Lead Camp Counselor
About The Position
Spend Your Summer Making an Impact Looking for a summer position that keeps your evenings and weekends free? Join the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA Summer Camp team and help create meaningful experiences for children in our community. If you enjoy working with kids, leading activities, and creating a positive environment, we’d love to meet you. OUR CULTURE: Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. At the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: We are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: We value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: We believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: We support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: We are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with you. POSITION SUMMARY: The Lead Camp Counselor helps create a safe, engaging, and positive camp experience for children throughout the summer season. This role provides direct supervision to a designated camper group while also assisting with activity coordination, daily camp operations, and mentoring Assistant Counselors. Lead Counselors work closely with camp leadership to support programming, encourage camper participation, and help maintain a fun environment.
Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred
- Previous experience working with children ages 4–16 preferred
- Experience leading activities or lesson planning is beneficial
- Must provide three professional or personal references
- Ability to successfully complete a DHHS Child Abuse & Neglect background check
- Strong communication and leadership skills
- Dependable, energetic, and team-oriented
- Commitment to YMCA values and mission
- Availability to work during the summer camp season from 6/15/2026 through 8/21/2026
- Current CPR/AED and First Aid certification required prior to 6/15/2026 (training available through the YMCA)
Responsibilities
- Supervise and actively engage with campers throughout the day
- Help organize and lead games, activities, and daily camp programming
- Support and guide Assistant Counselors during camp activities
- Promote a safe, welcoming, and positive atmosphere for all campers
- Communicate important camper concerns, behavioral issues, or safety matters to camp leadership
- Arrive prepared, on time, and ready to contribute positively each day
- Maintain professional interactions with campers, families, and fellow staff
- Wear required camp uniform shirt and employee identification during all shifts
- Assist with additional camp duties as assigned
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
