Senior Counselors

Description Exciting Growth Ahead!We're excited to announce that we'll be opening our new West Essex YMCA in December 2026! As we get closer to our opening date, we'll be adding a variety of new positions across multiple departments. If you don't see the right opportunity today, be sure to check back regularly—new roles will be posted throughout the year as we continue to grow. We look forward to welcoming new team members to our expanding organization!

Position Summary

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Provides direct supervision of a group of children in a seasonal day camp. The Senior Counselor is responsible for a group of children and always supports the ongoing supervision of all campers throughout the camp day. The Senior Counselor helps children adjust to camp according to camp rules and safety precautions, form cohesive groups and enjoy their activities. The Senior Counselor creates positive, nurturing relationships with children, while building cooperative relationships with parents/caregivers. He or she is responsible for the planning and delivery of the variety of activities on regular camp days and supports the efforts of the Director and camp activities. Promotes and supports the potential of all youth in programs and facilitates peer-to-peer connections as part of the overall camp experience.

Requirements

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Supervise and keep Junior Counselors and campers focused on their camp responsibilities. Assist all Specialists during activity periods, keeping all staff and campers engaged. Learn camper’s names. Respond to campers needs. To consistently greet campers with a smile and treat them with enthusiasm. Develop positive relationships with member families and learn why they come to our Y. Be knowledgeable regarding the Strong Kids Campaign and its purpose. Assist in carrying out themes, special events, trips, and all camp activities. Encourage camper’s youth development progress. Help group maintain camp cleanliness. Work cooperatively with all camp staff. Plan, implement, and lead designated camp activities. Perform the above responsibilities in an enthusiastic and committed manner. Do more than the minimum for campers. Treat them as special. Treat campers and fellow staff members with respect. Teach and instill the Four Core Values of the YMCA in all camp activities: Caring, Respect, Honesty, & Responsibility. Act as requested by the supervisor. Create a positive and nurturing learning environment to instill youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Safety

• Must attend and complete all required trainings. At all times uphold camp safety standards. Maintain constant face counts. Will understand and practice risk management and disaster policies and procedures. Help maintain group control and facilitate lunch time activities. Must follow all Association Aquatics Policy Guidelines. Take on designated assignments for aquatic activities. Help expedite arrival and departure from the pool (i.e. dressing rooms, etc.). Follow all YMCA, ACA, and NJ Licensing standards and procedures to ensure the safest and best quality camp and to help maintain ACA accreditation. Secure and submit all accident reports, special plans, schedule changes, and evaluations to Camp Director when appropriate. Report all immediate concerns to Camp Director or nearest supervisor. Follow supervision of bus counselors and help to insure safety, expedient procedures and fun activities on the bus. Lead bus songs, stories and games.
• Use two methods of discipline with campers to include: redirection to appropriate activities and using positive reinforcement to commend good choices.
• Other
• Duties: Always maintain a professional demeanor, as you are a representative of the YMCA. Wear a Camp T-shirt daily. Maintain a positive attitude, responsibility and self-motivation. Be punctual and reliable. Create a positive and nurturing learning environment to instill youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
• YMCA
• COMPETENCIES (Leader):
• Mission
• Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Ys values. 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 in 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.

Qualifications

High school student or equivalent. Previous experience working with children preferably in a day camp setting, with a minimum of two previous camp seasons as a Counselor. Interest preferred in one or more of the following areas: outdoor living, archery, boating, camping, songs/music, skits, sports, aquatics, recreational games, etc. At least 18 years of age. Previous experience with diverse populations preferred. WORK ENVIRONMENT & 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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Ability to plan, lead and participate in a range of activities in a variety of outdoor/indoor settings.