Summer Camp Counselor

Camp Counselor – Ridgewood YMCA

LOCATION: Ridgewood, NJ

REPORTS TO: Director of Childcare + Camp

DURATION: Seasonal – Summer

SALARY: $15.92 – $16.50 hourly

At the Ridgewood Y, our mission and core values are driven by the five pillars of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, and community. Since 1902, our nonprofit has served youth, adults, and families across Northern New Jersey and the Camp Bernie area, as part of the worldwide YMCA movement. Through programs that nurture youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, we build spirit, mind, and body for all.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcome applicants from all walks of life.

• Complimentary membership to the Ridgewood YMCA for you, or discounted membership for your immediate family, including access to pools, fitness centers, and group fitness classes
• 25% discount on programming and events
• Retirement savings & 403(b) Smart Account after eligibility requirements are met

As a Camp Counselor at the Ridgewood YMCA, you will foster a welcoming, inclusive environment that values every individual, nurtures the potential of all youth, and delivers a high‑quality experience for children and their families.

• Supervision & Engagement – Supervise and actively engage a group of children in all camp activities, ensuring full participation and fostering a positive group dynamic. Build strong relationships with campers to identify individual needs and interests, ensuring program goals are met.
• Safety & Risk Management – Enforce all safety and health protocols, understand emergency procedures, and model appropriate behavior to minimize risks. Monitor campers’ physical well‑being, participate in weekly safety programs, respond to injuries according to policy, and report all incidents. Promote a clean, safe, and inclusive environment and make ADA accommodations as needed.
• Purposeful Programming – Lead developmentally appropriate, culturally relevant activities aligned with YMCA values that support program outcomes and nurture each child’s growth.

• Positive Communication – Maintain clear and effective communication with directors regarding camper activities, progress, and well‑being. Help ensure families feel confident in the care and supervision provided.
• Youth Empowerment – Create opportunities for campers to lead, make decisions, and reflect on their experiences, promoting growth in confidence and responsibility.
• Child Protection – Ensure the safety and well‑being of all children under Ridgewood YMCA care, including recognizing and reporting signs or suspicions of abuse to the appropriate state agency.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support camp operations and the camper experience.

• Integrity and ability to work independently with attention to detail.
• Demonstrated leadership and dependability.
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
• CPR and First Aid preferred.
• Prior experience working with children preferred.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Must remain alert at all times, with strong awareness of safety protocols and the surrounding environment.
• Must have adequate hearing and vision to monitor both the environment and the well‑being of children.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. in a variety of situations.
• May be required to sit, stand, walk, or engage in physical activity for extended periods, particularly in outdoor settings.
• Must be physically capable of and actively participate in play and sports activities.

Legal Notice:
The Ridgewood YMCA is a 501(C)(3) Non‑Profit Organization. Donations are tax‑exempt. FEIN: .