2026 Warlick Summer Camp Specialist

GASTON COUNTY FAMILY YMCA•Gastonia, NC

11d•$11 - $13•Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Program Director and/or Camp Coordinator and consistent with the Gaston County Family YMCA Christian Mission, the Summer Camp Specialist is responsible for leading and building relationships with a group of children, while developing summer programming that is fun, culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate and safe. They provide a quality experience to children and parents with a focus on YMCA core values: honesty, respect, responsibility, and caring. A Summer Camp Specialist strengthens their professional, interpersonal and management skills through daily responsibilities of the job. The Summer Camp Specialist serves as a leader, educator, counselor, and role model who will participate in the planning and implementation of their content area as a part of the larger program for summer camp. The Specialist will represent YMCA Camp Tuscarora in a positive, professional manner, resulting in a creative, challenging and enjoyable camp experience for all. Specialty Camps include: Flag Football, Soccer, Basketball, Cheer, Creative Arts, Slimy Science, Dance and Lego Building.

Requirements

The Summer Camp Specialist must be a minimum of 19 years of age or older and have completed one year of college or previously employed at a residential camp or in a similar setting.
Minimum of 1 year of experience creating, teaching and implementing the content from their activity area in the field is required.
The Summer Camp Specialist must possess youth leadership experience, have excellent verbal and written communication skills, demonstrate a positive, cooperative attitude, and the ability to work with and understand the needs of children.
An appreciation of nature, outdoor living, and camping are essential.
The position may require the physical ability to: lead walks of a mile or more lift up to 50 lbs. be able to push, pull, hold, handle, or drag equipment up to 60 lbs. bend, squat, and kneel frequently
Must also have the physical ability to lead and participate in camp activities which include, but are not limited to: canoeing, building campfires, swimming, team building exercises, physical games and activities.
Must be able to work in 80-100 degree weather.
Current First Aid, CPR, and AED certifications.

Nice To Haves

Coursework and/or previous experience in Childhood Education, child care, or a related field is preferred.

Responsibilities

Participate in staff training, meetings, family programs, camp activities
Complete and submit daily attendance records for campers scheduled in your program area
Report all accidents and injuries to the Program Director, and complete accident/incident reports
Create, plan and implement activities in your Specialty Area that are new, developmentally appropriate, and within camp objectives for all scheduled groups
Create lesson plans and curriculum for each week in your specific activity area. Have plans ready prior to the week of implementation, and communicate effectively with counselors on how to assist you when teaching them
Assist camp directors with coordinating all activities and supplies, and other specialty programming
Assist in maintaining a balanced budget for camp by monitoring supply inventory, forecasting future needs, and providing a detailed list for purchasing supplies. Submit in a timely manner to the Program Director
Communicate professionally with campers and their families. Respond professionally to parents questions and concerns in a timely fashion
Work as a team member and utilize other staff members to assist when necessary
Mentor and help guide Counselors/Camp volunteers to have a deeper understanding of leadership and counseling skills
Responsible for the health and safety of all campers at all times
Know and follow correct camp procedures. Assist campers with emotional adjustments, personal growth, and teach respect toward others
Enthusiastically participate in all camp activities and motivate campers to participate in programs to their greatest ability
Increase and promote the campers’ understanding of the YMCA core values of Respect, Honesty, Responsibility, and Caring
Responsible for maintaining the quality of supplies, equipment, and materials. Promptly notify the Program Director of unsafe/hazardous conditions or equipment which needs maintenance or repair
Manage personal time off in accordance with camp schedule and policy. Log all your shifts in a timely and accurate manner
Increase campers and staff understanding of the natural environment and their responsibility to it. Encourage respect for personal property, camp equipment, and facilities
Maintain a clean, organized program area. Collaborate with camp staff to ensure the entire camp facility is neat, clean, safe, and orderly
Follow standards (safety and programming) set forth by The Gaston County YMCA and the camp directors
Actively engage and interact with the campers during snack and lunch time periods
Provide a positive and authoritative approach to guiding behavior using age-appropriate limits and choices
Uphold and exemplify the YMCA staff code of conduct
Adhere to policies related to boundaries with consumers
Attend/complete required abuse risk management training before working with consumers and on an annual basis
Adhere to procedures related to managing high-risk activities and supervising consumers
Follow mandated reporting requirements
Adhere to job specific abuse risk management responsibilities
Consistently follow safety procedures during instruction, transitions, and emergencies