The Day Camp Counselor leads a specific age group through daily recreational and educational activities while ensuring camper safety and emotional well-being. They also assist with swim instruction, maintain attendance records, and model the YMCA's core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
Requirements summary
Candidates must be at least 16 years old with experience working with children in youth programs or camp settings. Applicants are required to hold or obtain First Aid, CPR, and Oxygen certifications and demonstrate a passion for nurturing children.
Summer Day Camp Counselors - Camp Burbank (Wakefield/Reading) Department
Child
Development:
Day
Camp
Employment
Type:
Seasonal -
Full
Time
Location:
Burbank
YMCA
Compensation: $15.00 - $19.00 / hour
Description Locations: Wakefield, Reading, North Reading
YMCA Day Camp Counselor may hold roles with titles and functions that include Art, Sports & STEM
Summer Camp Counselor, Summer Camp Art Counselor, Summer Camp Sports Counselor, Summer Camp STEM Counselor Under the direction of the Site Director, the Day Camp Counselors leads a specific age group of children through a schedule of daily activities that allows children to learn and play at the same time, explore the community they live in, participate in sports and swimming and develop positive relationships. Day Camp counselors model the Y’s leadership core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.
Key Responsibilities Leadership Emphasizes personal safety and emotional well-being with campers, parents and other camp personnel at all times.
Camper safety is a top priority.
Interprets the quality of YMCA values to campers, CIT's, parents and staff.
Must be a positive role model.
Develops appropriate relationships with all campers in their care.
Understands, establishes, and abides by appropriate boundaries.
Plans and implements recreational and educational programs that emphasize group participation with an appropriate amount of choice.
Uses positive, constructive methods of discipline/positive reinforcement, and ensures that all staff does the same.
Communicates respectfully, openly and effectively with all staff, parents and children.
Assists pool staff during daily swim instruction and aids lifeguards during free swim time.
Program Implementation Keeps daily attendance records for assigned group.
Stays alert to camper needs by practicing active listening.
Frequently takes a name to face roll call, at the beginning, during, and end of each activity period.
Benefits
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Retirement plan
Vacation time
Sick time
Free YMCA membership
Discount on specialty programs
Discounted or free family membership
Reports all accidents and unusual incidents immediately to appropriate supervisors and completes necessary documentation.
Communicates program information, problems, and concerns as they occur.
Assists with planning and implementing of daily camp activities, camp special events and Family Night activities.
Actively participates in all aspects of camp daily leadership schedule including openings, closings, and extended hours.
Attends all staff meetings and training sessions.
Becomes familiar with training materials and actively incorporates them in their day today interactions and work with campers.
Maintains and cares for all program areas and supplies.
Ensures that campers treat all equipment, supplies, and camp property responsibly.
Performs other duties as required by supervisor (remains flexible).
Demonstrates a willingness to help where needed and actively seeks to develop oneself.
Abides by the established YMCA/DPH/ACA day camp policies, procedures, regulations, and guidelines and asks when in doubt. #indcd
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise Skills and Competencies
Must demonstrate cultural sensitivity and utilize effective communication skills. Possesses a knowledge of group process – collaborative style of working within a team. Must possess current First Aid, Oxygen, and CPR certifications and as required by the specific camp; or successfully complete YMCA provided First Aid, CPR, Child Abuse/Sexual Abuse Prevention Training upon hire. 7D license recommended to assist with transportation to and from camp and on field trips. Must be available up to 40 hours per week, Monday through
Friday for an 9 hour shift with a one hour break between the hours of 8:00am-5:00pm. Must be available for overtime as necessary.
Physical
Demands: Must have the physical ability to lead and participate in all physical camp games and activities. Works in a busy indoor environment; leads outside activities as well. May be expected to be in the water during all swim periods.
Education/Experience: Must be at least 16 years of age and have a passion for working with and nurturing children. Experience working with children (youth programs, camp settings or related field); understand the needs of children.
Benefits
Why work at the Y?
The YMCA of Greater Boston is an incredible place to have a fulfilling career or enjoy part-time employment — all while we are supporting and strengthening our communities, because our community is our cause.
When you join us in your career here, you can look forward to: Developing your leadership skills in a caring, challenging & diverse working environment.
Exploring a wide range of opportunities as you learn new skills and functions.
Shaping the future of young children while making a difference each day for our communities and each other.
Engaging in YMCA career training programs and working alongside those who have the same passion.
A healthy work/life balance Comprehensive benefits including: FREE YMCA Membership for you.
Discount on Specialty Programs like Personal Training and Swimming Lessons.
Discounted or FREE family membership.
Robust Retirement Plan up to 10%. (see eligibility requirement) Health, Dental, and Vision Benefit Package.
Vacation and Sick Time (PT receive sick time)
Market context
Massachusetts support roles stay competitive
In Massachusetts, other support roles often draw steady interest because employers look for candidates who meet basic age, education, and background-check requirements while bringing relevant experience. These roles can be competitive when schedules, workplace culture, and access to benefits like wellness events or fitness memberships matter, and this platform’s AI-summarized requirements and benefits help you review the original posting faster. Before applying, confirm your education and experience match the stated minimums and prepare any documentation needed for the state-mandated screening.
