Great opportunity to work at the gorgeous YMCA Camp DeBoer on Lake of the Woods. Please apply online at:
https://ashlandymca.org/careers/
Job Title: YMCA Camp DeBoer Cabin Counselor
Seasonal: 6/29/25 – 7/25/25 (or 8/5/25 for selected counselors)
Compensation: $525-$600/week based on experience & duties
Department: Overnight Camp
Reports To: Camp Program Director
POSITION SUMMARY:
YMCA Camp DeBoer is a camp and conference center on beautiful Lake of the Woods, in Southern
Oregon! We are looking for seasonal camp staff to join our team for an exciting summer where you
can have a positive and lifelong impact on kids while building camp memories of friendship and fun.
In their role as primary caregivers and activity facilitators, Camp Counselors bring the feeling of fun
and family to camp as they live and work in a camper cabin, with a co-counselor and a cabin group
of 12-14 children ages 6-14. The Counselor is responsible for guiding campers through their days
of camp activities and fostering personal growth along the way. If you enjoy connecting with kids,
rocking silly songs at campfire, building forts for fairies, capturing the flag, splashing in the lake, and
tie-dying socks this might just be the gig for you!
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Assist in the direction, supervision, and organization of campers in their living unit, within
activities and throughout the camp in order to meet the intended camper outcomes.
Connect with each cabin camper quickly, and make campers feel welcome and included.
Treat every camper fairly and equally regardless of circumstances and abilities, making
each feel good about themselves and encouraging a fun environment.
Apply basic youth development principles in working with campers through
communication, relationship development, respect for diversity, involvement and
empowerment of youth.
Monitor and redirect youth behavior in alignment with provided training such that youth
are safe and able to appropriately participate in camp community life. YMCA Camp DeBoer
utilizes trauma informed strategies and a neuroscience based approach to youth behavior
support.
Assure campers are safely and effectively supervised at all times.
Learn and implement safety guidelines.
Collaborate with co-counselor(s) to provide an environment of welcoming, safety and
belonging for all campers and staff.
Notify leadership staff and request help in the event that a counselor encounters a
situation for which they feel inadequately equipped.
Other duties as assigned.
2. Lead and participate in the development and implementation of program activities for campers
within the mission and outcomes.
Responsible for leading and assisting with camp activities including, but not limited to
archery, arts & crafts, hiking, boating, swimming, campfires, sports, all camp games,
photography, and variety show.
Actively participate in all program areas as assigned.
Provide for the exploration of camper interests and abilities within the camp program
framework.
Facilitate responsible use of and maintain cleanliness and organization of program
equipment.
3. Maintain high standards of health and safety in all activities for campers and staff.
Provide the daily care of each camper within your supervision including recognition of
personal health needs.
Ensure that campers receive their medications as directed by health care manager.
Be alert to camper and staff needs and assist them with personal and/or health problems,
and discuss with camp health manager and/or resident camp program director when
appropriate.
Be alert to equipment and facilities to ensure utilization, proper care, and maintenance is
adhered to; report repairs needed promptly to camp director.
Oversee cleanliness of cabins and program areas.
Assist in emergency procedures such as lost camper searches, emergency evacuations,
and waterfront rescues as directed and within the bounds of provided training or
certification.
Help maintain and clean camp facilities each week.
4. Be a role model to campers and staff in your attitude and behavior.
Follow and uphold all safety and security rules and procedures.
Model positive engagement in camp practices and procedures including but not limited to
cleanliness, schedule, program activities, and meals
Model camp core values and character traits of caring, honesty, responsibility, respect,
growth, courage, and optimism, and facilitate intentional and embedded practice of those
core values and character traits for campers.
Show initiative in recognizing and meeting the needs of the community.
QUALIFICATIONS
Ability to make independent decisions that adhere to the purpose, mission, and goals of
YMCA Camp DeBoer.
High school diploma preferred.
Six months or more of camp or related experience preferred.
Previous experience with children and diverse populations, and demonstrated ability to
prioritize supervision and camper needs.
Positive attitude and adaptable approach to working in a community with changing
conditions.
Creativity and ability to think on the fly and come up with original ideas, games, songs,
skits, activities, etc.
Knowledge and skills in program activities and related equipment set-up, and the ability to
instruct participants in age appropriate techniques.
CPR/ AED certifications and Child Abuse prevention training prior to start of staff training.
This training may be accessible through the Ashland Family YMCA.
Lifeguard certification strongly preferred. This certification may be available through
Ashland Family YMCA at no cost to the contracted.
Must successfully pass background check.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee
to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Regularly required to talk or hear in a variety of settings including those with high ambient
noise. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, use hands, and reach with hands
and arms.
Occasionally required to sit, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
Must frequently lift or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift or move a higher amount.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision,
peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
Must participate in programming outdoors, which may include moderate smoke conditions
for limited periods of time.
Must sleep and eat in group settings as part of supervision duties.
https://ashlandymca.org/careers/