Camp Counselors are responsible for providing positive leadership and guidance to children in their assigned camp groups while developing and implementing creative and meaningful activities in areas like archery, nature activities, and team building. They must also participate in duties like extended care, swimming, bus supervision, and maintaining discipline while ensuring camper safety.
Requirements summary
Candidates must be at least 18 years of age and obtain First Aid/CPR certification within 60 days of hire, with the YMCA providing training. Essential requirements include the ability to lead activities, supervise campers, model positive behavior, assist in emergencies, and demonstrate enthusiasm, patience, and a commitment to working with children.
CommunicationRelationship BuildingTeam ParticipationPatienceDecision-MakingDiscipline MaintenanceGroup SupervisionEmotional MaturityActivity DevelopmentQuality ResultsInclusion FosteringSafety Guideline ImplementationDiversity SupportPositive LeadershipYouth Development PrinciplesCore Value Communication
Job description
Job Title: Tall Pines Camp Counselor
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Job Type: Seasonal
Reports to: Camp Director
Now hiring for summer 2026!
Seasonal Staff Benefits
Retirement accounts (You can contribute at any time, but the Y will contribute 12% after two years of service with 1,000 hours in each of the two years)
Complimentary nationwide 2 adult family membership to the Y
Paid time off (Accrue 1 hour of paid time off for every 30 hours worked)
Discounts on programs, summer camps, YMCA Camp Miller
Team member referral program
Employee engagement and appreciation activities
Employee assistance program
Growth and development opportunities
Leadership certification and related training offered and encouraged
Summary/Objective Camp Counselors provide a safe and fun atmosphere where children can make new friends, learn new skills, and enjoy being outside.
Our Culture
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture.
In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day.
We are welcoming: we are open to all.
We are a place where you can belong and become.
We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality.
We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world.
We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential.
We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with you.
Essential Functions
Provides positive leadership and guidance to children in their camp groups
Develops and implement creative and meaningful activities in one or more of the following areas: archery, fishing, forest exploration, nature activities, gaga ball, group games, team building activities, field games, arts and crafts, and core value conversations.
Benefits
Paid time off
Employee assistance program
Discounts on programs
Growth and development opportunities
Team member referral program
Retirement accounts
Complimentary nationwide 2 adult family membership to the Y
Summer camps
Employee engagement and appreciation activities
Leadership certification and related training
Participates in the duties of extended care, swimming, and bus supervision
Takes responsibility for maintaining discipline in assigned groups
Attends all assigned meetings or trainings
Applies basic youth development principles in working with campers through communication, relationship development, respect for diversity, involvement, and empowerment of youth
Implements safety guidelines and assures campers are always properly supervised
Participates as a member of the camp staff team to deliver opening/closing ceremonies, themed week activities, rainy day activities, and camp events.
Works to be responsible for a group of 10 to 18 campers throughout the day
Fosters an inclusive environment appreciative of differences in the workplace.
Meaningfully participate in and lead efforts to support the Y’s commitment to equity and diversity
Fosters effective conversation relating to the Y’s core values of respect, responsibility, caring, and honesty.
YMCA Competencies
Mission Advancement
Values: Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs.
Collaboration
Inclusion: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions.
Relationships
Builds rapport and relates to others.
Communication
Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively.
Operational Effectiveness
Decision-Making: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another.
Quality
Results: Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.
Personal Growth
Change
Capacity: Demonstrates an openness to change and seeks opportunities in the change process.
Emotional
Maturity: Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths, and limitations and how they impact relationships.
Supervisory Responsibility
This position does not have supervisory responsibilities of any staff.
Work Environment
Camp is held outside for most of the day. All day camp staff will encounter uneven walking conditions and a variety of weather conditions. Staff will be exposed to elements of nature including sun and water. They may encounter ticks and mosquitoes.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Ability to communicate and work with groups participating (age and skill levels) and provide necessary instruction to campers and staff.
Ability to observe camper and staff behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques.
Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards of the site and facilities and camper and staff behavior.
Physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid. Must be able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury) and possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Ability to navigate over uneven terrain.
Operates with daily exposure to the sun and heat and exposure to various animals, plants, and environmental conditions
Occasionally sit, climb, or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
The Camp Counselor position is a seasonal position.
Travel
Counselors may be required to travel. Travel will generally be conducted by the Superior School District busses from Superior to Camp Tall Pines in the morning, and Camp Tall Pines to Superior in the afternoon. Staff may drive to Camp Tall Pines if approved by the Camp Director.
Required Education and Experience
At least 18 years of age (or older)
Obtain certification in First Aid/CPR (YMCA provides this training during the first week of staff training) within 60 days of hire. Higher levels of certification are accepted.
Able to accompany campers to main program areas, lead small and large group activities, supervise campers’ participation in structured and unstructured activities, demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of campers served, interact appropriately with campers and staff in all types of situations, appropriately model behavior, and use of positive behavior management techniques.
Able to assist campers in emergencies (fire, severe weather, injury, etc.). Must have enthusiasm, patience, creativity, common sense, and a commitment to work with children and ability to build relationships with people.
Commitment of supporting principles of equal opportunity and affirmative action to achieve a diverse work environment.
Preferred Education and Experience
Previous experience working with children
Previous experience in one or more of the following areas: outdoor living, archery, boating, camping, sports, aquatics, or recreational games
Holding a certification as a lifeguard is strongly encouraged and preferred, but not required (Lifeguard classes can be provided for staff who are not certified but are interested in pursuing this opportunity).
Demonstrate effective communication.
Enthusiasm, patience, creativity, common sense and a commitment to working with children.
Additional Eligibility Qualifications
The Camp Counselor will be required to pass a background check.
EEO Statement
The Lake Superior YMCA (the Y) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, the Y complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absences, compensation, and training.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Market context
Maine camp counselor role needs strong supervision skills
In Maine, camp counselor roles are often competitive because employers look for candidates who can safely supervise children, lead activities, and respond calmly in emergencies. This position requires you to be at least 18 and to obtain First Aid/CPR within 60 days, with training provided by the YMCA. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then highlight any youth leadership, safety, or activity-planning experience in your application.
