Assistant Camp Counselor Application 2026
*Please note- We will not accept calls or emails from parents looking for employment for their children. Those candidates will not be considered.  

Welcome to the NSYMCA Day Camp 'Assistant Camp Counselor' Application 2026! You can view all camp job roles we are currently interviewing for HERE:

http://nsymca.org/summer-camp

 Please only submit one application for the role you feel best suited. Everyone who applies will be responded to within 10 days. We will contact you if an interview for this upcoming summer can be accommodated. Please make sure your email is accurate prior to submitting.

*Highly Recommended - Along with your online application, you can send cover letters and resumes to Camp Director Ricky Gonzalez at rgonzalez@nsymca.org.
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Assistant Camp Counselor Job Description 2026
NORTH SUBURBAN YMCA
ASSISTANT CAMP COUNSELOR
JOB DESCRIPTION 2026

POSITION TITLE: Assistant Camp Counselor
LOCATION: North Suburban YMCA
DEPARTMENT:  Camp
Salary Range: Dependent on qualifications and experience

GENERAL FUNCTION:
Under the direction of the Camp Director, leadership staff, and head counselors, the Assistant Counselor is responsible for assisting with: the implementation of programs and activities for campers and various other support roles.  The Assistant Counselor must be a team player and contribute to the overall success of camp through collaboration with other staff members and leadership. Assistant Counselors are required to work all scheduled hours during the week (will not exceed 40 hours per week).  

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
• At least 1 year of experience working or volunteering with children (outside of babysitting).
• Must be at least 16 years or older.
• Interest in working with children and significant evidence of emotional maturity, good moral character, judgement, integrity and leadership capability.
• Enjoyment and appreciation of the outdoors.
• Ability to lead, guide, discipline when necessary, and supervise children of varying ages.
• Ability to adapt to changing needs and circumstances.
• Strong interpersonal skills to positively communicate with members, participants, and staff.
• Possess a positive and professional attitude.
• Attend and successfully complete all staff trainings (virtual and in-person).
• Ability to pass a background check.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & AGREEMENTS:
• Maintain camper safety (mind, body, and spirit) at all times.
• Ensure all campers are having a fun and positive experience.
• Arrive at camp on time each day ready and prepared to perform all camp staff functions and responsibilities.
• Understand that the camp director will assign your camp and group based on what is best for the NSYMCA, and your camp group/role may change daily.
• Must display absolute integrity at all times.
• Assist and support counselors and leadership staff in all camp activities.
• Supervise and care for campers through visual observation, listening to their interactions, and participating in all activities.
• Participate in and assist with the swimming program.  This includes being in the pool when the children are in the pool.
• Willing to go on all field trips.
• Share in daily duties necessary for upkeeping quality camp standards, including: clean-up, activity set-up and facilitation, bus supervision, and weekly lesson planning.
• Attend all staff meetings and pre-camp trainings.
• Report any accidents, incidents, inappropriateness, mandated reporting, or general important information to the head counselor or Director.
• Follow all NSYMCA camp policies and procedures regarding swimming & pool, dress code, minor or major injuries, behavior incidents, emergencies, field trips, bussing, absences, tardiness, and camper discipline.
• Follow dress code policy. Always wear current NSYMCA staff T-shirt and ID badge (except during swim time).
• Learn all campers first and last names, take frequent attendance and always know how many total campers are in your group each day.
• Work collaboratively with other camp staff members.
• Participation in camp service projects, charitable events, and fundraising efforts.
• Promote social and emotional learning and character development.
• Assist in providing a positive learning experience for the CITs assigned to your camp group (when applicable).
• Sign and adhere to the Camp Counselor Agreement document.
• Sign and adhere to the Camp Counselor Manual.
• YOUR PARENTS AND/OR GUARDIANS MAY NOT CONTACT THE CAMP DIRECTOR OR NSYMCA ON YOUR BEHALF REGARDING THE ASSISTANT CAMP COUNSELOR POSITION, APPLICATION STATUS, OR EMPLOYMENT.

**If applying for a position with the NSYMCA Summer Camp, please note that the pay rate for the Assistant Camp Counselor is a bi-weekly salary rate which will be outlined in the interview process.
I have read the 'Assistant Camp Counselor Job Description 2026' above: *
Required
About the North Suburban YMCA
Mission

The North Suburban YMCA promotes values that build strong families and the health of each individual’s spirit, mind, and body in an inclusive, welcoming environment. The YMCA is a community-based organization and believes that its programs and services should be available to everyone. Our scholarship program ensures that no one is turned away due to the inability to pay.

We Are A Non-Profit Organization

As one of the leading non-profits across the country, the Y is dedicated to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility; providing services and programs that are inclusive, engaging, and innovative for individuals of all ages, from infancy to adulthood.

We Are The Center Of The Community

The North Suburban YMCA serves in 15 local communities including Northbrook, Deerfield, Glenview, Wheeling, Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Northfield, and Highland Park, Riverwoods, Lincolnshire, Glencoe, Winnetka, Highwood, Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and Libertyville. We partner with local organizations and participate in local events like Northbrook Days and many more.

