Summer Resident Camp Counselor: Camp Thunderbird

Reports to: Resident Camp Leadership

The Summer Resident Camp Counselor provides direct leadership, guidance, and supervision to
campers in a residential camp setting. This role is responsible for ensuring a safe, fun, and growth oriented experience for campers by leading cabin life, facilitating camp activities, and modeling YMCA values. The Counselor builds strong relationships with campers, peers, and supervisors while fostering a positive camp culture that emphasizes respect, teamwork, and personal development.

Culture Statement

The culture of the Y is rooted in our Christian mission and core principles. We strive every day to collectively embody our purpose to love, serve and transform lives. Every day we show up to Lead with Love and Serve with Purpose.

We Love unconditionally – showing genuine care and concern for everyone, making each interaction meaningful and personal and ensuring every person feels valued, seen and welcomed. We elevate Hope – promoting optimism by offering encouragement and practical solutions to challenges. We act with Care & Compassion – listening attentively without judgment, responding with empathy, and creating a sense of belonging by uplifting and supporting those around us. We demonstrate Generosity – sharing our time, skills, and resources freely and with joy.

We walk in Grace – showing patience and kindness, even in difficult moments. We ignite Faith – staying grounded in our mission, principles and purpose, inspiring others to trust in what is possible. Demonstrating consistency in our actions, helping others see how their efforts align with a greater purpose. We treasure Honesty – communicating openly and truthfully, admitting mistakes when they occur, and honoring commitments. We honor Humility – leading with a servant's heart by prioritizing the needs of others above our own. We live with Joy – celebrating small and big wins alike, inspiring connection and shared joy. We offer Respect – addressing everyone by name and honoring diverse perspectives and backgrounds. We
value Responsibility – performing every task timely with diligence and excellence and holding ourselves accountable by openly evaluating our performance. We engage in Service – going above and beyond in serving others by anticipating needs and delivering exceptional experiences.

Essential Functions

• Live in a cabin with 8–18 campers, depending on the camp, serving as counselor, role model, and leader.
• Guide campers in daily activities, camp routines, and community living, ensuring safety, inclusion, and engagement.
• Provide leadership in camp programs by teaching or assisting with assigned activity areas.
• Participate actively in staff training, staff meetings, and ongoing professional development.
• Supervise, mentor, and support Counselors-in-Training (CITs) or Leaders-in-Training (LITs) assigned to the cabin.
• Maintain positive relationships with campers’ parents/guardians and provide appropriate communication when needed.
• Promote respect for personal property, camp facilities, and natural resources.
• Uphold and enforce camp safety, health, and behavior expectations consistently.
• Assist with camp-wide programs, special events, and divisional activities as assigned.
• Complete required reports, documentation, and administrative tasks on time

Performs other duties and tasks as assigned by leadership

Required Qualifications

• Must be at least 16 years of age.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in youth groups, schools, churches, or community organizations.
• Ability to work effectively with children of varying backgrounds, needs, and abilities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to relate effectively with campers, peers, and supervisors.
• Demonstrated ability to act with sound judgment and prioritize camper safety and well-being.
• Enthusiasm for outdoor living and appreciation of the natural environment.
• Ability to teach or lead one or more camp program activities (sports, arts, nature, etc.).
• Commitment to YMCA mission, values, and the camp’s purpose.
• Flexible, positive, and collaborative approach to teamwork in a residential setting.

All YMCA team members are expected to maintain a current and active status for all safety, risk, and programming certifications defined by the YMCA of Greater Charlotte.

Preferred Qualifications

• One year of college coursework or equivalent experience in camping, youth programs, or related fields preferred.

Working Conditions

• Requires living in a residential camp environment throughout the summer season.
• Must be able to work long hours, including evenings and weekends, with limited personal time.
• Physical requirements include the ability to walk, stand, kneel, crouch, stoop, climb, and sit for extended periods.
• Must be able to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 lbs.
• Work involves both indoor and outdoor environments in varying weather conditions.
• Requires active participation in camp activities, including hiking, swimming, sports, and other physically demanding programs.
• Exposure to noise, heat, insects, and outdoor environmental elements common to a camp setting.

Competencies

1 EMOTIONAL MATURITY: Demonstrates ability to understand and manage emotions effectively in
all situations
2 DEVELOPING SELF & OTHERS: Develops self and supports others (e.g., staff, volunteers,
members, program participants), both formally and informally, to achieve their highest potential
3 COLLABORATION: Creates sustainable relationships within the Y and with other organizations in
service to the community
4 ENGAGING COMMUNITY: Builds bridges with others in the community to ensure the Y’s work is community-focused and welcoming of all, providing community benefit