Unit Leader - Camp Campbell

YMCA of Silicon Valley•Boulder Creek, CA

About The Position

A Summer Unit Leader serves on the Summer Camp Leadership Team, mentoring and supporting a designated group of Camp Counselors and helping ensure the safety, quality, and success of the camp program. The role provides counselors with direct leadership, coaching, and guidance on camper behavior, group dynamics, program implementation, and daily camp operations. The Unit Leader oversees a designated activity or program area, ensuring activities are safe, organized, engaging, age-appropriate, and aligned with camp goals and standards. The role is the first point of escalation for camper, staff, and parent concerns, behavioral incidents, conflicts, emergencies, and other situations requiring leadership intervention. The Unit Leader responds professionally, uses sound judgment, and completes required documentation according to camp policies and procedures. The Unit Leader contributes to staff development through ongoing feedback, mentoring, performance monitoring, and participation in staff development and recognition efforts. Working collaboratively with camp leadership, the role supports a positive, inclusive camp culture and high-quality experiences for campers, families, and staff. The position also helps maintain a safe environment, supports daily camp operations and program administration, and assists with events, leadership initiatives, meetings, trainings, and additional assignments.

Requirements

Experience as a group counselor or staff member in a camp setting.
Flexibility and maturity, with the ability to be self-motivated and work with minimal supervision.
Ability to relate effectively to peers and youth.
CPR and First Aid certification; certification can be obtained upon hire.

Nice To Haves

Experience with programming in a camp setting is preferred.
Supervisory experience is preferred.
YMCA-approved driver is preferred.

Responsibilities

Mentor and support a team of Camp Counselors to help deliver a safe, engaging, high-quality camp experience.
Serve as the primary resource for counselors regarding camper behavior, group management, program implementation, and daily operations.
Provide leadership, coaching, and ongoing feedback to staff to support professional growth and job performance.
Participate in staff development and recognition efforts.
Monitor staff performance and address concerns promptly and professionally in accordance with camp policies.
Model professionalism, enthusiasm, teamwork, and commitment to camp values.
Oversee a designated activity or program area, ensuring activities are safe, organized, engaging, and age-appropriate.
Maintain activity spaces, equipment, and supplies to meet cleanliness, organization, and safety standards.
Respond to camper, staff, parent, and program concerns and resolve issues using sound judgment and problem-solving skills.
Serve as the first level of escalation for behavioral incidents, conflicts, emergencies, and other situations requiring leadership intervention.
Complete and maintain incident reports, behavioral documentation, accident reports, and other required records accurately and promptly.
Partner with the Camp Director to communicate significant incidents, concerns, and program needs.
Support counselors in creating positive group environments that encourage inclusion, participation, teamwork, and personal growth.
Monitor camper well-being and assist with behavior-management strategies.
Ensure staff and campers follow camp policies, procedures, licensing requirements, ACA standards, and YMCA standards.
Assist in planning, coordinating, and implementing special events, camp-wide activities, and leadership initiatives.
Participate actively in leadership meetings and trainings.
Maintain positive relationships with campers, families, visitors, and community members through professional, respectful communication.
Remain alert to environmental hazards, behavioral concerns, and safety risks and respond appropriately.
Respond appropriately to emergencies and situations requiring First Aid, CPR, or crisis-management procedures.
Assist with opening and closing duties, daily camp operations, and overall program administration.
Support the Camp Director and leadership team with additional responsibilities and special projects as assigned.
Perform other duties as assigned.