The Camp Counselor supervises groups of children and plans developmentally appropriate activities to achieve program goals. They maintain a supportive environment while ensuring safety, compliance with policies, and positive engagement with families.
Requirements summary
Candidates should have a high school diploma and relevant certifications including CPR, First Aid, and AED. Previous experience working with children in a camp or recreational setting is preferred.
Function: This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Camp Counselor at Foothills Area YMCA maintains a supportive, positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals, promotes the potential of all youth, and provides a quality experience to both youth and their families. Supervises a group of children and program activities. Follows all policies, procedures, and standards as established by the law or the Y (e.g., safety or emergency procedures, behavior guidance strategies, child abuse prevention policies); makes ADA accommodations where appropriate; maintains the program site, equipment, and required program records. Nurtures children through purposeful programming; plans activities that are intended to achieve program goals and outcomes, are culturally relevant, are developmentally appropriate, and are consistent with the Y’s values. Creates a positive rapport and shared interest with all youth; models relationship-building skills in all interactions. Provides opportunities for youth to lead, problem-solve, and make decisions and choices within the program and provides daily opportunities for youth to reflect on and respond to their experiences. Provides and welcomes ongoing dialogue with parents and caregivers about their child’s needs and progress; connects families to the Y. Attends and participates in family nights, program activities, staff meetings, and staff training. Performs other duties as assigned.
QualificationsQualifications: High school diploma preferred Meets minimum age standards as established by state law and/or the Y. CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications required. Child Abuse Prevention training required within 30 days of hire. Previous experience working with children in a camp setting preferred.
Previous experience in one or more of the following areas preferred: outdoor living, archery, boating, camping, songs/music, skits, sports, aquatics, or recreational games. Previous experience working with diverse populations. Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds. Commitment to inclusion and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Physical
Requirements: 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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Ability to plan, lead, and participate in program activities in a variety of indoor and/or outdoor settings.
Employees
And
Volunteers
Who
Directly
Supervise
Youth
Will: Adhere to policies related to boundaries with youth. Attend required abuse risk management training. Adhere to procedures related to managing high-risk activities and supervising youth. Report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations. Follow mandated abuse reporting requirements.
Employees
And
Volunteers
Who
Do
Not
Directly
Supervise
Youth
Will: Adhere to policies related to boundaries with youth. Attend required abuse risk management training. Report suspicious and inappropriate behaviors and policy violations. Follow mandated abuse reporting requirements. Adhere to job specific abuse risk management responsibilities. Maintenance employees and volunteers—ensure unused rooms and closets remain locked; routinely monitor high-risk locations (locker rooms and bathrooms, hallways, stairwells), etc. Front desk personnel—ensure youth are properly signed in and signed out, ensures only authorized adults are allowed in the facility, etc. The above statements reflect the general details considered necessary to describe the essential functions of the job as identified, and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the position.
In South Carolina, roles in this category often draw steady interest because employers look for dependable candidates who can work directly with children or youth and meet basic safety standards. These positions are competitive when applicants already have current First Aid and CPR certifications, show emotional maturity and leadership, and can handle the physical demands of the work. Before applying, confirm your certifications are current and note any experience supporting groups, supervising activities, or meeting lifting and running requirements. Job requirements and benefits on this platform are AI-summarized from the original job description, helping candidates review key details faster.
