The Junior Camp Counselor provides direct supervision of children in a seasonal day camp, focusing on keeping campers engaged, assisting specialists, and fostering positive relationships with campers and families. This role involves implementing activities, maintaining cleanliness, upholding safety standards, and modeling the YMCA's Four Core Values.
Requirements summary
Candidates must be a high school student or equivalent and at least 16 years old, with previous experience working with children, preferably in a day camp setting (CIT experience preferred). An interest in specific activity areas like sports, aquatics, or outdoor living is also required.
Description Day Camp Junior Counselor This position supports the work of the YMCA, a leading nonprofit organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
The Day Camp Junior Counselor provides direct supervision of children in a seasonal day camp program and creates positive, nurturing relationships with campers while building cooperative relationships with parents and caregivers.
The role promotes the potential of all youth and encourages peer-to-peer connections as part of the overall camp experience.
Essential Functions Keep campers focused and engaged in camp activities.
Assist Specialists during activity periods.
Greet campers consistently with enthusiasm and positivity.
Develop positive relationships with member families and understand their connection to the YMCA.
Learn campers’ names and respond to camper needs.
Assist the Senior Counselor, Specialists, and all camp staff in implementing themes, special events, trips, and daily activities.
Encourage campers’ youth development and personal growth.
Help maintain cleanliness within the camp group.
Work cooperatively with all camp staff when planning and carrying out activities.
Perform all responsibilities with enthusiasm and commitment, treating campers and staff with respect and care.
Use redirection and positive reinforcement to promote appropriate behavior and good choices.
Teach and model the YMCA’s Four Core Values: Caring, Respect, Honesty, and Responsibility.
Perform additional duties as requested by the supervisor.
Safety Responsibilities Attend regular staff meetings scheduled by the supervisor.
Complete all required trainings.
Uphold camp safety standards at all times, including maintaining constant camper counts.
Understand and follow risk management and emergency policies and procedures.
Assist with group control and lunchtime activities.
Follow all Association Aquatics Policy Guidelines.
Carry out assigned aquatic responsibilities and assist with safe, efficient pool transitions.
Follow all YMCA, ACA, and NJ Licensing standards to ensure camper safety and program quality.
Complete and submit all accident reports.
Report immediate concerns to the Camp Director or nearest supervisor.
Assist with bus supervision, ensuring safety, efficiency, and engagement through songs, stories, and games.
Other Duties Maintain a professional demeanor as a representative of the YMCA.
Wear the camp T-shirt daily.
Demonstrate a positive attitude, responsibility, self-motivation, punctuality, and reliability.
Create a positive and nurturing learning environment that supports youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
Requirements
Qualifications
High school student or equivalent. Previous experience working with children, preferably in a day camp setting (CIT experience preferred). Interest in one or more activity areas such as outdoor living, archery, boating, camping, music, skits, sports, aquatics, or recreational games. Must be at least 16 years of age. Previous experience working with diverse populations preferred. YMCA Competencies (Leader Level) Mission Advancement: Demonstrates YMCA values and a desire to serve others and the community.
Collaboration
Works effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds; communicates clearly and remains calm in challenging situations.
Operational
Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, embraces new approaches, participates actively in planning and meetings, and follows policies and procedures.
Personal
Growth: Seeks self-development, adapts to change, understands personal strengths and limitations, and applies best practices and current skills. Work Environment & Physical Demands Ability to plan, lead, and participate in activities in both indoor and outdoor settings. Physical demands are representative of those required to perform essential job functions; reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.
Market context
New Jersey seasonal camp roles need certifications
In New Jersey, seasonal camp and recreation roles often draw steady interest when they require lifeguarding and safety credentials. This type of position is competitive because employers look for candidates who already have, or can quickly obtain, Red Cross Lifeguarding, CPR, and First Aid certification; the listed sign-on bonus and training support can help offset that. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your certifications and apply early.
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