
Full Circle Summer Camp Lead
Job Description
- Provide on-site supervision and guidance to camp staff by modeling best practices and monitoring program delivery to ensure safety, quality, and adherence to YMCA policies.
- Assist the Director with staff scheduling, substitute coverage, and daily communication by organizing staffing needs and sharing updates to ensure smooth camp operations and consistent program coverage.
- Support the planning and implementation of weekly themes, field trips, and daily activities by collaborating with staff and preparing materials to promote campers’ social, emotional, and physical growth.
- Mentor and coach seasonal staff by offering regular feedback, answering questions, and demonstrating effective strategies to strengthen program delivery and staff confidence.
- Monitor camper attendance and maintain accurate records by completing sign-in/out procedures and documenting changes to ensure camper safety and compliance with YMCA standards.
- Coordinate room and equipment setup by preparing program spaces, organizing supplies, and inspecting materials to ensure environments are clean, safe, and ready for use.
- Act as the primary contact for parents and guardians during camp hours by providing timely updates and responding to concerns to ensure strong family communication and trust.
- Respond to behavior challenges and emergencies by using sound judgment, de-escalation techniques, and YMCA protocols to maintain safety and uphold risk management and mandated reporting requirements.
- Attend staff meetings, trainings, and planning sessions by participating actively and applying learned concepts to support program success and continuous staff development.
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in recreation, learning, or related field preferred.
- At least 3 years’ experience working with children with differing abilities.
- Experience supervising or mentoring staff or volunteers is preferred.
- Experience in camp, recreation, or youth development programming preferred.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills to engage staff, campers, and families.
- Ability to plan and lead a variety of recreational and educational activities.
- Maturity and judgment to respond appropriately to behavior issues, emergencies, and sensitive situations.
- Ability to lift at least 50 pounds and actively participate in games, sports, and outdoor activities.
- CPR and First Aid certification or willingness to obtain within 10 days of hire.
- Accountability: Takes ownership of decisions, actions, and results. Follows through on commitments and accepts responsibility. Completes assigned tasks on time and accepts feedback without defensiveness. Adheres to established policies and procedures.
- Coaching: Demonstrates the ability to provide simple, constructive feedback and guidance to others by observing performance, offering encouragement, and modeling appropriate behaviors to support staff learning and confidence.
- Relationship-building: Build meaningful, trusting connections with campers, families, and staff.
- Communication: Listen for understanding and tailor messages effectively for parents, staff, and campers.
- Results-oriented: Stay organized and manage time to deliver a high-value, fun, and safe camp experience.
- Conflict-resolution: Respond calmly and logically to behavior issues, emergencies, and changing activity needs.
- Empathy: Foster a camp environment where differences are celebrated and all campers feel welcome.
- Camp activities occur in YMCA facilities, outdoor spaces, and off-site locations such as parks and field trip destinations.
- Requires active participation, including standing, bending, and lifting up to 50 pounds, as well as moving equipment or furniture.
- Must be able to move freely throughout the facility and outdoors to monitor campers and participate in activities.
- Summer camp participant hours are 9:00am–4:00pm Monday–Friday; staff schedules vary within those time frames.
Pay Range: $15 - $18 per hour