Assistant Camp Counselor

Description Join Our Summer Camp Team

Looking for a fun summer job with daytime hours and no late nights? The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA is hiring Summer Camp Assistant Counselors to help create a safe, active, and memorable experience for local campers this summer.

If you enjoy working with children, being active, and supporting a team environment, we encourage you to apply.

Our culture

• Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. At 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: We are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with you.

Requirements

Position Title

Assistant Counselor Reports To: Camp Director Department: Camp Classification: Part Time, Non-Exempt, Seasonal Compensation: $15.00-$17.00/hour

Position Summary

The Summer Camp Assistant Counselor supports the daily operations of camp while helping provide a fun, engaging, and safe environment for children. This role works closely with Lead Counselors and camp leadership to assist with activities, camper supervision, and day-to-day camp routines. Assistant Counselors play an important role in creating a positive camp experience for all participants.

Essential functions

Assist with camper supervision during before and after care Support Lead Counselors with daily camp activities and group programming Participate in games, activities, and camp routines throughout the day Help maintain a safe, positive, and inclusive environment for campers Communicate concerns, incidents, or camper needs to camp leadership Arrive prepared, on time, and ready to contribute positively each day Interact professionally with campers, families, and fellow staff Wear required camp uniform shirt and employee identification during shifts Complete additional duties as assigned by camp leadership

Qualifications

Must be at least 16 years old Must provide three professional or personal references Applicants age 18 or older must successfully complete a DHHS Child Abuse & Neglect background check Dependable, enthusiastic, and able to work well with others Strong communication and teamwork skills Commitment to YMCA mission and values Ability to work flexible summer hours from 6/15/2026 through 8/21/2026 Current CPR/AED and First Aid certification required prior to 6/15/2026 (YMCA training available) WORKING CONDITIONS: Mandatory paid training week: 6/8/2026 – 6/12/2026 CPR/AED and First Aid certifications must be completed before camp begins CORE COMPETENCIES: Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s vales. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.

Collaboration

• Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist developing others.
• Operational
• Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.
• Personal
• Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.