Arts & Earth Program Counselor

YMCA Of Greater Seattle • Eastsound, WA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Arts & Earth Program Counselors facilitate and supervise the arts studio, earth sciences programs, and Marine Salmon Center for campers and participants at Camp Orkila on Orcas Island, Washington. Activities include art projects, visits to a saltwater touch tank, the “Life in the Forest” tag game, archery, beach walks, and tactile activities such as Rope Bridge and Geodome. When not assigned to a program area, counselors supervise and provide enrichment to a specific group of campers, ensuring camper safety and supervision at all times. During staff training, counselors are supervised by Unit Directors and perform other duties as assigned.

This is a full-time, seasonal camp position. Staff typically work six days on and one day off, including training, staff meetings, and regular duties, and are required to live onsite at camp. Staff generally live in shared cabins with campers or shared housing with staff, depending on position and availability. The role operates both indoors and outdoors. Work travel is conducted by YMCA-authorized drivers. The position is exempt from minimum wage and overtime regulations under Washington State law.

The hiring range is $75 per day; returning staff earn $80 per day for a second season, $85 per day for a third season, and $90 per day for four or more seasons. Benefits listed include YMCA of Greater Seattle membership, free access to mental health resources, paid time off that accrues rapidly and is available immediately upon hire, and discounts on qualifying YMCA childcare and day camp programs. Some benefits are available only to full-time staff.

The YMCA emphasizes equity, culturally respectful service, and removing institutional and systemic barriers. Employees and volunteers must follow abuse-prevention policies, maintain appropriate boundaries, complete required training, report suspicious or inappropriate behavior, and comply with mandated reporting requirements. The organization also emphasizes proper screening, training, supervision, and accountability under its abuse risk-management standards. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Requirements

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Current CPR and First Aid certifications.
• 1–2 years of experience working with children, such as in camps, childcare, tutoring, nannying, or coaching.
• Demonstrated experience planning and implementing group activities.
• Ability to participate in rigorous outdoor physical activities, including hiking, boating, camping, and swimming.
• Ability to relate professionally to parents or caregivers, campers, and staff.
• Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience that provide the necessary knowledge, abilities, and skills may be considered.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including regularly talking or hearing; frequently standing, walking, handling or feeling objects, and reaching; using the vision abilities specified in the posting; and occasionally lifting or storing janitorial products and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Must live onsite at camp.
• Must adhere to abuse-prevention policies, appropriate-boundary expectations, required training, reporting obligations, and mandated reporting requirements.
• All job offers are contingent on a background check.

Nice To Haves

• One or more years of applicable education, training, and experience that provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position.
• Knowledge of and prior experience with diverse populations, including differences in language, culture, race, physical ability, and sexual orientation.
• Ability to speak a language in addition to English.
• Experience with anti-racism practices and coalition building.

Responsibilities

• Supervise campers, ensure they are accounted for, and maintain their safety at all times.
• Develop lesson plans and teach and facilitate developmentally appropriate arts and crafts, marine science, and earth science programs that support campers’ skills and character development.
• Lead and assist with all-camp special events.
• Provide leadership and supervision to developing teen leaders assigned to the program.
• Maintain high housekeeping standards in bathrooms, cabins, and the main lodge.
• Help keep program equipment in working condition and available.
• Help maintain program areas in a safe and orderly condition.
• Communicate personal or camper needs to a supervisor in a timely manner.
• Assist with off-site camper check-in or check-out.
• Attend staff meetings and trainings.
• Maintain relevant American Camping Association standards.
• Follow YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention, and emergencies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Adhere to abuse-prevention policies, maintain appropriate boundaries, complete required training, report suspicious or inappropriate behavior, and comply with mandated reporting requirements.

Benefits

• YMCA of Greater Seattle membership.
• Free access to mental health resources.
• Rapidly accruing paid time off available immediately upon hire.
• Discounts on qualifying YMCA of Greater Seattle childcare and day camp programs.
• Some benefits are available only to full-time staff.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed