Overview
2025 Summer Day Camp Counselor (Seasonal) Jobs in Rockford, IL at YMCA of Rock River Valley
POSITION SUMMARY
This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The role provides direct supervision of a group of children in a seasonal day camp. Camp Counselors create positive, nurturing relationships with children, while building cooperative relationships with parents/caregivers. This position promotes and supports the potential of all youth in programs and facilitates peer-to-peer connections as part of the overall camp experience. Camp Counselor ensures safe and quality program operations that promotes the five core values of the YMCA: caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and faith as well as upholds our service standards of welcoming, connecting, supporting, and inviting.
LOCATION
YMCA Camp Winnebago
5804 N. Main St.
Rockford, IL
OUR CULTURE
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.
OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
The Y is made up of people of all ages, from all walks of life, working side-by-side to strengthen communities. Together, we strive to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, age, cultural background, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender expression, gender identity, ideology, income, national origin, race or sexual orientation has the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity. Our core values are caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and faith — they guide everything we do.
OUR COMMITMENT TO YOUTH PROTECTION
The YMCA of Rock River Valley has a responsibility to provide safe and secure programs and services for our community. The YMCA is a leader in child abuse prevention to support the safety of children in our care.
You’ll support the commitment of the YMCA to child abuse prevention by:
Report any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members or guests to your supervisor.
Follow all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children.
Report any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor.
Complete all child abuse prevention training as required.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Facilitates and provides direct supervision of children in an outdoor, seasonal day camp in all programming including weekly summer camp, family nights, overnights and before/after camp support.
Be a positive YMCA role model for the entire camp program by modeling the YMCA core values: Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility & Faith.
Provides constant supervision with each activity to ensure the safety of all program participants.
Plans and implements program activities that are culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate and consistent with YMCA values.
Adheres to program standards including safety and cleanliness standards. Demonstrates camp stewardship by maintaining cleanliness of buildings and grounds.
Attends staff meetings and trainings.
Follows YMCA policies and procedures and adheres to American Camp Association standards, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention and emergencies.
Cultivates positive relationships and maintains effective communication with parents, children and other staff. Models relationship-building skills in all interactions.
Ensures a strong focus on character development and diversity, equity and inclusion throughout programming.
Reports damaged equipment or safety hazards promptly.
Performs any other functions necessary for the smooth and efficient operation of the YMCA of Rock River Valley.
QUALIFICATIONS
At least 18 years of age
High school graduate or equivalent; one year or more of college preferred.
Previous experience working with children, preferably in a day camp setting.
Praesidium Academy trainings required.
CPR & First Aid/AED certification required upon hire
Training required upon hire: IL Gateways Child Development Health and Safety Basics Course; IL DCFS Child Abuse and Neglect/Mandated Reporter
Experience preferred in one or more of the following areas: outdoor living, archery, boating, camping, songs/music, skits, sports, aquatics and recreational games
Prefer knowledge of, and previous experience with, diverse populations.
Proven track record of developing authentic and deepened relationships with others.
SCHEDULE
Full Time Seasonal; 40+ hours per week
Monday-Friday
Weekly overnights required
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
$580 Weekly Stipend
Extra weekly stipend based on certifications
The Y is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We offer more than just a job, rather the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of those around you.
ALL STAFF BENEFITS:
Discounted Programs & Services, Including Child Care
Pay Differential for Bilingual Employees
Paid Time Off: Paid Leave for All Workers
Employee Crisis Fund
Employee Assistance Program
Cell Phone Discounts with Participating Providers
Tickets At Work Discount Program
401 (a) Retirement Plan: 8% YMCA Contributed Retirement
403 (b) Savings Plan: Tax-Deferred Account and Roth Account Options
For retirement plan eligibility requirements, and additional information, visit www.yretirement.org.
SEASONAL STAFF BENEFITS:
Free individual Membership
Discounted Rate to Upgrade to Another Membership Category
The Y: We’re for Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility
Title: 2025 Summer Day Camp Counselor (Seasonal)
Company: YMCA of Rock River Valley
Location: Rockford, IL
