2026 Batavia Day Camp/Rec Counselor

Position dates

We've started building our summer team and are looking for awesome people to join us! If you love working with kids, want to be a positive role model, and are excited about creating unforgettable memories that last a lifetime, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and make this summer one to remember! Summer Camp operates Monday-Friday, 7am-6pm, from June 29th - August 28th. Summer Rec operates Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm, July 6th - August 14th. Staff are scheduled between 20-40 hours a week based on employee availability. The positions will be determined based on availability, preference, interview, and experience. As a condition of employment, you must be available to attend 2-3 on site training days in June.

Position Summary

This position supports the work of the YMCA, 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/recreation program. Creates positive, nurturing relationships with children, while building cooperative relationships with parents/caregivers. Promotes and supports the potential of all youth in programs and facilitates peer-to-peer connections as part of the overall camp/rec experience. The Counselor directly supervises campers and motivates them to participate in the daily activities. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Supervises a group of children, responsible for the health, welfare and safety of the campers. Plans and implements program activities that are culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate and consistent with YMCA values. Adheres to program standards including safety and cleanliness standards. Provide direct leadership to the assigned group and maintain constant visual contact with all assigned children. Implement the weekly lesson plans and encourage camper participation. Build enthusiasm for programs. Follows YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention and emergencies. Cultivates positive relationships and maintains effective communication with parents, children and other staff. Models relationship-building skills in all interactions. Assist the staff team members with planning and implementation of camp/rec activities. Accurately complete all required paperwork including attendance records, accident/incident reports, etc. Notify parents of attendance as appropriate. Follow all YMCA and regulatory agency policies and procedures. Maintain friendly relationships with campers, parents, counselors and other YMCA staff. Keep the program areas neat, clean, organized and free from clutter. Attend staff meetings, trainings, and recruitment events as assigned. Be on time, appropriately dressed, ready to begin program as scheduled. Performs other duties as assigned. 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

Previous experience working with children preferably in a day camp/recreation setting. Experience preferred in one or more of the following areas: group work/activities, child development, arts & crafts and physical fitness are preferred, etc... At least 16 years of age CPR, First Aid, New Employee Orientation and Child Abuse Prevention certifications required by July 1st, and maintained throughout the summer season. Previous experience with diverse populations preferred. WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Vision, hearing, speech an movement abilities in order to provide safe supervision of children at all times. Ability to interact with children in land-based or water-based activities as required. 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.