YMCA Camp Silver Creek - Unit Lead 2026

Family YMCA Marion & Polk Counties

16d•$684•Onsite

About The Position

Who We Are: 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. The Role: Each Unit Lead is responsible for all the staff and campers in one unit at camp: either Bear Creek (ages 7-9), Hillside (ages 10-11), Trickle Falls (ages 11-12), or Hemlock (ages 13-15). The Unit Lead lives in the unit with their staff and campers, spends their days managing and monitoring staff, while providing support for campers’ behavior or other needs.

Requirements

At least 18 years of age (21 preferred)
At least 1 prior summer of overnight camp counseling experience
Strong leadership skills with the ability to supervise, coach, and mentor a team of counselors and staff members.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage and implement unit-specific programming, ensuring it aligns with the camp’s goals and values.
Experience in conflict resolution, behavior management, and providing guidance for staff in addressing camper behavioral needs.
Ability to assign and oversee staff responsibilities, ensuring clarity and accountability for all unit duties.
Ability to respond to safety and emergency situations.
Knowledge of Leave No Trace principles and the ability to model and teach environmental stewardship to campers and staff.
Must be CPR and First Aid certified or willing to become certified within the first 30 days of employment. (Certification classes available upon employment.)
Current Oregon Food Handler’s Certification, or ability to obtain certification.
Must be available during all of the following dates: June 7 - June 13 (Program Staff Retreat) June 14 - June 20 (Mandatory All-Staff Training) June 21 - August 23 (Camp Season & Move-Out) Note: Off from 1:00pm on Wednesday, July 29th through 4:00pm on Saturday, August 1st.

Responsibilities

Supervises all counselors and unit aides assigned to their unit for the week, ensuring adherence to ACA accreditation standards, health department requirements, and State Park rules and protocols.
Checks in with unit staff daily, providing support, leadership, and guidance.
Monitors staff behavior, providing coaching, mentorship, and accountability for responsibilities. Escalates any ongoing concerns to the Camp Director as needed.
Provides guidance to staff in handling camper situations, particularly those involving behavioral needs.
Assigns unit staff to weekly duties and ensures they understand their responsibilities.
Oversees unit-specific programming, including but not limited to: Unit Twilights, CHoRR/Values, Cabin Group Time (with counselors), Junior Rags (Bear Creek/Hillside only),Casino (Hemlock only)
Participates in weekly staff assignments along with the other Unit and Kitchen Directors (with ADs of Programs and Operations)
Communicates with parents during check-in and check-out days, ensuring a positive and professional experience.
Maintains cleanliness and organization of the unit throughout the week and ensures that all cabins, lodges and common areas are cleaned and reset prior to staff departure on Wednesdays and Saturdays to prepare for the next session.
Ensures the complete clean-out and organization of their unit at the end of the camp season, making sure that all staff understand their responsibilities before departing for the season or attending the banquet.
Adheres to all State Park requirements, YMCA policies, and regulations to maintain an inclusive and welcoming environment for all campers and staff.
Champions and educates campers, staff, and peers on the Leave No Trace principles, promoting environmental stewardship and respect for nature.
Participates in required mid-season leadership planning and training sessions to support program quality, staff alignment, and end-of-season readiness.