, tie‑dye, small and large group activities.
• Works with the Program Director to create weekly programs to engage campers and provide a variety of experiences for campers of all ages.
• Shares and leads songs with other counselors during campfires.
• Teaches socially acceptable behaviors to campers by serving as a role model and using techniques such as positive reinforcement and behavior modification.
• Enforces rules and regulations of the facilities to maintain discipline and ensure safety, monitors all campers, and intervenes if campers are behaving inappropriately or unsafely.
• Potentially operates the Camp Store during scheduled hours; greets campers, operates the cash register, and organizes products on shelves, racks, etc.
• Sets up activities and/or equipment for activities and store equipment appropriately after use. Immediately notifies Program Director of any broken or unsafe equipment or if more resources are needed.
• Works to keep camp areas clean by picking up litter, maintaining a clean and orderly cabin, and tidying shared spaces when necessary.
• Cleans camper cabins (full kitchen and bathrooms in most) on Saturdays as well as other times directed by the Program Director and/or Executive Director.
• Serves as a lifeguard, if hired as one, at the waterfront during guard hours, the triathlon event, and other waterfront activities.
• Supports the camp operations with other duties as assigned.

• Must be 18 years of age.
• Lifeguard Certification preferred but not required.
• Must obtain American Red Cross First Aid, CPR, and AED for Adults and Children prior to the start of camp.
• Strong interest, maturity and judgment in working with campers in an outdoor setting.
• Knowledge and experience in camp‑related activities preferred.
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility and a commitment to, and a passion for, the mission of the YMCA and YMCA Family Camp Pinewood.
• Must be willing to engage, entertain and lead campers in songs, skits, and other activities.
• Must be willing to plan activities, generate ideas to develop new activities and improve existing activities to continually enhance the camper experience.
• Meets physical qualifications required (ability to lift 50 lbs, stand for long periods of time, and act with urgency during emergencies such as running).

• Reporting any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members or guests to supervisor.
• Following all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe.
• Reporting any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to supervisor.
• Completing all child abuse prevention training as required.

• Entry level

• Part‑time

• Education and Training

• Education