Job Description

The Discovery Den Specialty Counselor leads a dynamic program focused on teaching campers practical, age-appropriate life skills that build independence, confidence, and responsibility. This role is ideal for someone passionate about youth development and helping campers grow both socially and emotionally in a fun, supportive camp environment.

Qualifications

Key Responsibilities

Program Development & Facilitation
- Plan and lead engaging, hands-on life skills activities for campers
- Teach skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, decision-making, and leadership
- Incorporate real-world topics (e.g., basic cooking, budgeting, time management, self-care, goal setting)
- Adapt lessons to different age groups and learning styles
Camper Engagement & Support
- Create a positive, inclusive, and encouraging environment
- Support campers in building confidence and independence
- Encourage participation and celebrate individual growth
Supervision & Safety
- Ensure the safety and well-being of all campers during activities
- Maintain clear structure and expectations
- Follow all camp policies and procedures
Collaboration
- Work with other counselors to integrate life skills into daily camp experiences
- Communicate with leadership about program success and camper progress
- Support all-camp events and activities
Role Modeling
- Demonstrate strong communication, responsibility, and leadership
- Serve as a positive example of the skills being taught

Sample Activity Areas

Team-building challenges and group problem-solving
Basic cooking or food prep
Financial literacy basics (saving, budgeting)
Leadership and public speaking exercises
Conflict resolution and communication skills
Goal setting and personal growth workshops

Qualifications

Must be 18 years or older
Experience working with children or teens preferred
Background or interest in education, psychology, youth development, or related field
Strong communication and facilitation skills
Creative, organized, and adaptable

Preferred Skills

Experience leading workshops or group activities
Knowledge of social-emotional learning (SEL)
Ability to connect with a wide range of ages and personalities

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking someone who is enthusiastic about helping young people grow into confident, capable individuals. The ideal candidate is engaging, patient, and able to turn everyday skills into fun, meaningful experiences.

Benefits

Opportunity to make a lasting impact on campers’ personal growth
Develop leadership and teaching experience
Creative freedom in program design
Fun and collaborative camp environment
Free Y Membership

About Old Colony YMCA

Website: www.oldcolonyymca.org

Twitter: @OldColonyYMCA

Facebook: www.facebook.com/oldcolonyymca.org

Instagram: @oldcolonyy

YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/oldcolonyymca

Since 1887, Old Colony Y (OCY) has worked tirelessly to effect lasting personal and social change. Old Colony YMCA is a charitable, non-profit Association committed to the development of strong spirit, mind, and body, guided by Judeo-Christian principles, to enrich the quality of life for everyone in our communities. We believe that our mission is to assist all people to develop to their fullest potential and to respond to ever-changing community needs with a focus on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

We are a regional provider of human services and health and wellness programming for children, families, adults, and seniors from many diverse communities. At OCY, we view traditional YMCA services – like fitness, swimming, child care, and camp – through an alternate lens; beyond their explicit benefits to the health and wellness of our members and participants, they are also an opportunity for deeper engagement.

Last year the Y served more than 141,000 people throughout Southeastern Massachusetts at branches in Brockton, East Bridgewater, Easton, Plymouth, Middleboro, Stoughton, and Taunton. While most Ys have a focus on positive youth development, Old Colony Y is unique in our commitment to serve the most “at risk” members of our community, ensuring that everyone has access to OCY services if they should need them. We are committed to strengthening our capacity to respond to changing communities and ensure that everyone (including persons of diverse culture, ethnicity, religion, ability, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic level, and skill) have access and are welcomed and fully engaged.

OCY is governed by a 62 member Board who are active, with committees that provide oversight to all aspects of our operations including a Fiscal Committee, a Program Committee which reviews program and quality compliance, as well as tracking progress on strategic planning goals. We are purposefully working toward ensuring that our board and staff are reflective of the communities we serve. As a diverse organization of people joined together by a shared commitment to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to learn, grown and thrive, we strive to provide employment and volunteer opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds.

We offer a vast menu of services and community programs, including:

• Seven full-facility branches (Brockton – Central/Youth, Easton, East Bridgewater, Middleboro, Plymouth, Stoughton, and Taunton)

• A multi-site child care branch (Community Based Child Care) operating 48 sites daily

• Five summer camps (Camp Clark, Camp Satucket, Camp Yomechas, YMCA Camp in Stoughton, and Camp Massasoit)

• A branch serving families experiencing homelessness (Family Services)

• A branch focused on chronic disease and well-being initiatives (Healthy Living)

• Residential/non-residential branch programs for adolescents (Social Services)

Industry

Nonprofit & NGOs

Company Size

501-1,000 employees

Headquarters

Brockton, MA

Year Founded

1887

Website

oldcolonyymca.org

Social Media

Discovery Den Specialist