Day Camp Unit Leader

BRANCH:
Camp Bernie

LOCATION:

Port Murray, NJ

REPORTS TO:

Summer Camp Director
DURATION:
Seasonal Summer
SALARY: $17.00-$18.00 hourly

At the Ridgewood Y, our mission and core values come to life through our culture. Guided by our four pillars—caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility—we live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. As a nonprofit charitable organization, we have been committed to serving youth, adults, and families across Northern New Jersey and the Camp Bernie area since 1902, as part of the worldwide YMCA movement.

Through programs focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, we create meaningful connections that build spirit, mind, and body for all. Our team is dependable, hardworking, and always ready to roll up our sleeves to get the job done. We believe in the power of diversity, collaboration, and showing up for one another—because together, we are stronger. If you’re looking to make a difference and be part of a mission-driven team, the Ridgewood Y is the place for you!

The Ridgewood YMCA is an equal opportunity employer. We believe our strength lies in our diversity and are committed to being an inclusive organization. We welcome applicants from any and all walks of life.

• Paid training provided

The Day Camp Unit Leader provides leadership and supervision to a assigned group of campers and counselors to ensuring a safe, engaging, and an exciting camp experience. Unit Leaders support and supervise counselors, coordinate daily activities, and promote camper growth. They will act as key communication links between campers, staff, and camp administration.

• Supervise and support assigned campers and counseling staff to ensure a safe, structured, and positive camp experience.
• Communicate positive and challenging behaviors to parents regularly during check in, check out and phone calls. Build positive working relationships with families
• Assist in the daily planning, coordination, and implementation of camp schedules, activities, and special events within the unit.
• Apply YMCA youth development principles through effective communication, relationship building, respect for diversity, and youth empowerment with camp and staff members.
• Ensure campers are properly supervised at all times, including during transitions, activities, meals, and outdoor programming.
• Lead and assist with instruction of camp activities for groups of approximately 12–20 participants, including team building, arts and crafts, outdoor education, sports, nature, and special programs.
• Enforce all safety rules, emergency procedures, and risk management protocols; identify and address potential hazards promptly.
• Maintain accurate attendance records and ensure all sign-in and sign-out procedures are followed according to camp policy.
• Serve as a positive role model by demonstrating appropriate behavior, professionalism, and adherence to YMCA policies and values.
• Inspect equipment and facilities for safety and cleanliness; ensure proper use, care, and timely reporting of needed repairs.
• Participate actively in staff meetings, trainings, special events, and all-camp activities.
• Perform additional duties as assigned

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; coursework or experience in education, child development, recreation, or a related field preferred.
• Previous experience working with children in a camp, childcare, recreation, or youth development setting required; supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
• Ability to lead age-appropriate activities, manage groups of children, and adapt programming to meet participant needs.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and take direction from camp leadership.
• Must submit a completed health history record and examination form before the first day of work.
• Ability to respond appropriately to emergency situations and follow established safety and risk management procedures.
• Current First Aid and CPR/AED certification, preferred.

Note: Some physical requirements of this position could be endurance including prolonged standing, some bending, stooping, walking long distances, hiking, climbing, and stretching; requires eye-hand coordination and manual and eyesight to record, prepare, and communicate appropriate camper activities/programs and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs; willing to live in a camp setting and work irregular hours with limited or simple equipment and facilities;

and with daily exposure to the sun, heat, and animals such as bugs, snakes, bats, etc. dexterity to manipulate outdoor equipment and camp activities; requires normal range of hearing