Overnight Camp Counselor

The Overnight Camp (OC) Counselor is responsible for the constant supervision, safety, and positive development of a group of 8-12 campers (ages 7-17). The OC Counselor provides overnight supervision in the sleeping quarters, teaching and leading engaging activities, strictly enforcing all safety protocols and camp policies, and serving as a positive, approachable role model. Due to the residential nature of the role, the OC Counselor 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 needs, emergencies, or unforeseen situations. The OC Counselor ensures the camp environment remains welcoming, genuine, and nurturing for all campers and guests while actively contributing to a strong, supportive staff team. 

For more on Employee Perks, click on this link: Employee Benefits | YMCA of San Diego County (ymcasd.org)

• Assumes full, 24-hour responsibility for a cabin group of 8-12 children (ages 7-17), including all evenings, overnights, mealtimes, transitions, and activity periods; quickly reacts to and address immediate camper needs, emergencies, or unforeseen situations. 
• Actively participates in all camp activities with enthusiasm, encouraging maximum camper participation and adapting instruction methods to accommodate diverse skill levels and needs. 
• Plans and prepares all assigned activities in advance, ensuring materials are ready, areas are safe, and the session meets established learning or recreational goals. 
• Employs effective teaching and leadership techniques to provide quality instruction and lead engaging, age-appropriate activities. 
• Consistently enforces all camp safety rules and operating procedures and implements camp emergency procedures when necessary. 
• Exercises sound judgment and make conservative decisions, prioritizing the physical and emotional safety of the children above all else; utilizes proactive and constructive techniques for managing camper behavior and mediating conflicts. 
• Serves as a positive and enthusiastic role model for campers by exhibiting maturity, good sportsmanship, and responsible behavior in all settings.
• 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. 
• Works effectively and cooperatively with the team of other camp counselors, directors, and support staff, actively contributing to a positive staff culture. 
• 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 six (6) months of experience working with children ages 7-17 in a day camp, resident camp, overnight camp, or similar setting. 

Competencies

• Visual and auditory ability and physical capacity to quickly identify, assess, and respond effectively to critical incidents and emergencies.
• Ability to adequately observe participant activities, consistently enforce safety regulations, and correctly apply appropriate camp policies and procedures to mitigate risk.
• Possesses the 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.
• Excellent verbal communication skills and a warm, approachable demeanor when interacting with children, parents/guardians, and community members.
• Ability to serve as a positive, mature, and enthusiastic role model for campers, demonstrating integrity, responsibility, and good sportsmanship.
• Strong capacity to work effectively and cooperatively within a staff team, taking direction and contributing positively to the overall camp culture.
• 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
  • 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.