Overnight Camp Unit Leader

The Overnight Camp (OC) Unit Leader is responsible for the overall supervision of a designated Overnight Camp unit. This leadership role ensures program continuity and excellence by providing strategic direction and stability. Key responsibilities include monitoring of assigned unit staff, implementation of detailed staff training programs, and overseeing all unit scheduling and logistical requirements. The OC Unit Leader is accountable for driving program quality by developing, evaluating, and maintaining a dynamic, well-received curriculum of classes and activities. The OC Unit Leader is required to live on-site for the duration of the camp session and must be available and responsive at all times to address immediate camper and unit needs, emergencies, or unforeseen situations. This position serves as a positive role model and contributes collaboratively to the overall goals and positive culture of the camp organization.

• Supervises, mentors, and evaluates the performance of all assigned unit staff, including counselors and specialized activity leaders.
• Facilitates staff training sessions focused on youth development best practices, risk management, program delivery, and maintaining the camp's behavioral policies.
• Oversees all daily logistical requirements for the unit, including organizing detailed staff scheduling, tracking attendance, coordinating transitions, and assigning camper cabin placements.
• Plans and implements the overall programming schedule for the unit, ensuring it is age-appropriate, diverse, and supports the mission and educational objectives of the Overnight Camp.
• Regularly assesses and evaluates the quality and effectiveness of classes, activities, and routines, making data informed adjustments to ensure a dynamic and high-retention program.
• Ensures planning and implementation of the daily program adheres to all internal YMCA camp policies, safety procedures, and American Camp Association (ACA) across all unit operations. This includes leading camp orientations, organize schedules and cabin lists.
• Fosters an intentional, inclusive, and nurturing environment that actively encourages creativity, individuality, and a strong sense of belonging for all campers and staff.
• Maintains inventory of all unit supplies and equipment, ensuring all program areas are adequately stocked, clean, and in safe operating condition.
• Contributes to the broader operational needs of the camp by leading all-camp activities, participating in leadership meetings, and serving as a key communication liaison between leadership and the unit team.
• Demonstrates a strong sense of investment in the camp, including maintaining the cleanliness of facilities, ensuring the proper care and inventory of equipment and supplies, and practicing stewardship of the natural environment; participates in various general camp chores, which may include cleaning assigned cabins and bathrooms, assisting with evening programs, special events, and contributing to larger projects as requested by the Program Director.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education 

• Formal education, usually obtained by a High School Diploma/GED, or training that ensures the ability to read and write at a level necessary for successful job performance AND,

Years of Experience

• A minimum of two (2) years of experience working with children ages 7-17 in a day camp, resident camp, overnight camp, or similar setting.
  

Competencies

• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate a diverse team of staff, fostering a collaborative, positive, and high performing work environment.
• Ability to exercise sound, rapid, and ethical judgment when addressing critical incidents, camper behavior challenges, or staff performance issues.
• Demonstrated ability in scheduling, resource allocation, and logistical management to ensure efficient unit operations and adherence to daily timelines.
• Excellent verbal communication skills and a warm, approachable demeanor when supervising children (ages 7-17) and interacting with parents/guardians, staff, senior administration, and community members.
• Visual and auditory ability and physical capacity to quickly identify, assess, and respond effectively to critical incidents and emergencies.
• Ability to teach and lead a broad range of age-appropriate camp activities, including at least four (4) of the following domains: recreational games, drama, arts and crafts, outdoor education, performing arts (e.g. music, dance), sports, aquatics, team building, or STEM/science.
• Ability to adequately observe participant activities, consistently enforce safety regulations, and correctly apply appropriate camp policies and procedures to mitigate risk.
• Physical ability to lead and interact in group activities and perform related physical skills including standing, walking, hiking, and/or climbing for extended periods of time, often outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Competency in planning, organizing, and preparing materials and spaces required for daily activities, ensuring sessions start on time and are executed smoothly.
• Required ability to live on-site during the full program season, maintaining professional standards with shared staff and campers in all areas at all times.

Standard Job Requirements

• Licensing, state law and our government funders are required that all staff (hybrid, remote, or onsite) within YMCA San Diego County are fingerprinted, prior to reporting to work, and include subsequent arrest notifications.
• CPR and First Aid certification is required within 30 days of hire and must be from one of the following certifying organizations: American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or American Safety & Health Institute.

YMCA will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the San Diego County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the YMCA is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Ordinance by visiting the San Diego County Office of Labor Standards and Enforcement.