Junior Day Camp Counselor

Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges

. Provide direct supervision of a group of children in a seasonal day camp .

Posted 11/6/2026full-timeNewton • New Jersey • United StatesJunior💰 $17 per hourWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates the ability to create nurturing relationships with children and parents while ensuring a safe and engaging camp environment. Proficient in planning and leading diverse activities that promote youth development and adhere to YMCA and ACA standards.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Youth DevelopmentCamp Activity PlanningPositive Reinforcement TechniquesSafety Standards ComplianceExperience with Diverse Populations

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Activity PlanningSupervision of ChildrenAquatic Activities FacilitationOutdoor Living SkillsArcheryBoatingRecreational GamesSportsSongs/MusicSkit Performance

Soft Skills

CommunicationTeam CollaborationPositive Relationship BuildingEngagement TechniquesReliability

Industry Keywords

YMCA StandardsACA StandardsNJ Licensing StandardsRisk ManagementYouth DevelopmentHealthy LivingSocial Responsibility

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide direct supervision of a group of children in a seasonal day camp
Create positive, nurturing relationships with children and cooperative relationships with parents/caregivers
Keep campers focused and engaged in camp activities
Assist Specialists during activity periods
Assist Senior Counselor, Specialists, and camp staff with themes, special events, trips, and camp activities
Encourage campers’ youth development progress
Help maintain camp cleanliness and group control
Plan camp activities cooperatively with camp staff
Use redirection and positive reinforcement to guide campers
Teach and instill the YMCA’s Four Core Values: Caring, Respect, Honesty, and Responsibility
Attend staff meetings and required trainings
Uphold camp safety standards, maintain constant face counts, and practice risk management and disaster procedures
Facilitate lunchtime activities and aquatic activities
Help with lake arrival and departure procedures
Follow YMCA, ACA, and NJ Licensing standards and procedures
Secure and submit accident reports and report immediate concerns to supervisors
Supervise bus activities, including songs, stories, and games
Wear the camp T-shirt daily and maintain a professional, punctual, reliable demeanor
Create a positive and nurturing learning environment focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility

Requirements

What you’ll need

High school student or equivalent
Previous experience working with children, preferably in a day camp setting, preferably as a CIT
Interest preferred in one or more of the following areas: outdoor living, archery, boating, camping, songs/music, skits, sports, aquatics, recreational games, etc.
At least 16 years of age
Previous experience with diverse populations preferred
Ability to plan, lead and participate in a range of activities in a variety of outdoor/indoor settings
Must attend and complete all required trainings
Must follow all YMCA, ACA, and NJ Licensing standards and procedures
Must follow all Association Aquatics Policy Guidelines