YMCA Camp Silver Creek - Counselor

JOB TITLE: Counselor

DEPARTMENT: Camp (40) - Camp Silver Creek

REPORTS TO: Unit Lead

LOCATION: Camp Silver Creek

STATUS: Seasonal

PAY RATE: $582+ DOE/week

Our culture and mission are brought to life by our values. In the Y, we strive to strengthen communities with purpose and intentionality. We are welcoming, genuine, hopeful, nurturing, and determined, creating a place where you can belong and become while making the community stronger.

The Role: Each Overnight Camp Counselor is directly responsible for a cabin group of approximately six campers, living alongside them and providing supervision throughout the day. Counselors foster a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment, building positive relationships with their campers while guiding them through all aspects of camp life. In addition to supervision, counselors lead activities, encourage personal growth, and serve as role models in all areas of camp.

This position requires flexibility, enthusiasm, and a commitment to creating a meaningful camp experience.

• Lead and support a cabin group of approximately six campers, assisting them with daily living skills while ensuring their safety, personal hygiene, and overall well-being.
• Plan and facilitate a variety of engaging camp activities tailored to the age and interests of campers, including small and large group games, campfires, transition games, values discussions, sports, crafts, and choice-time activities.
• Supervise and actively participate in all camp activities, ensuring campers are engaged, safe, and having a positive experience.
• Actively engage in unit activities and encourage collaboration with other camp staff to foster a strong camp community.
• Supervise campers during all key times, including campfire, bedtime, meals, values discussions, and transition periods.
• Attend and fully participate in all required training sessions, orientations, and staff meetings to stay informed and prepared.
• Serve as a professional role model, demonstrating positive behavior, effective communication, safety awareness, and appropriate language use.
• Treat all children with dignity and respect, ensuring a camp environment that is welcoming, inclusive, and supportive for all.
• Support and contribute to a safe, clean camp environment, including the daily care and maintenance of equipment and program areas ensuring they remain in excellent condition and meet ACA accreditation standards and State Park agreement standards.
• Ensure that cabins and areas of responsibility are cleaned and reset at the end of each session and before departure to prepare for the next group of campers.
• Support and assist peers and colleagues in all aspects of program operations and development, fostering a strong, team-oriented culture.
• Manage personal time in accordance with camp policies, maintaining professionalism and reliability throughout the camp season.
• Demonstrate commitment to quality, YMCA core values, and enthusiasm for working with youth.
• Participates in required mid-season leadership planning and training sessions to support program quality, staff alignment, and end-of-season readiness.

This job description may not be all inclusive and employees are expected to perform all other duties as assigned and directed by management. Job descriptions and duties may be modified when deemed appropriate by management.

• At least 18 years of age
• Prior leadership or childcare experience.
• Strong work ethic and desire to grow as a leader.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively collaborate with staff, campers, and leadership.
• Ability to respond appropriately to safety and emergency situations.
• Completion of all training and onboarding prior to program start date or training due dates. Training is provided as needed after hiring.
• Must be CPR and First Aid certified or willing to become certified within the first 30 days of employment prior to camp start. (Certification classes available upon employment.)
• Current Oregon Food Handler’s Certification, or ability to obtain certification.
• Note, while being a lifeguard is optional, any staff with a Red Cross Lifeguarding Certification who are able to guard at camp will be given an additional $60/week stipend.
• Must be available during all of the following date:

June 14 - June 21 (Mandatory All-Staff Training)

June 22 - August 23 (Camp Season & Move-Out)

Note:

Off from 1:00pm on Wednesday, July 29th through 9:00am on Sunday, August 2nd.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be physically capable of observing and listening for stressful situations at all times.
• Must be physically capable of lifting 40 pounds.
• Must be able to quickly reach a person and/or situation to prevent harm.
• Capable of…