The posting
A Summer Unit Leader serves as a member of the Summer Camp Leadership Team and is responsible for mentoring and supporting a designated group of Camp Counselors while ensuring the safety, quality, and success of the camp program. Unit Leaders provide direct leadership, coaching, and guidance to staff, serving as the primary resource for counselors as they manage camper behavior, group dynamics, and daily camp operations.
In addition to staff support responsibilities, Unit Leaders oversee a designated program or activity area, ensuring activities are engaging, safe, organized, and aligned with camp goals and standards. They act as the first point of escalation for camper, staff, and parent concerns, responding to incidents professionally and documenting situations according to established camp policies and procedures.
Unit Leaders play a key role in staff development by providing ongoing feedback, mentoring counselors, and monitoring job performance. They work collaboratively with camp leadership to create a positive camp culture, support camper development, and ensure high-quality experiences for our campers, families, and staff. Through strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, Unit Leaders help maintain a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment where campers and staff can thrive.
SALARY RANGE: $830.00 - $850.00/week
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Mentor and support a team of Camp Counselors to ensure the delivery of a safe, engaging, and high-quality camp experience.
- Serve as the primary point of contact and support for counselors regarding camper behavior, group management, program implementation, and daily operations.
- Provide leadership, coaching, and ongoing feedback to staff to promote professional growth and successful job performance.
- Participate in staff development and recognition efforts.
- Monitor staff performance and address concerns promptly, professionally, and in accordance with camp policies.
- Lead by example by demonstrating professionalism, enthusiasm, teamwork, and a commitment to camp values.
- Oversee and manage a designated activity or program area, ensuring activities are safe, organized, engaging, and age-appropriate.
- Maintain activity spaces, equipment, and supplies to ensure cleanliness, organization, and safety standards are met.
- Respond to camper, staff, parent, and program concerns, utilizing sound judgment and problem-solving skills to resolve issues effectively.
- Serve as the first level of escalation for behavioral incidents, conflicts, emergencies, and other situations requiring leadership intervention.
- Complete and maintain accurate incident reports, behavioral documentation, accident reports, and other required records in a timely manner.
- Partner with Camp Director to communicate significant incidents, concerns, and program needs.
- Support counselors in creating positive group environments that encourage inclusion, participation, teamwork, and personal growth.
- Monitor camper well-being and assist with behavior management strategies that promote positive outcomes.
- Ensure all camp policies, procedures, licensing requirements, ACA standards, and YMCA standards are consistently followed by staff and campers.
- Assist in planning, coordinating, and implementing special events, camp-wide activities, and leadership initiatives.
- Participate actively in leadership meetings and trainings.
- Maintain positive relationships with campers, families, visitors, and community members through professional and respectful communication.
- Remain alert and able to identify and respond to environmental hazards, behavioral concerns, and safety risks.
- Respond appropriately to emergencies and situations requiring First Aid, CPR, or crisis management procedures.
- Assist with opening and closing duties, daily camp operations, and overall program administration.
- Support the Camp Director and leadership team with additional responsibilities and special projects as assigned.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Experience as a group counselor or staff member in a camp setting (experience at programming in a camp setting preferred)
- Supervisory experience preferred
- Flexibility and maturity, with ability to be self-motivated and work with minimum supervision
- Ability to relate to peers as well as youth effectively
- CPR and First Aid certified (can be obtained upon hire)
- Preferred YMCA approved driver
YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):
Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Ys values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.
Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person's point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.
Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.
Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.
