Lead Camp Counselor-YMCA Camp at Horsethief Reservoir

YMCA Lead Camp Counselors - Summer 2027

Location: YMCA Camp at Horsethief Reservoir | Cascade, Idaho

Season: May 17 - July 31, 2027

Are you passionate about working with youth, exploring the outdoors, and making a lasting difference in the lives of children? Join our team as a Lead Camp Counselor for Summer 2027!

YMCA Camp at Horsethief Reservoir is seeking enthusiastic, dependable, and adventurous individuals who are ready to lead by example, support fellow counselors, and create unforgettable summer experiences for campers.

Make a Difference at Camp

At the Y, we believe children discover who they are through meaningful relationships, new experiences, and the freedom to explore. YMCA Camp at Horsethief Reservoir provides a welcoming outdoor community where friendships flourish, new interests take shape, and confidence grows.

Through campfires, canoeing, archery, zip-lining, paddleboarding, ropes courses, mentorship, and countless other adventures, campers develop self-reliance, leadership skills, a love of nature, and strong character.

As a Lead Camp Counselor, you'll help create a safe, supportive, and engaging environment where every camper can learn, grow, build friendships, and thrive. You'll have the opportunity to make a positive impact that lasts long after summer ends!

The Lead Camp Counselor is responsible for planning, leading, and implementing programs and experiences for youth in a small group setting while living in an outdoor primitive camp setting and under all weather conditions. They will also be responsible for the general safety and development, growth, and skill achievement of the participants in their group. Serve as leader/role model to Camp Counselors.

Responsibilities:

• Develop intentional relationships with parents and campers that result in campers having fun and making new friends.
• Create an environment that fosters safety through the education of campers using the Y voice attributes and by role modeling safe behavior.
• Implement the established curriculum that achieves the five Cause Measurements goals.
• Effectively communicate with campers, parents, and leadership using the Y voice attributes and providing feedback when necessary.
• Resolve camper and parent concerns and issues. Follow appropriate incident response procedures.
• Monitor and ensure safety of participants, staff and volunteers in cabin group and assigned program areas.
• Keep equipment and storage areas clean and organized at all times in addition to educating and holding campers responsible for maintaining equipment in use.
• Promote inclusiveness and community amongst participants and other staff members.

Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Experience working with youth.
• Ability to live on site during scheduled program times.
• Wilderness First Responder Certificate preferred.
• Must be able to engage others in conversations and make all people feel welcome.
• Ability to respond calmly and quickly to safety and emergency situations.

Schedule:

This is a seasonal position from May 17, 2027 through July 31, 2027. Typical camp schedule for each session will be Sunday - Friday but occasional Saturdays will be required. All camp staff receive at least 24-hour time off period every 7 days between sessions, as well as scheduled time off each day during sessions. Must be able to live at YMCA camp facilities in Cascade, Idaho during program delivery times.

Welcoming and Inclusion:

At the Y, we welcome everyone whose behavior adheres to our core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. We advance our cause by building a stronger and more equitable community where everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow, thrive, and reach their full potential with dignity. The Y is a force for building bridges among all people-regardless of ability, age, birthplace, cultural background, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender identity, ideology, income, race, or sexual orientation. The Y is for all.

How To Apply:

External candidates must complete an online application. If you have any questions regarding the position, please visit our website at www.ymcatvidaho.org or contact jobs@ymcatvidaho.org. All current and previous YMCA staff must apply through their UKG account, and updated resume and cover letter are recommended.