Making Memories

The Y is all about connecting our community and bringing families together. We have multigenerational families attending and using our facilities daily and remember the Y for what it is. A place with wonderful memories.

Advancing Our Anti-Racism Journey

The Y is on its own complex yet committed journey at both the macro and micro level, as a global Movement, as hundreds of local Y associations and as individual staff and volunteers. Our brand stands for diversity and inclusion. Our values align with anti-racism. Together, as staff and volunteers across thousands of communities, we can begin to dismantle the systems designed to divide us and rebuild in order to achieve equity for all.
I have read 'About the North Suburban YMCA' above: *
Required
Background & Basic Info
Please answer the following questions, truthfully, and to your best ability.
Name: *
Email: *
Phone Number: *
Are you over the age of 16? *
Home Address: *
School: *
Please list where you currently attend school and your current grade level. (If you are currently no longer a student; please list the school you last attended/graduated from and years attended/graduated).
Emergency Contact: *
Please include the name, phone number, and relationship in your answer.
Are you a NEW applicant or a RETURNING camp staff applicant? *
Were you referred by a current employee? (Write YES or NO - If yes, please list their full name below) *
Are you legally eligible for employment in the United States? *
Are you currently certified in any of the following? If yes, check the box for the certification you hold. If no, select "None." *
Required
The North Suburban YMCA Committment
The North Suburban YMCA is committed to providing the best care to all of those that are within our building, including the many children involved in our programs. We have taken active steps to prevent any abuse of a child within our facility, and all allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and reported accordingly.
Are you willing to complete assigned Child Abuse Prevention Training's? *
Required
Are you willing to abide by established Child Abuse Prevention Policies and Procedures? *
Required
Are you willing to complete a background check authorization? *
Required
Questionnaire
Please answer the following questions, truthfully, and to your best ability.
1. Why do you want to be an Assistant Camp Counselor at the NSYMCA? *
2. What’s something you’d like the Camp Director to know about you? *
3. Have you ever worked or volunteered with children? If yes, tell us a little about what you did. *
4. What activities, sports, or hobbies are you involved in outside of school? *
5. What is something you’ve accomplished that you’re proud of, and why? *
6. At the Y, we work hard to make everyone feel welcome and like they belong. What does “belonging” mean to you? *
7. Counselors are expected to keep good boundaries — like not being alone with a camper or sharing personal information. Why do you think those rules are important? *
8. If camp had a “hidden talent show,” what would your act be? *
9. If your lead counselor asked you to lead a group game, what would you choose — and why? (You can't do dodgeball) *
10. Walk me through what you would do if one of your campers tried to add or follow you on your personal social media account. *
11. What steps would you take to make sure every camper in your group is accounted for at all times? *
12. What do you think is the most challenging part about working with other staff, and how would you handle it? *
13. One of your campers suddenly looks pale and dizzy during an activity. Walk me through, step by step, everything you would do from the moment you notice it until the situation is resolved. *
14. You are supervising a field trip at an arcade. Your campers are all playing nearby, and you notice two of your co-counselors playing ping pong together on the other side of the facility instead of supervising the campers. What would you do? *
Please provide 2 references that are NOT family members. (A reference can be a former employer, teacher, coach, parent whose children you babysat for, etc.). PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO LIST THEIR EMAILS. *
Please provide their names, emails, and phone numbers. (Friendly Tip: Always ask permission before using someone as a reference).
Signature & Acknowledgement of Policies *
I certify that the answers given herein are true and correct. I understand and agree that a false statement or answer or omission is sufficient grounds to reject my application or if hired, to terminate my employment.I authorize the North Suburban YMCA to fully investigate all information required of me or disclosed by me in this application or regarding my suitability for employment, including without limitation my qualifications, character, performance, and/or ability. I release the entity or individual from liability regarding such investigation by the North Suburban YMCA. I hereby authorize all employers, educational institutions and other entities or individuals to disclose to the North Suburban YMCA all information regarding my current and prior activity.I understand and agree that neither this application nor any other (oral or written) policy statement of the North Suburban YMCA is intended to be or creates a contract of employment or other contract right(s) in me. If offered employment, I understand that the employment offered is subject to termination by the North Suburban YMCA or me at any time, with or without cause or prior notice. I also understand that no one has authority to offer me employment other that “terminable at will” employment.I understand that, if hired, my employment will be subject to a 90-day evaluation period, and that completion of the 90-day evaluation period does not in any way alter the “terminable at will” nature of my employment.If hired, I will comply with the North Suburban YMCA policies, rules and regulations and I understand that my agreement to comply with those matters does not create contract rights in me.I understand that federal law requires the North Suburban YMCA not to employ the individuals who are not authorized to work in the United States. I understand that, if hired, I will be required to timely submit that legally required documentation that I am authorized to work in the United States and that failure to timely submit such documentation will result in my immediate termination of employment.I have read in full, understand and agree to the foregoing statements and conditions.
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