Job Description

Spend Your Summer Making an Impact

Looking for a summer position that keeps your evenings and weekends free? Join the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA Summer Camp team and help create meaningful experiences for children in our community.

If you enjoy working with kids, leading activities, and creating a positive environment, we’d love to meet you.

OUR CULTURE:

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. At the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming We are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine We value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful We believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing We support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined We are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with you.

Requirements

Position Title: Lead Camp Counselor

Reports To: Camp Director

Department: Camp

Classification: Full Time, Non-Exempt, Seasonal

Compensation: $17.00-$18.00/hour

The Lead Camp Counselor helps create a safe, engaging, and positive camp experience for children throughout the summer season. This role provides direct supervision to a designated camper group while also assisting with activity coordination, daily camp operations, and mentoring Assistant Counselors. Lead Counselors work closely with camp leadership to support programming, encourage camper participation, and help maintain a fun environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Supervise and actively engage with campers throughout the day
• Help organize and lead games, activities, and daily camp programming
• Support and guide Assistant Counselors during camp activities
• Promote a safe, welcoming, and positive atmosphere for all campers
• Communicate important camper concerns, behavioral issues, or safety matters to camp leadership
• Arrive prepared, on time, and ready to contribute positively each day
• Maintain professional interactions with campers, families, and fellow staff
• Wear required camp uniform shirt and employee identification during all shifts
• Assist with additional camp duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be at least 18 years old
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred
• Previous experience working with children ages 4–16 preferred
• Experience leading activities or lesson planning is beneficial
• Must provide three professional or personal references
• Ability to successfully complete a DHHS Child Abuse & Neglect background check
• Strong communication and leadership skills
• Dependable, energetic, and team-oriented
• Commitment to YMCA values and mission
• Availability to work during the summer camp season from 6/15/2026 through 8/21/2026
• Current CPR/AED and First Aid certification required prior to 6/15/2026 (training available through the YMCA)

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Mandatory paid training week: 6/8/2026 – 6/12/2026
• CPR/AED and First Aid certifications must be completed before camp begins

CORE COMPETENCIES:

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s vales. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.

Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist developing others.

Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.

Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.