SPECIALTY CAMPS UNIT LEADER - Summer Camp 2026

POSITION SUMMARY:

This is a seasonal role from June - August 2026 and supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Specialty Camps Unit Leader is responsible for the overall day to day operations of the Specialty Camps Unit which serves campers entering grades 5-9 with onsite and offsite programs. This includes managing and evaluating counselors, camper behavior management, administrative tasks, curriculum development and delivery, vendor communications and reservations, and parent communication. The Unit Leader also serves a member of the senior staff team and is charged with high level leadership across the entire camp operation. Unit Leaders are expected to lead by example and inspire those around them.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provide all campers, staff, and families with a high quality camp experience through excellent, timely customer service.
• Responsible for supervision of all Specialty Camps counselors.
• Responsible for evaluating counselors; regular verbal check-ins and two formal written coaching cards.?
• Responsible for cabin assignments and distribution of camper information forms.
• Actively supervises staff throughout the day and is present in the Unit during free-time, lunch, and skill class sign up.
• Enforce all child abuse prevention policies and coach staff throughout the summer.
• Collaborate with Asst. Camp Director to develop lesson plans and curriculums for specialty camps.
• Collaborate with Asst. Camp Director and Director of Camping Services to deliver specialty camp specific trainings for staff.
• Manage reservations and communications with offsite vendors.
• Maintain timely and thorough communications with camp office staff.
• Responsible for communication with parents regarding camper behavior issues. Works with the Camp Director/ Assistant Director and Youth Development Coordinator to set behavior contracts as needed.?
• Ensures communication logs are completed in a timely manner using CampBrain software program.
• Ensures that Unit (cabins, buildings, equipment) is maintained to a high standard. Communicates facility needs to Facilities Coordinator in a timely manner.
• Effectively runs bi-weekly meeting with Specialty Camps counselors.
• Ability to remain calm during an emergency. Ensures staff team is timely and accurate during drills and emergencies.?
• Assist with special events and summer fundraising campaigns.?
• Lead essential training sessions during Staff Training week and Senior Staff Retreat.
• Builds positive relationships with campers, parents, caregivers, counselors, and other senior staff to provide a high level experience to all.?
• Provides effective and timely communication to the Camp Director/Assistant Director and Senior Unit Leader.
• Adhere to policies related to boundaries with consumers.
• Attend required abuse risk management training.
• Adhere to procedures related to managing high-risk activities and supervising consumers.
• Report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.
• Follow mandated abuse reporting requirements.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of 3 years leadership and childcare experience.
• Teaching, facilitating, teambuilding experience preferred.
• Supervisory and staff development experience preferred.
• Prior experience working with children preferred.
• Familiarity with various outdoor activities.
• Strong working knowledge of computers and all common programs such as Word and Excel.
• Administrative experience.
• Ability to effectively delegate responsibilities to others and support them in their endeavors as necessary.
• Ability to handle sensitive, confidential information.
• Energetic and positive personality.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to stay calm in stressful situations.
• Ability to respond to critical incidents and act swiftly in emergency situations.
• Must be able to complete YMCA required training as scheduled by management.
• Must maintain updated certifications of the job (CPR and First Aid/AED).
• Must successfully clear FBI and state criminal background checks.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to sit, stand or walk for long periods of time
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs.
• Ability to push, pull, bend and kneel regularly.
• Ability to communicate verbally (in-person and on phone) and in writing is essential.
• Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical situations and physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency
• Ability to view and enter data on computer for long periods of time.

Southern District YMCA is an Equal Opportunities employer and embraces diversity in our employee population. It is the policy of SDYMCA to provide equal opportunity to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or genetic information.