Job Description

Job Location: Salem YMCA - Salem, MA 01970
Position Type: Seasonal
Salary Range: $21.00 - $25.00 Hourly

Job Shift: DaysUnit Leader – Summer Camp
Lead the Fun. Inspire Young Minds. Make Every Day Count.
Are you a natural leader who enjoys mentoring others and creating memorable experiences for children? The Salem YMCA is looking for enthusiastic and responsible Unit Leaders to help lead our summer camp team!
As a Unit Leader, you'll serve as an experienced camp counselor who helps guide the daily camper experience while supporting and mentoring fellow counselors. You'll play a key role in creating a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment where campers build friendships, gain confidence, and create lifelong memories.
If you're passionate about working with youth, leading by example, and making a difference every day, we'd love to have you on our team!
What You'll Do
Youth Engagement & Camper Experience
- Create a positive, welcoming, and inclusive environment where every camper feels safe, valued, and supported.
- Build meaningful relationships with campers while encouraging participation, confidence, teamwork, and personal growth.
- Help ensure the camp day runs smoothly by supporting daily schedules, transitions, and activities.
- Foster a fun, engaging atmosphere that creates lasting memories for campers.
Leadership & Team Support
- Serve as a positive role model through your attitude, professionalism, and enthusiasm.
- Mentor and support camp counselors by modeling best practices in camper engagement, behavior management, and group leadership.
- Reinforce camp expectations and help create a consistent experience across all camper groups.
- Assist supervisors with maintaining a positive, collaborative camp culture.
Safety & Supervision
- Maintain active supervision of campers and prioritize their safety and well-being at all times.
- Follow YMCA policies, camp procedures, and safety protocols.
- Respond calmly and appropriately to incidents, behavioral concerns, or emergencies.
- Monitor group dynamics and provide additional support when needed.
Teamwork & Communication
- Collaborate with fellow camp staff to ensure a successful and enjoyable camp experience.
- Communicate effectively with supervisors regarding camper needs, concerns, and daily updates.
- Contribute to a supportive team environment built on respect, communication, and shared responsibility.
What We're Looking For
- Previous experience working with children in a camp, recreation, childcare, or youth development setting preferred.
- Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to serve as a positive role model for campers and fellow staff.
- Enthusiastic, dependable, and team-oriented.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, active outdoor environment.
- Must be available to work throughout the summer camp season.
- Availability to work both opening and closing shifts is required to support daily camp operations.
Why You'll Love Working at the YMCA of the North Shore
- Make a meaningful impact in the lives of children every day.
- Build leadership, communication, and teamwork skills.
- Work in a fun, energetic, and supportive environment.
- Develop lifelong friendships and unforgettable memories.
- Free YMCA membership.
- Employee discounts on YMCA programs.
- Opportunities for professional growth and future leadership roles.
Join our team this summer and help create an unforgettable camp experience where every child feels welcome, supported, and inspired! Apply today!

QualificationsWe're looking for enthusiastic leaders who are passionate about creating a fun, safe, and memorable camp experience for every child.
- High school diploma, GED/HiSET, or equivalent experience required.
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Previous experience working with children in a camp, childcare, recreation, or similar youth-serving environment is required.
- Previous experience as a camp counselor, Unit Leader, or in a similar youth leadership role is preferred.
- Ability to lead by example while mentoring and supporting fellow camp staff.
- Strong communication, organization, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to remain attentive, responsible, and adaptable in a fast-paced, active outdoor environment.
- Current CPR and First Aid Certification, or the ability to obtain certification within a designated timeframe.
- Successful completion of all required YMCA onboarding and training requirements.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements
- Ability to actively participate in all aspects of the camp day, including prolonged standing, walking, bending, reaching, lifting, and engaging in physical activities with campers.
- Ability to lift, carry, and move up to 40 pounds.
- Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in a variety of weather conditions, including heat, humidity, sun, rain, insects, and uneven terrain.
- Visual and auditory ability to maintain awareness of campers and surroundings, recognize potential safety concerns, and respond promptly to emergencies.
- Sufficient mobility, coordination, and stamina to safely support camp activities and meet the physical demands of the role.
- Ability to maintain constant supervision of campers while ensuring a safe, engaging, and inclusive camp environment.
The YMCA is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religious creed, protected genetic information, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran's status.