Overnight Camp - Sr Counselor

YMCA Buffalo Niagara operates two premier summer overnight camps in Western New York.
 

YMCA Camp Kenan (CampKenan.com) overlooks beautiful Lake Ontario on 50 acres near Barker, NY.

YMCA Camp Weona (CampWeona.com) is nestled among 800 acres of hills and forests in Gainesville, NY.  

When applying for this job, you will be asked to select the overnight camp location you would prefer to work at.

Camp activities include swimming, archery, low & high ropes challenges, climbing wall, gaga ball, arts & crafts, nature, science, and more.

The Y is looking for talented individuals with a passion for the YMCA’s mission and cause, an understanding of YMCA programs and services, and whose everyday values reflect the core YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

YMCA Buffalo Niagara is an equal opportunity employer committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Supervises a group of campers. Provides leadership and guidance and ensures the safety of campers.

GENERAL WORK SCHEDULE:

This is a residential position where food and lodging are provided during hours of work. The work week follows the camper session which begins each Sunday and ends on Friday with a 24 hour break in-between. Dates of employment include a week of training starting June 22, 2025, 7 weeks of program, and concludes on August 16, 2025.

BENEFITS:

Complimentary YMCA Buffalo Niagara Membership, discounted program fees, paid sick leave, training and leadership development opportunities, and an outstanding work environment. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Provide guidance to the camper group to successfully participate in all camp activities.
2. Ensure the health and safety of campers. Carry out established health and safety plans.
3. Develop activities for the camper group for cabin free choice, inclement weather, and devotional activities.
4. Supervise all assigned aspects of the campers’ day including reveille, cabin clean-up, mealtimes, rest hour, evening activities, getting ready for bed, after-hours duty, and the submission of all necessary paperwork.
5. Follow and implement all emergency procedures such as fire drills and emergency evacuation.
6. Develop and maintain positive relationships with campers, ensuring an outstanding camp experience.
7. Identify and resolve problems. Implement appropriate discipline techniques and procedures. Report difficult problems to the supervisor.
8. Follow and enforce department protocol to clean and disinfect commonly used surfaces. Ensure PPE compliance.
9. Maintain the cleanliness and organization of program/work areas.
10. Follow and enforce all camp rules and regulations such as those pertaining to smoking, use of alcoholic beverages, illegal use of controlled substances, and staff/camper fraternization.
11. Participate with campers in the pool during swim lessons and free swim.
12. Attend staff meetings and training sessions as scheduled.
13. Implements ongoing safety checks to ensure a healthy and safe camp environment. Implement emergency procedures when necessary.
14. Communicate effectively with parents of campers.
15. Always remain with assigned groups, and keep constant, visual track of all assigned campers unless relieved by a qualified staff person.
16. Perform additional duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Must be 18 years old or a high school graduate.
2. Minimum of one year experience as a Junior Counselor, Counselor in Training, or other equivalent.
3. Desire and ability to work with children in an outdoor setting.
4. Demonstrates the YMCA core values of caring, responsibility, honesty, and respect.
5. Able to successfully lead activities for children in a camp environment.

Daily pay rate: $41.00