Day Camp Counselor

The Northwest YMCA is dedicated to strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. As a Northwest YMCA Day Camp Counselor, you will play a key role in creating a fun, safe, and engaging environment for campers. You will lead activities that promote learning, teamwork, and personal growth, ensuring each child has a meaningful and memorable summer experience. This position is ideal for individuals who are passionate about working with children and making a positive impact in their community.

This role requires enthusiasm, creativity, strong leadership skills, and a passion for working with children. Counselors will be responsible for supervising campers, leading activities, ensuring safety, and fostering a positive camp experience.

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture—it’s who we are. We don’t just show up—we show up with purpose.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and actively engage with campers in daily activities, including sports, arts & crafts, outdoor adventures, and team-building exercises.
• Ensure a safe, inclusive, and positive environment for all campers.
• Lead and facilitate age-appropriate games and educational activities.
• Act as a role model, demonstrating YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
• Monitor camper behavior, provide positive reinforcement, and address conflicts when necessary.
• Assist in daily camp operations, including check-in, check-out, and maintaining organized activity areas.
• Communicate effectively with campers, parents, and fellow staff members.
• Follow all YMCA policies, procedures, and safety guidelines.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Previous experience working with children preferred.
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions and actively participate in physical activities.
• Strong leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.
• CPR, First Aid, and Child Abuse Prevention certification (or willingness to obtain before camp starts).

MISSION
To put Christian principles into practice through programs, services and relationships that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

YMCA COMPETENCIES:  

• Values - Accepts and demonstrates the Y's values.
• Inclusion - Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions.
• Relationships - Builds rapport and relates well to others. 
• Communication - Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively.
• Developing Others - Takes initiative to assist in developing others.
• Quality Results - Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.
• Project Management - Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work, and actively participates in meetings.

 AREAS OF IMPACT:

• The YMCA is an organization that serves all people, from all backgrounds and all walks of life. 
• Our purpose is to strengthen community. Our areas of impact include:
  Youth Development: Empowering young people to reach their full potential.
• Healthy Living: Improving individual and community well-being.
   Social Responsibility: Providing support and inspiring action in our communities