Explorer Unit Lead Steward - Summer Overnight Camp, YMCA Camp Classen

Join us as an Explorer Unit Steward and make a difference in the lives of our youngest campers (ages 7‑9). You’ll support and coach our amazing cabin leaders, plan epic weekly activities, and address camper behavior with patience and positivity. You’ll also help plan and implement exciting all‑camp games that everyone will love. If you love the great outdoors and have previous camp and leadership experience, this is the perfect role for you.

Our Summer Overnight Camp Age Group Explorer Steward will be part of our summer leadership support staff – STEWARDS, which stands for staff team ensuring we all receive direct support. As the Explorer Unit Lead Steward you will help create a positive, nurturing environment for all. You will play a pivotal role in helping our staff care for campers, ensuring they reach their fullest potential and supporting the overall success of camp.

• Plans, organizes, and executes age‑group activities
• Assists with camper check‑in and check‑out
• Supervises campers and oversees program success
• When required, stays in a cabin overnight with campers
• Teaches skills and activities as needed
• Encourages growth in spirit, mind, and body and promotes positive character development
• Ensures the safety, health, and inclusion of all campers
• Oversees maintenance and cleanliness of cabins for campers and staff
• Plans and implements program activities that are culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate and consistent with YMCA values
• Demonstrates dedication to the job, camp participants, and the YMCA cause
• Adheres to program standards, including safety and cleanliness
• Attends staff meetings and trainings
• Follows YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention, and emergencies
• Effectively communicates camp rules, procedures, and schedule to campers, acting as a role model
• Communicates with parents in a professional manner when needed
• Cultivates positive relationships and maintains effective communication with parents, children, and other staff, modeling relationship‑building skills
• Supervises during swim time; staff are required to supervise both in and out of the water
• Maintains appearance of camp through cleanliness and a "It's My Camp" attitude
• Acts as a servant leader to help the overall success of camp
• Has fun

• Values – models and teaches the Y’s values
• Inclusion – champions inclusion activities, strategies, and initiatives
• Relationships – builds relationships to create small communities
• Communication – effectively tailors communications to the appropriate audience
• Developing Others – provides staff with feedback, coaching, guidance, and support
• Quality Results – holds staff accountable for high‑quality results using a formal process to measure progress
• Project Management – develops plans and manages best practices through engagement of the team

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• High‑school graduate or equivalent
• Two or more years of college/trade school or previous experience working with children, preferably in an overnight camp setting
• Experience working with youth and supervising staff
• Certifications:
  
  CPR, AED & First Aid
• Must complete online training prior to arrival at camp
• Strong desire to work with children in the outdoors
• Ability to self‑regulate emotions in a fast‑paced community environment
• Commitment to working with a diverse staff and camper population
• Enthusiastic, engaged and professional personality
• Flexible approach to working hours and responsibilities
• Ability to follow instructions and schedules
• Experience preferred in at least two or more of the following areas: outdoor living, archery, canoeing, camping, songs/music, skits, sports, aquatics, recreational games, etc.
• Previous summer camp experience preferred
• Previous experience with diverse populations preferred

• Starting pay $400.00 per week
• Additional compensation for specialized certifications (e.g., lifeguard, ropes)
• Housing is provided for the summer
• Camp shirts are provided
• Meals are provided
• All training certification cost and time are paid for
• Free laundry facilities

• Physical demands include planning, leading, and participating in a range of activities in outdoor/indoor settings; may be required to lift up to 50 pounds
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job

APPLY TODAY and take charge of your adventure.

Starting pay $400 per week plus room and board.