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Job Description
Building bright futures—one summer day at a time.
YSS is searching for a Summer Summer Day Camp Counselor whose strong leadership can help us turn summer into something epic. The Summer Summer Day Camp Counselor brings the program to life each day—leading planning, organizing schedules, and creating engaging, hands-on experiences for an assigned group of students. Serving youth from kindergarten through middle school, this role blends structure with creativity to ensure every day is purposeful, active, and fun.
Partnering with the Site Supervisor, the Summer Day Camp Counselor also rallies and supports volunteers—coaching, guiding, and cheering them on to ensure the experience is safe, meaningful, and memorable for everyone involved. In short: part ringmaster, part mentor, part master planner… and 100% committed to making summer count.
What You'll Do...
Program Leadership
- Oversee daily operations of assigned Summer Enrichment classroom.
- Plan and deliver theme-based curriculum and activities; submit plans in advance.
- Assess youth needs and implement appropriate supports and interventions.
- Meet regularly with Site Supervisor to review plans and program quality.
Youth Supervision & Engagement
- Supervise and ensure safety of participants at all times.
- Lead educational and recreational activities.
- Manage behavior, document incidents, and monitor participant progress.
- Administer assessments and track growth.
Family & Site Collaboration
- Maintain positive communication with families and school/site staff.
- Ensure accurate check-in/check-out procedures and authorized pick-up.
- Coordinate with community partners supporting programming.
Administrative Responsibilities
- Complete required documentation and maintain site records.
- Maintain a clean, organized environment.
- Attend required meetings and trainings; work assigned schedule.
This is not a complete list of the responsibilities of this position. Duties may change at any time.
What We Provide...
We believe in your potential, we meet you where you are, and we invest in your future. Beyond the meaningful work, YSS provides the following benefits:
- Supportive leadership team and mission-driven culture.
- Flexibility and autonomy in a collaborative environment.
- Wellness Program Opportunities
- Paid membership to the Athletic Club of Ames
- Employee Assistance Program for all employees
- Flu shots
- Mental health support
- YSS is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualified employer.
If this sounds like work you’d be proud to do—and a team you’d want to grow with—we’d love to hear from you. Let’s do meaningful work, together.
We want to create a world where youth are valued and empowered to stand strong. To do this, we ask our staff to embrace YSS core values - Commitment, Collaboration, Compassion, Innovation, Integrity, and a “Can Do” Spirit.
MUST HAVES - Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Experience in child development, education, or related field
- Must be trained in CPR/First Aid.
SHOULD HAVES - Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Associate's degree in child development, education, or related field
- Experience as a teacher, teaching assistant or education student
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication
- Collaborative team player who builds positive relationships
- Highly organized with keen attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities
The IDEAL candidate:
- Be rooted in purpose and driven by equity, inclusion, and positive social impact.
- Bring humility, respect, and cultural awareness to every interaction.
- Speaks a language in addition to English (especially one spoken in our communities).
Who You Are...
You’re an organized, high-energy leader who blends structure with fun. You confidently manage groups, build strong relationships with youth and families, and keep programming safe, engaging, and purposeful—all while making summer feel like something special.
We Celebrate Your Story...
Have you navigated recovery from addiction, mental health challenges, trauma, or housing instability? Your lived experience offers a unique, compassionate perspective that can inspire real change. By sharing your story and serving as a role model or mentor, you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of youth and families. Your journey matters. If you’re ready to use it to uplift and empower others, we warmly encourage you to apply.
Who We Are...
We’re YSS - one of Iowa’s oldest & largest nonprofits dedicated to putting kids first. Our mission? To spark hope, create opportunities, and help young people thrive. With life-changing programs, an enthusiastic leadership team, and our brand-new 50-acre recovery campus, we’re growing fast and thinking big. Check us out at yss.org!
At YSS, we celebrate the unique backgrounds, identities, and experiences that each team member brings. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we’re dedicated to creating a respectful, inclusive, and empowering environment where everyone can grow and succeed. And we’re always working to do better together.
YSS is a nicotine-free workplace.
Heads Up! Don’t Miss Our Messages! - We communicate with applicants via email - straight from our Paycom system. So be sure to keep an eye on your inbox (and your spam/junk folder too). Got questions? Email [email protected] - we’re happy to help!
The YSS Hiring Process
- Apply - Fill out the online app at yss.org/ysscareers.
- Assessment - We’ll check out your skills and experience.
- Interview - Phone, video, or in-person - we’ll chat and get to know you.
- References - Send us three+ people who can sing your praises.
- Screening - Background and driving checks (plus license verification if needed).
- Offer - If it’s a match, you’ll get a formal offer through Paycom.