Description

POSITION SUMMARY
To further the mission of the YMCA by providing a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment for youth. The Camp Counselor I is responsible for delivering progressive, age-appropriate programs and specialized activities throughout the summer season. Additionally, for designated 2-3 weeks of the season, the counselor takes on primary residential duties, providing 24-hour supervision to foster a positive and supportive cabin community. This role requires maintaining the highest standards of health, safety, and proactive risk management, ensuring the responsible stewardship of camp facilities and equipment, and serving as a positive role model who consistently embodies the YMCA Core Values.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

AGE: Minimum age of 18.
RELATED EXPERIENCE: 1-2 years experience in related field preferred
CERTIFICATIONS: Current certification in first aid and CPR (or willing to obtain during employment).

WORK ENVIRONMENT/MINIMUM PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
You must have the physical, visual, and auditory ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

PROGRAM DELIVERY & CAMPER ENGAGEMENT
Develop, facilitate, and deliver progressive, mission-driven activities tailored to the ages and abilities of the campers.
Prepare activity areas, provide appropriate orientations, and teach the proper and safe use of equipment to ensure positive outcomes.
Debrief activities with participants to reinforce learning and participate in continuous improvement efforts by evaluating the success of the program.
Maintain effective, positive relationships with members, participants, and fellow staff to promote a supportive camp culture and prioritize overall youth well-being.

HEALTH, SAFETY & RISK MANAGEMENT
Monitor participants, equipment, facilities, and environmental conditions continuously to identify, mitigate, and report hazardous or unsafe conditions.
Review and execute all emergency procedures immediately in accordance with YMCA policies, maintaining readiness for specific scenarios including missing campers, first aid responses, and facility failures.

Use problem-solving skills to make quick decisions, supervise campers actively, and ensure that both staff and campers follow all established safety procedures.
Play an active role in elevating safety standards, maintaining clear and professional communication via standard radio procedures during daily operations and critical incidents.

FACILITY & EQUIPMENT STEWARDSHIP
Conduct pre-use inspections and demonstrate good stewardship of camp resources through the proper care, maintenance, and storage of all supplies.
Clean, secure, and organize program areas following each use, and assist in packing materials both on a daily basis and at the close of the season.

COMPLIANCE, TRAINING & ADMINISTRATION
Complete all required YMCA and American Camp Association (ACA) training, certifications, and annual skills assessments prior to facilitating any activities.
Follow all risk management and manufacturer guidelines, operating equipment only as authorized and seeking guidance when a task falls outside current training.
Complete required documentation efficiently and promptly report any incidents, hazards, policy violations, or operational concerns to management.

DISHWASHING RESPONSIBILITIES
Report to the dining hall before meal service and support dishwashing operations.
Wash, sanitize, store, and restock dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment according to health and safety standards.
Maintain a clean and sanitary dish room, including cleaning work areas and removing trash.
Follow safe work practices and report safety, sanitation, or equipment concerns.
Coordinate with the Head Cook before leaving the kitchen when assigned other duties.

HOUSEKEEPING RESPONSIBILITIES
Complete assigned cleaning tasks and inspections in a timely manner.
Maintain clean, safe, and welcoming facilities, reporting maintenance or safety concerns as needed.
Properly use, store, secure, and replenish cleaning supplies and equipment, ensuring they remain inaccessible to participants.
Demonstrate responsible stewardship of camp resources and complete required housekeeping documentation.

MAINTENANCE & FACILITIES RESPONSIBILITIES
Assist with the upkeep and operation of camp facilities, grounds, and infrastructure.
Perform assigned maintenance tasks and projects, including general repairs, grounds care, supply replacement, and camp improvement initiatives.
Safely use tools, PPE, and equipment as trained and authorized.
Identify and report maintenance, safety, or facility concerns.
Demonstrate good stewardship of camp resources, equipment, and facilities.
Perform other duties as assigned in support of camp operations and guest experiences.

CABIN LIFE & 24-HOUR CAMPER SUPERVISION
Supervise a designated group of 8-10 campers and a Counselor-in-Training (CIT) during the summer session. Provide 24-hour supervision, sleep in the cabin, and use proven leadership and safety practices to ensure the physical and emotional well-being of the campers.
Develop the cabin into a cohesive "family unit" using positive discipline techniques that build skills in decision-making, problem-solving, and living together. Provide personal attention and one-to-one support to ensure each camper has an enriching, fun experience.
Escort campers safely from place to place, ensuring the group is on time to all assemblies, meals, and activities. Participate actively in programs alongside campers and manage the daily issues and routines of the cabin.
Maintain personal health and stamina by getting adequate food, hydration, and sleep to remain a capable leader. Understand and strictly abide by all camp policies, curfews, and the staff code of conduct.

DRIVING RESPONSIBILITIES (IF APPLICABLE)
Uphold and follow all transportation guidelines and procedures as outlined in the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles Transportation Policies
Conduct pre-driving safety check of assigned vehicles and note down any and all safety and/or maintenance requirements

EMPLOYEE HOUSING RESPONSIBILITIES (IF APPLICABLE)
Employee housing is a privilege connected to employment and is subject to all YMCA and Camping Services policies.
Maintain housing areas in a clean, safe, functional, and respectful manner.
Obtain approval before hosting visitors or engaging in activities outside normal housing expectations.
Properly care for camp housing, furnishings, and resources, and report maintenance or safety concerns.
Conduct yourself professionally and serve as a positive representative of the YMCA while residing on camp.

