YMCA Camp Silver Creek - BOLD & GOLD Counselor 2026

Family YMCA of Marion & Polk Counties•Sublimity, OR

21d•$582•Onsite

About The Position

Since 1938, generations of campers have come to experience the joy and beauty of Camp Silver Creek. Located deep inside Oregon's Silver Falls State Park, historic Camp Silver Creek is a magical place for children and adults alike. Towering evergreens and a stream flow through the camp’s four units. In the center of camp, a beautiful field is perfect for field games and the lake welcomes boaters, fishermen, and even the early morning polar bear swimmers. We are actively hiring great role models who are energetic, collaborative, and hard working to join the team for this summer. Our BOLD & GOLD Counselors will be integral members of our new BOLD & GOLD team, an outdoor teen excursion program designed to promote leadership skills. Along with the B&G Director, these counselors will accompany campers on trips, and act as leaders utilizing the BOLD & GOLD curriculum. They will share responsibility of supervising 8-12 teenagers, and will work to provide mentorship and leadership at all times.

Requirements

At least 18 years of age.
Prior leadership or childcare experience.
Prior backcountry camping experience.
Excellent judgment and decision-making skills in adverse environments
Strong work ethic and desire to grow as a leader.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively collaborate with staff, campers, and leadership.
Ability to respond appropriately to safety and emergency situations.
Completion of all training and onboarding prior to program start date or training due dates. Training is provided as needed after hiring.
Must be CPR and First Aid certified or willing to become certified within the first 30 days of employment prior to camp start. (Certification classes available upon employment.)
Current Oregon Food Handler’s Certification, or ability to obtain certification.
Must be available during all of the following date: June 14 - June 20 (Mandatory All-Staff Training) July 12 - August 15 (BOLD & GOLD Trips & Planning) Note: Off from 1:00pm on Wednesday, July 29th through 9:00am on Sunday, August 2nd.
Must be physically capable of observing and listening for stressful situations at all times.
Must be physically capable of lifting and carrying items weighing up to 50lbs, safely travel over varied terrain (trails, tree roots, boulder/rocks, shoreline, mud, etc.) up to 15 miles per day, communicate both verbally and non-verbally with other staff, volunteers, and participants.
Must be able to quickly reach a person and/or situation to prevent harm.
Capable of effective and appropriate mental, emotional and social responses in a constantly changing, youth centered environment.
All candidates must have reliable transportation.
Job offers are contingent upon completion of a rigorous criminal history background check.

Responsibilities

Attend all BOLD & GOLD Trips, serving as counselor, role model, and trip leader as needed.
Facilitate the learning of outdoor skills during wilderness-based trip
Faithfully facilitate leadership development as outlined in the BOLD & GOLD curriculum.
Ensure a physically, mentally and emotionally safe environment.
Create values-forming experiences for participants.
Create an inclusive environment for all in the outdoors.
Supervise campers during all key times, including campfire, bedtime, meals, values discussions, and transition periods.
Attend and fully participate in all required training sessions, orientations, and staff meetings to stay informed and prepared.
Serve as a professional role model, demonstrating positive behavior, effective communication, safety awareness, and appropriate language use.
Treat all children with dignity and respect, ensuring a camp environment that is welcoming, inclusive, and supportive for all.
Support and contribute to a safe, clean camp environment, including the daily care and maintenance of equipment and program areas ensuring they remain in excellent condition and meet Leave No Trace, ACA accreditation standards and State Park agreement requirements.
Manage personal time in accordance with camp policies, maintaining professionalism and reliability throughout the camp season.
Demonstrate commitment to quality, YMCA core values, and enthusiasm for working with youth.
This job description may not be all inclusive and employees are expected to perform all other duties as assigned and directed by management. Job descriptions and duties may be modified when deemed appropriate by management.