Head Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description

Head Counselors are responsible for the overall supervision, leadership, and daily management of a designated camper group and assigned counselors. They ensure consistent attention to all aspects of the camp experience, including program participation, health and safety, emotional well-being, behavior guidance, cleanliness, daily routines, and the development of character and skills. 

In addition to directly supporting campers, Head Counselors provide guidance, modeling, and mentorship to counselors, ensuring that expectations for supervision, engagement, and professionalism are consistently upheld. They serve as a key communication link between counselors and camp leadership, proactively addressing concerns and supporting smooth daily operations. 

Head Counselors work in close collaboration with the Program Director, Assistant Director, and Unit Leads to maintain compliance with all program expectations, safety protocols, and licensing requirements, while fostering a positive, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate camp environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Attend and actively participate in all required training meetings and pre-camp orientations. 
• Arrive on time each day, prepared to lead staff and campers in daily programming. 
• Demonstrate thorough knowledge of camp procedures, policies, and safety protocols, and ensure counselors consistently follow them. 
• Serve as a positive, professional role model for campers and staff at all times. 
• Lead daily activities with enthusiasm and intention, ensuring meaningful camper engagement and a high-quality camp experience. 
• Maintain primary responsibility for the safety and supervision of assigned campers and staff, proactively anticipating and addressing concerns. 
• Model and enforce expectations related to cleanliness, organization, behavior guidance, sportsmanship, and camp rules. 
• Oversee the cleanliness and organization of assigned spaces, delegating responsibilities appropriately while ensuring completion. 
• Lead and support participation in all camp-wide special events and end-of-session celebrations. 
• Demonstrate professionalism, flexibility, and a solutions-oriented mindset in response to daily camp needs. 
• Provide direction, mentorship, and constructive feedback to counselors and senior counselors, fostering teamwork and accountability. 
• Monitor and support the social-emotional well-being of each camper, addressing concerns promptly and communicating with leadership when necessary. 
• Promote inclusive participation in all activities, ensuring every camper feels valued and engaged. 
• Exhibit personal habits, dress, communication, and professional relationships that reflect the standards and values of the camp program. 

Requirements

Qualifications:

In accordance with New York State Department of Health (DOH) licensing regulations, all camp staff are required to participate in and successfully complete mandatory pre-camp counselor orientation and training prior to any interaction with or supervision of campers. Head Counselors must demonstrate emotional maturity, sound judgment, good moral character, and personal integrity in alignment with DOH standards. They are expected to serve as positive role models for both campers and staff while upholding all camp policies and maintaining appropriate professional boundaries. A genuine interest in and enthusiasm for outdoor activities is essential, as the camp program is largely outdoor based. This role requires a strong commitment to camper safety, regulatory compliance, and fostering a supportive, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate camp environment. 

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:  

• Ability to work as a team member with other counselors and adult staff members. 
• Experience in working with children in a group setting. 
• Responsible, friendly, enthusiastic, patient and willing to learn. 

 Compensation:

• This is a seasonal stipend-based position paid through payroll.
• The total summer stipend for this role is $6,000.12, covering the full Camp Funkist season (June 25-August 21, 2026), including required training days and scheduled camp days.
• Stipends are distributed semi-monthly in accordance with the YWCA payroll schedule and are prorated across all paid days in the season.
• This stipend reflects compensation for the full seasonal assignment and is not calculated on an hourly basis.