GENERAL EXPECTATION & PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
Ensure all your worked hours are accurately recorded AND self-approved in Paycom Reviews all emergency procedures and responds to emergency situations immediately in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures.
Plays an active role in continuing to identify ways to improve and expand upon safety standards
Maintains effective, positive relationships with members, participants and other staff.
Uses problem solving skills to make quick decisions, instruct, evaluate, supervise, and recognize the potential for danger or injury.
Attend staff meetings and trainings as required.
Uphold YMCA policies for safety, supervision, mandated reporting and risk management.
Demonstrate the Six Pillars of Character (Trustworthiness, Citizenship, Respect, Responsibility, Caring, Fairness) as well as the YMCA Core Values of caring, honesty,
respect, and responsibility in all dealings with members, guests, volunteers and fellow staff.

Demonstrate competencies in and willingness to develop in the Cause Driven Leadership
areas of mission advancement, collaboration, operational effectiveness and personal
growth.
All other duties as assigned by your supervisor.
The Program Director is authorized to cancel the Camp Staff agreement for all, or part, of the camp season without notice. Reasons for termination of employment include but are
not limited to insufficient registration/reservations, emergencies (epidemic, fires, etc.), personal negligence, personal health that limits performance, violations of Camping Services or YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles Staff Personnel Policies.

RETURNING STAFF EXPECTATIONS (IF APPLICABLE)
Serve as a positive role model for first-year staff and Center Volunteers, demonstrating best practices in camper engagement, behavior management, and camp operations.
Utilize your prior experience to anticipate daily camp needs, take initiative during transitions, and proactively assist new staff in understanding camp routines and standard operating procedures.
Play a leading role in elevating safety standards by actively guiding peers in the proper execution of emergency protocols, radio procedures, and YMCA Core Values.

SPECIALIZED ACTIVITIES (IF ASSIGNED)
Area-Specific Certification & Training: Complete all specialized training, maintain required certifications, and follow specific manufacturer and industry safety guidelines for your assigned activity area.
High Ropes & Low Ropes: Facilitate high ropes and climbing courses and low ropes by
strictly adhering to height safety protocols, conducting thorough pre-use gear inspections, properly fitting camper harnesses and helmets, and safely managing belay systems.
Lifeguarding & Aquatics: Maintain vigilant, continuous supervision of all aquatic areas, pool & lakefront. Enforce strict water safety rules, manage aquatic equipment, and maintain readiness to respond immediately to emergencies in accordance with current lifeguard certification standards.
Reptiles & Animal Care: Oversee the daily care, feeding, and safe handling of camp reptiles and animals. Maintain clean and secure habitats while enforcing strict camper safety and hygiene practices (such as mandatory handwashing) before and after interactions.
Archery: Direct the archery range with strict adherence to universal range commands and
line control. Provide clear instruction on shooting techniques and safe arrow retrieval and
conduct regular maintenance and safety checks on all bows, strings, and arrows.
Mountain Bikes: Assess individual camper riding abilities before hitting the trails. Enforce proper helmet fitting and trail etiquette, and perform basic pre-ride bike maintenance, including checking tire pressure, brakes, and chains.

PHYSICAL ASPECTS OF POSITION
Ability to work effectively with guests, participants, volunteers, and staff while maintaining a safe and positive environment.
Ability to identify and respond appropriately to safety concerns, emergencies, and environmental conditions.
Ability to walk frequently on uneven terrain, navigate mountain environments, and perform physically demanding tasks to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.
Ability to work at elevations of approximately 7,000 feet and in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, sun, rain, wind, and snow.
Ability to safely operate equipment and tools as trained and in accordance with YMCA, ACA, and manufacturer guidelines.
Ability to perform operational duties such as snow removal, facility upkeep, material handling, and emergency response.
Requires adequate vision, hearing, mobility, coordination, and manual dexterity to safely perform assigned duties and support camp operations.

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

AGE: Minimum age of 18.
RELATED EXPERIENCE: 1-2 years experience in related field preferred
CERTIFICATIONS: Current certification in first aid and CPR (or willing to obtain during employment).

SPECIALIZED ACTIVITIES 
Area-Specific Certification & Training: Complete all specialized training, maintain required certifications, and follow specific manufacturer and industry safety guidelines for your assigned activity area.
High Ropes & Low Ropes: Facilitate high ropes and climbing courses and low ropes by
strictly adhering to height safety protocols, conducting thorough pre-use gear inspections, properly fitting camper harnesses and helmets, and safely managing belay systems.
Lifeguarding & Aquatics: Maintain vigilant, continuous supervision of all aquatic areas, pool & lakefront. Enforce strict water safety rules, manage aquatic equipment, and maintain readiness to respond immediately to emergencies in accordance with current lifeguard certification standards.
Reptiles & Animal Care: Oversee the daily care, feeding, and safe handling of camp reptiles and animals. Maintain clean and secure habitats while enforcing strict camper safety and hygiene practices (such as mandatory handwashing) before and after interactions.
Archery: Direct the archery range with strict adherence to universal range commands and
line control. Provide clear instruction on shooting techniques and safe arrow retrieval and
conduct regular maintenance and safety checks on all bows, strings, and arrows.
Mountain Bikes: Assess individual camper riding abilities before hitting the trails. Enforce proper helmet fitting and trail etiquette, and perform basic pre-ride bike maintenance, including checking tire pressure, brakes, and chains.