Assistant Camp Counselor

Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges•Livingston, NJ

4d•Onsite

About The Position

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Assistant Camp Counselor for Summer Sprouts Pre-K supports the daily care, supervision, and engagement of preschool-aged children (typically ages 3–5) in a licensed early learning environment at the Peanut Shell Early Learning Child Care Center. Under the direction of the Lead Counselor and Camp Director, the Assistant Camp Counselor helps create a safe, nurturing, and fun camp experience that supports young children’s social-emotional development, early learning, and positive behavior. The Assistant Camp Counselor works closely with the Lead Counselor to implement developmentally appropriate activities, maintain classroom routines, supervise children at all times, and ensure all YMCA values, safety standards, and NJ licensing requirements are met.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age.
High school diploma or equivalent required.
Previous experience working with preschool-aged children in a licensed childcare or camp setting preferred.
Knowledge of child development and age-appropriate activities.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
Patience, kindness, and a genuine love for working with children.
Ability to maintain active supervision and ensure child safety at all times.
Willingness to follow all YMCA, Peanut Shell, and NJ licensing policies and procedures.
Ability to attend and complete required trainings.

Nice To Haves

CPR and First Aid certification.
Experience with YMCA values and programs.
Bilingual abilities.

Responsibilities

Assist the Lead Counselor with direct supervision of a group of Pre-K campers to ensure their safety, engagement, and well-being throughout the day.
Support daily routines including arrival, transitions, meals, rest time, bathroom breaks, and outdoor play.
Help implement developmentally appropriate activities such as circle time, creative arts, sensory play, music, movement, and theme-based learning.
Learn and use children’s names; respond to children’s needs with patience, kindness, and age-appropriate guidance.
Greet campers warmly and help them feel comfortable, supported, and included in the camp environment.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom and playground space.
Work cooperatively with the Lead Counselor and other camp staff to ensure a positive and consistent experience for children.
Encourage positive behavior through redirection, modeling, and positive reinforcement.
Support children’s social skills, peer interactions, and independence through everyday activities and play.
Help maintain active supervision at all times, including face counts and line-of-sight monitoring.
Demonstrate enthusiasm, professionalism, and a caring attitude when interacting with children, families, and staff.
Model and support the YMCA Four Core Values— Caring, Respect, Honesty, and Responsibility —through daily interactions.
Carry out additional duties as assigned by the Lead Counselor, Camp Director, or Site Supervisor.
Attend and complete all required YMCA, Summer Sprouts, and NJ childcare licensing trainings.
Follow all YMCA, Peanut Shell, and NJ Licensing safety policies and procedures at all times.
Assist with maintaining required child-to-staff ratios and active supervision standards.
Report any safety concerns, injuries, or behavioral issues immediately to the Lead Counselor or Supervisor.
Help ensure smooth and safe transitions during all parts of the camp day.
Use approved positive behavior guidance strategies, including redirection and reinforcement of positive choices.
Maintain a professional and positive demeanor as a representative of the YMCA and Peanut Shell Early Learning Center.
Wear required YMCA or camp apparel as assigned.
Be punctual, reliable, and prepared for all scheduled shifts.
Support a welcoming, inclusive, and nurturing early learning environment.