Overnight Summer Camp Unit Leader - Camp Surf

YMCA of San Diego County•Imperial Beach, CA

3d•$104 - $109•Onsite

About The Position

The Overnight Camp Unit Leader supervises a designated camp unit and provides leadership to support program continuity, quality, and a positive camp culture. The role supervises and develops unit staff, delivers staff training, and oversees unit schedules and logistics. It develops, evaluates, and maintains engaging, age-appropriate classes and activities aligned with the camp’s mission and educational objectives. The position requires living on-site for the full camp season and being available and responsive to camper and unit needs, emergencies, and unforeseen situations. Unit assignments may include elementary-aged camper villages, middle-school or teen programs, arts and crafts, waterfront operations, the health center, photography, or floating support across camp. Specific duties vary by assignment and may include leading off-site trips, managing supplies, supporting social media, or coordinating a weekend holdover program. The position is scheduled six days per week. Mandatory staff training is May 23, 2027, and the summer camp season runs June 6 through August 7, 2027. Weekly pay is listed as $621.06–$661.76; the posting also lists a daily equivalent of approximately $103.49–$109.17 and a pay range of $103.51–$109.17 per day. Free on-site meals are included, and on-site housing is provided with a weekly housing cost deducted from the paycheck. The role is exempt from overtime under the organized-camp counselor provision described in the posting.

Requirements

High school diploma/GED, or training that ensures the ability to read and write at a level necessary for successful job performance.
At least two years of experience working with children ages 7–17 in a day camp, resident camp, overnight camp, or similar setting.
Ability to lead and motivate a diverse staff team and foster a collaborative, positive, high-performing work environment.
Ability to exercise sound, rapid, and ethical judgment in critical incidents, camper behavior situations, and staff performance matters.
Demonstrated scheduling, resource allocation, and logistical management abilities.
Excellent verbal communication skills and an approachable manner when working with children, parents or guardians, staff, administrators, and community members.
Visual and auditory ability and physical capacity to identify, assess, and respond effectively to incidents and emergencies.
Ability to teach and lead activities in at least four domains: recreational games, drama, arts and crafts, outdoor education, performing arts, sports, aquatics, team building, or STEM/science.
Ability to observe participant activities, enforce safety regulations, and apply camp policies and procedures to mitigate risk.
Physical ability to lead and participate in group activities, including standing, walking, hiking, and/or climbing for extended periods, often outdoors in varied weather.
Ability to plan, organize, and prepare activity materials and spaces so sessions start on time and run smoothly.
Ability and willingness to live on-site throughout the full program season and maintain professional standards in shared staff and camper areas.
Must be fingerprinted before reporting to work; subsequent arrest notifications are required.
CPR and First Aid certification is required within 30 days of hire from the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or American Safety & Health Institute.

Nice To Haves

For the Voyagers and Mariners roles, experience with younger children and staff is preferred.
For the Beachcombers role, being over 21 is preferred and willingness to become Lifeguard certified is noted.

Responsibilities

Supervise, mentor, and evaluate assigned unit staff, including counselors and specialized activity leaders.
Facilitate staff training on youth development, risk management, program delivery, and camp behavioral policies.
Manage unit logistics, including staff schedules, attendance, transitions, and camper cabin assignments.
Plan and implement an age-appropriate, diverse unit programming schedule aligned with camp objectives.
Evaluate classes, activities, and routines and make data-informed adjustments to program quality and retention.
Ensure daily programming follows YMCA camp policies, safety procedures, and American Camp Association requirements; lead orientations and organize schedules and cabin lists.
Foster an inclusive, nurturing environment that encourages creativity, individuality, and belonging.
Maintain unit supplies and equipment and ensure program areas are stocked, clean, and safe.
Lead all-camp activities, participate in leadership meetings, and communicate between camp leadership and the unit team.
Support general camp operations and stewardship, including facility cleanliness, equipment care, chores, cabin and bathroom cleaning as assigned, evening programs, special events, and larger projects requested by the Program Director.
Perform other duties as assigned.