Careers in YMCA Camping

YMCAs offer an array of camping experience: summer day camps that serve as child care solutions for working parents; overnight/resident camps that offer the traditional "camp" setting, campfires and cabin experiences; and special interest camps, such as sports, arts, academic, teen adventure or leadership sessions.

Although each may be structured differently, YMCA camps provide the same outcome: Kids have fun while they learn how to make new friends, build new skills and grow in self-reliance. Whether it's through singing or swimming, through nature hikes or computer classes, counselors at YMCA camps have led kids in developing good values-and having fun-for more than 110 summers.

The predominance of YMCA Camping staff work as camp counselors during the summer months. Day camp counselors work with school-aged kids at an assigned YMCA day camp site at either a local school or YMCA facility. Counselors organize arts and crafts, recreation, literacy and character development programs as well as field trips, guest visits and special activities. Resident camp counselors work with school-aged kids and preteens at any one of the 230 YMCA camps throughout the country. Counselors organize hikes, swimming, horseback riding, team-building exercises, water activities, campfires and all the traditional camp experiences. Often more important that the actual "activity," YMCA Camp counselors serve as mentors to youth, helping to nurture their self-esteem, confidence and values. YMCA Camping also requires the commitment of staff who manage the camp operations and who work to keep YMCA camp facilities maintained throughout the year.