Camp Counselor, Y Adventure Camp at Greater Burlington YMCA – Burlington, Vermont

Do you love the outdoors and want to make a difference in children's lives this summer? Join the Greater Burlington YMCA as a Camp Counselor at Y Adventure Camp at Rock Point and help create exciting, nature-based experiences for campers ages 8 to 13! This role is active and outdoors-focused—you’ll be leading nature-based activities, supervising campers in various environments, and ensuring their safety. Candidates should be comfortable working outside in different weather conditions.

Schedule and Location: Starting June 15th, Monday- Friday 8:30am-4:00pm, on the beautiful property of Rock Point 20 Rock Point Rd, Burlington, Vermont

Why You’ll Love This Job:

• Lead outdoor adventures like hiking, swimming, and nature exploration.
• Foster teamwork, creativity, and a love for the outdoors.
• Be part of a supportive team dedicated to making summer unforgettable for kids.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead and participate in outdoor activities, including hiking, swimming, and group games.
• Create engaging activities that encourage teamwork, creativity, and respect for nature.
• Ensure campers’ safety through active supervision, especially around water and wooded areas.
• Monitor weather conditions and adjust activities as needed.
• Track attendance, conduct regular safety checks, and enforce sunscreen, hydration, and rest breaks.
• Communicate effectively with campers, families, and fellow staff.
• Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and positive camp environment.
• Serve as a role model by demonstrating leadership, empathy, and problem-solving skills.

Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Experience working with children ages 8 to 13.
• CPR/First Aid certification preferred (or willingness to obtain).
• Lifeguard certification preferred (or willingness to obtain).
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Previous experience in a camp, recreational, or educational setting preferred.

Work Environments and Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those necessary for the role and are essential to ensuring the safety and well-being of children in our care. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

This position is 90% outdoors and requires the employee have:

• Ability to effectively supervise and ensure the safety of children by maintaining visual and auditory awareness in various environments.
• Ability to lift, carry, or support children up to 35 pounds as needed for care, safety, and engagement.
• Ability to engage in active participation in all aspects of the program, including hiking trails, swimming in the lake, and other outdoor activities.
• Ability to navigate camp property, including uneven terrain and remote areas.
• Ability to stand and stay active for long periods, including frequent movement such as kneeling, bending, stooping, crouching, and reaching.
• Ability to respond quickly and appropriately to the physical and emotional needs of children, including in emergency situations.
• Ability to work in and adapt to all weather conditions including rain, heat, mud, bugs, and more.