Summer Day Camp Inclusion Aide

Champion Inclusion, Empower Abilities:
Be an Inclusion Aide at Buehler 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 participate in unique experiences and adventures, our Summer Day Camp Inclusion Aides develop leadership skills and confidence while making lasting friendships and memories.

As a Summer Day Camp Inclusion Aide, you will be responsible for supporting and assisting one or more individuals who have a disability and are enrolled in Y programs to promote participation in program activities and independence to the fullest extent possible. You will ensure that individualized needs of participants are met, while serving as a professional role model and guiding program participants through activities that support a positive learning climate and the development of life skills and healthy and safe behaviors.

Pay starts at $17.90 per hour, Monday–Friday.

• You will serve as a role model in supporting inclusion and high-quality camp programming, creating an outstanding participant experience for children, parents and families.
• You will modify learning or recreational activities as needed, including activities, rules, equipment, and/or supplies to promote participation and independence. Maintain the confidentiality of information pertaining to the individuals you support.
• You will teach socially acceptable behaviors by modeling and using age-appropriate positive reinforcement and behavior management strategies. Implement individualized behavior management plans when necessary.
• You will communicate consistently with team members and program leaders to stay aligned on activities and schedules, and offer modification suggestions when applicable.
• You will communicate consistently with parents, classroom/program team and program leadership through completion of a weekly summary of the individual’s participation.
• You will support program activities as assigned by supervisor, including substitute support for ongoing camp activities.

• You will ensure the physical and emotional health and safety of participants by being safety conscious and following established YMCA standards, while critically evaluating situations for potential risks.
• You will be alert and responsive to any specific health and safety needs of the individual with a disability.
• You will ensure compliance with established rules and regulations to ensure safety. Monitor participants and team members and provide coaching and intervention as necessary.
• You will set up facilities and/or equipment for activities and store equipment appropriately after use. Immediately notify program leaders of any broken or unsafe equipment or if more resources/equipment are needed.
• You will work to keep program facilities clean at all times.

• High school diploma or equivalent; must be at least 18 years of age or older.
• Must have prior experience working with children; experience with children with disabilities and/or in a similar program setting preferred.
• Commitment to, and passion for, the YMCA of Metro Chicago’s mission and serving the needs of diverse youth.
• Basic knowledge of child growth and development as well as developmentally appropriate practices for the age group.
• Ability to understand and implement an inclusion plan and provide recommended strategies for behavior observation and management; essential.
• Demonstrated interpersonal and verbal communication skills with the ability to build constructive relationships and communicate effectively with children, families, team members and others.
• Demonstrates evidence of YMCA Y Team competencies in previous experience or practice.
• Meets physical qualifications as outlined in the job description. The YMCA will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities.
• Meets additional program guidelines for background checks and medical screening where necessary based on program support.

Support the YMCA’s commitment to child abuse prevention by:

• Reporting any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff,…