Summer Camp Counselor - Buncombe

YMCA of Western North Carolina•Asheville, NC

30d•$15

About The Position

The nonprofit YMCA of Western North Carolina strengthens local communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Founded in 1889, we engage more than 100,000 people – regardless of age, income, or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the region’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support the community. We do this through seven YMCAs, dozens of program sites, and YMCA Camp Watia. As the state’s largest provider of licensed school-age childcare, we give more than 1,000 children a day the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. We are made up of people of all ages, from all backgrounds, working side by side to ensure that everyone can reach their full potential with dignity. Our core values are caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility, and they guide everything we do. We are committed to being an organization that exposes and addresses social constraints that limit and/or negatively affect all humans from all walks of life. We recruit staff who are passionate about giving back to the community, helping people, and upholding our core values. For more information, please visit ymcawnc.org. SPEND YOUR SUMMER MAKING A DIFFERENCE AS A SUMMER CAMP COUNSELOR! Are you ready for an unforgettable summer? As a YMCA Summer Camp Counselor, you’ll lead, inspire, and make a lasting impact on kids in grades K-8 while creating incredible memories of your own! You'll oversee a group of 10 to 19 campers, guiding them through exciting activities that encourage growth, teamwork, and creativity. With support from the Program Directors and Coordinators, you’ll help deliver engaging programs designed to teach new skills, foster friendships, and create a safe, fun, and enriching environment. Multiple Seasonal Summer Camp Positions Open Across Buncombe County! Camp Runs June 10 – August 14, 2026 (7:30am – 5:30pm (tiered scheduling); Monday – Friday Mandatory Camp Training: June 10 – 12, 2026 (9:00am – 5:00pm) Competitive Pay: $15.00/Hour; Counselors can work up to 40 hours per week!

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age.
Great at managing groups, solving problems, and handling conflicts calmly and effectively.
Comfortable communicating with both kids and adults, whether it’s talking, listening, or writing.
Ready to take charge of daily tasks, from running activities to handling camp site record keeping and child supervision.
Flexible and enthusiastic to change (ex: we can’t always control the weather—improvising to an indoor activity when we’ve planned a field day!).

Nice To Haves

Experience creating interactive and educational/artistic activities, youth development, academic enrichment, and arts
Some prior experience working with children under 13 years of age is preferred.

Responsibilities

Ensure Safety & Engagement: Keep all children in your group safe, engaged, and excited to participate in activities.
Follow Program Activity Plans: Implement fun and developmentally appropriate activities that meet the individual needs of each camper.
Be a Role Model: Serve as a positive example through professional behavior, demonstrating approaches that foster growth in social development.
Create an Inviting Space: Facilitate an environment that encourages exploration, promotes positive play, and makes every camper feel welcome.
Stay Connected: Maintain clear and ongoing communication with your supervisor and parents, and attend trainings and team meetings.
Keep Records: Ensure camp records are accurate and meet program requirements.
Follow Policies: Adhere to all YMCA policies, as well as state and federal regulations.
Have FUN!: From color tag, to field trips, and arts and crafts—you and your campers will have a blast!

Benefits

Free individual membership to all YMCA of WNC locations
Discounted membership for household members
Discounted program fees (swim lessons, youth sports, summer camp and more)
Start a 403(b) smart savings account on day one of employment (optional) and begin eligibility for YMCA retirement plan
Professional development opportunities through local and Y-USA trainings

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