Overnight Summer Camp Unit Leader - Camp Surf

Overview Overnight Camp Unit Leader

• Responsible for the overall management and supervision of a specific unit of the overnight camp program, providing leadership and stability for program continuity. Plan and oversee Unit operations, including the creation and implementation of staff training and scheduling. Develop and evaluate classes and activities to maintain a dynamic and well-received program. Responsible for monitoring and supervising staff in unit, ensuring the safety of all children at camp, leading a group in activities daily, assisting in overall camp operations, participating in planning and implementing quality YMCA programming and serving as a positive role model to both campers and staff.

Pay & Benefits Weekly Pay: $620.96 - $661.76* This position is exempt from overtime because you will work as a camp counselor or program counselor of an organized camp, and you will be paid a weekly salary equivalent to more than 85% of the minimum wage for a 40-hour week, subject to deduction for the value of lodging you receive and all withholdings and deductions as required by law.

Daily Equivalent: Approximately $103.49 - $110.29 per day

• Schedule: 6 days per week

What’s Included: Free on-site meals are included. On-site housing is provided, with a weekly housing cost deducted from your paycheck.

• Schedule

Mandatory All Staff Training - May 23, 2026 Summer Camp - June 7-August 8, 2026

UNIT LEADER ROLES:

Voyagers - Elementary school aged, experience with younger kids and staff preferred. Additionally strong communication skills as run check in/out daily and face of DC program Mariners - Elementary school aged, experience with younger kids and staff preferred Waterman - In charge of middle school village, may also do an offsite tri

Beachcombers - Lead of one of two teen programs focused on fun, recreation and off-site trips, over 21 preferred and open to be Lifeguard certified SOUL - Lead other teen village, focused on teen leadership, helps with campers around camp, does service project on and offsite, includes San Onofre trip and bike trip, over 21 preferred and open to be Lifeguard certified

Arts & Crafts - In charge of leading arts & crafts, developing activities, monitoring supplies, supports other Unit Leaders when there is no arts & crafts, in charge of Camp Assistants Waterfront – In charge of Lifeguard team and lead for offsite trips if water is closed Health Center - In charge of health center, first point of contact for basic care, dispenses medication

Photographer - all camp photos and can support social media Castaways - A typical week may include welcoming and running programing for local YMCA branch participants and our weekend guests Friday-Sunday Floater - Supports all villages and general camp needs, also lead for weekend holdover program

Responsibilities:

• Plan and implement summer programming for a specific unit of the overnight camping program; ensuring the environment is inclusive, nurturing and welcoming for all staff and participants.
• Provide staff support and supervision; including the training, evaluation and professional development of the team in a positive, supportive and motivational way.
• Contribute to planning and implementation of the daily program in accordance with YMCA policies, and ACA standards; including leading camp orientations, organize schedules and cabin lists.
• Create an age-appropriate environment, which allows for and fosters creativity and individuality in the campers and staff.
• Ensure program areas in camp have adequate supplies and are in good safe operating condition.
• Demonstrate a strong sense of investment in camp by actively supporting the cleanliness of facilities, care of equipment and supplies, and stewardship of the natural environment.

Qualifications:

Must be at least 18 years of age with high school diploma or GED. Bachelor's degree in education, recreation, related field, or equivalent education and experience preferred. Minimum (2) years of experience working with youth in Overnight Camp, Day Camp or like setting. Ability to lead campers in at least 4 of the following areas: recreational games, drama, crafts, outdoor education, songs, sports, aquatics, team building or science.

Staff supervision experience preferred. Must be able to live on-site during program season. Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical incidents and the physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency situation. Ability to supervise and work with groups of campers ages 7-17, as well as parents and staff of diverse populations.

Ability to adequately observe participants’ activities, enforce safety regulations, and apply appropriate policies and procedures. Physical ability to lead, teach and interact in group activities and perform related physical skills including: standing, hiking and/or climbing for long periods of time.

CPR and First Aid certification required prior to working with participants and must be from one of the following certifying organization:

American Red Cross American Heart Association American Safety & Health Institute. YMCA will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the San Diego County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the YMCA is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Ordinance by visiting the San Diego County Office of Labor Standards and Enforcement.

Pay Range USD $103.49 - USD $110.29 /Da.