Lead Camp Counselor - Somerset, NJ

An exciting opportunity to join the team of a progressive YMCA located in vibrant Somerset County, New Jersey. The YMCA is one of the nation's leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibilit ...

Job description

An exciting opportunity to join the team of a progressive YMCA located in vibrant Somerset County, New Jersey. The YMCA is one of the nation's leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. With a 150-year-old history, Greater Somerset County YMCA (GSCY) is a pillar of the community and has seven locations across three counties, which collectively serve upwards of 30,000 individuals. GSCY has 100 full-time and 950 part-time employees along with operating revenues to $22+ million.

The Y empowers everyone—no matter who they are or where they are from. To fulfill our purpose of strengthening community for all, GSCY is committed to being an inclusive organization and leveraging our collective impact to address social inequities. To learn more about GSCY, visit our website:

POSITION SUMMARY

CAMP SOAR 2026

Camp SOAR is seeking a Lead Camp Counselor responsible for supervising a group of children. The Lead Camp Counselor establishes relationships with children and their parents while providing a safe, pleasant and caring atmosphere during Summer Camp. 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. 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 experience. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Keeps campers and counselors focused and engaged in camp activities. 
• Assist Specialist during activity periods. 
• 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. Effectively communicates daily happenings and incidents to parents/guardians of campers 
• Learn camper's names. Respond to campers needs. 
• Assist Specialists and all camp staff 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 while planning all 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. 
• Use redirection to appropriate activities when needed and use positive reinforcement to commend good choices. 
• Teach and instill the Four Core Values of the YMCA in all camp activities: Caring, Respect, Honesty, & Responsibility. 
• Maintains group backpack including group binder, camper information sheets, necessary medications when off site, and first aid kit  
• Handles all behavior, medical, and other incidents within their group, requesting assistance from camp leadership when necessary   
• Act as requested by the supervisor. 

SAFETY:

• Attend regular staff meetings scheduled by supervisor. 
• 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. 
• Report all immediate concerns to Camp Director or nearest supervisor. 
• Follow supervision of bus counselors and help to ensure safety, expedient procedures and fun activities on the bus. Lead bus songs, stories and games. 

OTHER DUTIES:

• Always maintain a professional demeanor, as you are a representative of the YMCA. 
• Wear Camp T-shirt daily. 
• Maintain 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. 
• Uphold GSCY's More Quality At The Y principles at all times. 

Requirements

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 
• 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. 
• CPR, First Aid, AED certifications and Child Abuse Prevention training within 30 days of hire date. 
• 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. 
• Sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions and to supervise program activities in a wide variety of indoor and outdoor locations (depending upon the programs). 
• Ability to work in a variety of environments, specifically those subject to extreme heat and humidity. 
• Physically and mentally able to respond to emergencies and administer CPR and First Aid 
• Ability to plan, lead and participate in a range of activities in a variety of outdoor/indoor settings. 

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. 

Benefits of working part-time at GSCY include:

• FREE Individual Membership Access to any YMCA in the Nation.
• 10% Discount on most programming at Greater Somerset County YMCA.
• Access to one of the leading retirement programs "Y Retirement Fund" from the first day of employment.
• Opportunities for professional development, mentoring, growth, and promotion throughout the YMCA Movement.
• Supportive and inclusive community for people of all backgrounds and access to Employee Resource Networks.

Greater Somerset County YMCA is a drug free work environment. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information who share our values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility.