Overnight Camp Counselor

The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties is seeking an Overnight Camp Counselor to join our team. 

Would you like to change lives by providing an amazing experience for every camper?

At Camp Seymour, you get to teach kids self-reliance, a love for nature and the outdoors, and the development of attitudes and practices that build character and leadership – all amidst the fun of campfires, canoeing, archery, talent shows, and meaningful relationships.

If hired as an Overnight Camp Counselor, you will live and work at Camp in a cabin/yurt. Along with a co-leader, you will provide constructive, responsible leadership and guidance for a cabin group of 10-12 children ages 7-13. You will develop camper character and values; foster cabin community, encourage group leadership, and develop stewardship. You will also instruct 1-2 skills classes ("Camptivities").

*This is a Residential position that includes room and board. *

Wage: $450 to $480 per week (Compensation is determined based on relevant experience, skills, and qualifications, with most new hires starting between the minimum and midpoint of the posted wage range)

Dates of Employment: June 13th, 2027 to August 20th, 2027

Location: YMCA Camp Seymour, Gig Harbor, WA  

Benefits: 

• Free Saturdays 
• Ability to apply as an internal candidate to a year-round, Full or Part-Time position
• Build lasting connections and employment experience
• Accrue Paid Sick Leave at 1.23 hours for every 40 hours worked

Key Responsibilities:

• Promote a positive, inclusive environment that fosters fun, safety and meaningful experiences for all campers.
• Organize and lead a variety of small and large group activities inside and outside of the cabin, participating 100% with activities
• Know, enforce, and follow all safety guidelines associated with the camp and all program areas.  This includes but is not limited to being responsible for your campers’ safety and their whereabouts at all times.
• Recognize individual and group situations and effectively resolve conflicts based on camp values and procedures.
• Maintain open communication and proactively work to build strong relationships with Co-leaders & Leadership staff.
• Facilitate cabin overnights – ensure campers’ supervision and comfort, sanitation, programming, report any safety concerns immediately (intruders, bees)

Qualifications:

• A commitment to valuing and promoting diversity, equity, and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment where everyone feels they can belong.
• Minimum 18 years of age.
• Six months or more of related experience preferred.
• Preferred: Experience in child Leadership and/or related activities experience.
• Positive attitude and previous experience with children and diverse populations.
• Frequently involved in loud activity spaces, must be able to regulate and problem-solve in high activity environments.
• Knowledge and skills in program activities and related equipment set-up, and the ability to instruct participants in age-appropriate techniques.
• Preferred: Knowledge and skills in camper and peer leadership, group and interpersonal dynamics, child behavior and typical camp activities.
• Able and willing to complete online Child Abuse Prevention training on first day, and other online and in-person training as required.
• Must be able to pass Background and Reference checks (in accordance with the WA State Fair Chance Act).

At the Y, we’re all about empowering - Join our team and support our vision of creating opportunity to all can thrive in every season of life. To apply, visit our website at www.ymcapkc.org. 

Please note that employment with the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties is contingent upon successfully completing post-offer requirements, which may include age verification, reference checks, and state and national background checks. All inquiries and checks are conducted only after a conditional offer of employment is made.