Summer Day Camp Unit Leader

Elmhurst YMCA
211 W. First St.
Elmhurst, IL 60126, USA

Pay or shift range:
18.45 USD to 19.05 USD
The estimated range is the budgeted amount for this position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications and other job-related reasons.

Lead the Adventure, Inspire the Future:
Lead a Summer Day Camp Unit at Elmhurst YMCA for Summer 2026!

At the Y, we create an exciting, safe camp environment where kids and staff have an unforgettable summer. While campers participate in unique experiences and adventures, our Summer Day Camp Unit Leaders develop leadership skills and confidence while making lasting friendships and memories.

Pay starts  USD per hour, Monday-Friday schedule.

The Summer Day Camp Unit Leader serves as a professional role model by overseeing and monitoring recreational activities in their assigned groups, guiding campers and counselors, and leading by example.

• Competitive salaries reflecting your skills and experience.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees, plus wellness programs, mental health resources, and a family gym membership.
• Generous PTO and paid holidays, with flexible work hours for work‑life balance.
• 403(b) plan with company contributions for eligible employees after 2 years of service.
• Continuous learning opportunities through workshops and training programs.
• Supportive work environment valuing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Discounts on programs
  , employee assistance programs, and company-sponsored events.

• Promote the YMCA and provide excellent customer service to create an outstanding camper experience for children, parents, and families.
• Lead recreational activities with campers, including arts and crafts, sports, social recreation, songfests, nature hikes, archery, and other games and hobbies.
• Instruct campers using various teaching methods and modify activities as needed to ensure all ages and experience levels are engaged.
• Teach socially acceptable behaviors to campers by serving as a role model and using age‑appropriate positive reinforcement and behavior management strategies.
• Communicate consistently with supervisors, team leaders, unit leaders, and other team members to keep everyone informed of camp activities and schedule.
• Support camp activities as assigned by supervisor, including any specialty camp activities.
• Ensure the physical and emotional health and safety of campers by being safety conscious and following all established YMCA standards.
• Ensure compliance with established rules and regulations to ensure safety.
• Monitor campers and counselors and provide corrective coaching and intervention as necessary.
• Set up facilities and/or equipment for activities, store equipment appropriately after use, and keep camp facilities clean at all times.

• A commitment to and passion for working with diverse youth.
• Enjoy being outdoors, are creative, and not afraid to work and play hard.
• Experience in camping, childcare, education, recreation, sports, or related areas is a plus but not required.
• Must be 19 years of age or older by the start of camp.
• Excellent verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly and concisely present ideas and concepts and tailor communication to multiple audiences.
• Passion for working with diverse youth and ability to provide high-quality instruction using age‑appropriate practices.
• Proven ability to establish constructive relationships and interact as a positive role model.
• Continuous learner who leverages opportunities for learning and applies new knowledge and skills.
• Meets physical qualifications required as outlined in the job description.
• The YMCA will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities.

• Report any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members, or guests to your supervisor.
• Follow all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe, including those related to monitoring and supervision.
• Report any suspicious behavior and violations of policy and procedures to your supervisor.
• Complete all child abuse prevention training as required.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.