Summer Day Camp Unit Leader

Hastings Lake YMCA, Lindenhurst, IL 60046, USA

Lead the Adventure, Inspire the Future:
Be a Summer Day Camp Unit Leader at Hastings Lake YMCA for Summer 2026!

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

Pay starts at $18.45 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 through example.

Our staff is the Y's greatest asset. Our teams provide valuable skills, knowledge, and passion that is essential to the contribution and positive impact in our communities, which is why we offer Y employees numerous perks and benefits, including:

• 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.

As a Summer Camp Unit Leader, you are responsible to:

• Promote the YMCA, provide excellent customer service, and create an outstanding camper experience for children, parents and families.
• Lead recreational activities with campers, including but not limited to 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 that campers of all ages and experience levels are engaged.
• Teach socially acceptable behaviors to campers by serving as a role model and by using age-appropriate positive reinforcement and behavior management strategies.
• Communicate consistently with supervisors, team leaders, unit leaders and other team members to ensure everyone is kept abreast 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, following all established YMCA standards and critically evaluating situations for potential risks.
• 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 and store equipment appropriately after use and work to keep camp facilities clean at all times.

What do you need to be a Summer Camp Unit Leader?

• A commitment to and a passion for working with diverse youth.
• Enjoy being outdoors, are creative and not afraid to work and play hard.
• Your experience in camping, childcare, education, recreation, sports or related is a plus but not required.
• You will 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 a high-quality of 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 job description.
• The YMCA will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities.

Child Abuse Prevention - Support the YMCA’s commitment to child abuse prevention by:

• Reporting any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members or guests to your supervisor.
• Following all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children.
• Reporting any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor.
• Completing 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.