Preschool Camp Counselor (Hays)

Why Your Role Matters 

Preschool Camp Counselors at YMCA center-based camps serve as caring, positive role models for young children, guiding them through fun, age-appropriate activities that support learning and development. Counselors create a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where preschoolers can build confidence, practice social skills, and explore creativity through play, stories, music, and hands-on activities. This role is a rewarding opportunity to support early childhood growth while helping campers feel secure, supported, and excited to learn each day. 

How You Make an Impact   

• Lead age-appropriate, play-based activities that support preschool learning and development, including art, music, stories, sensory play, and imaginative activities. 
• Ensure the safety, supervision, and well-being of preschool campers at all times, including during activities, meals, rest time, and transitions. 
• Serve as a positive role model by demonstrating patience, kindness, and enthusiasm while upholding YMCA values in all interactions. 
• Create a nurturing, inclusive environment where preschoolers feel safe, supported, and encouraged to explore, learn, and build social skills. 
• Maintain open and respectful communication with campers, parents, and fellow staff members, sharing updates and addressing questions or concerns as needed. 
• Support preschoolers through conflicts or behavioral challenges using calm, developmentally appropriate, and constructive guidance strategies. 
• Incorporate outdoor play and nature-based exploration to encourage curiosity, movement, and appreciation for the environment in a safe and supervised setting. 
• Participate in all aspects of staff development, including team meetings, pre-service training, and required ongoing training throughout the year. 
• Accurately document daily attendance and complete required records in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures. 
• Make the safety, care, and emotional well-being of children the top priority in all activities and decisions. 
• Demonstrate the YMCA’s mission and values in every interaction, fostering a positive camp culture and serving as an ambassador of the YMCA within the community. 
• Assist with additional tasks as needed to support the overall success of the preschool camp program. 

What You Bring to the Y    

• Must be at least 18 years old. 
• High school diploma or GED equivalent 
• At least one year of experience in childcare, preschool age preferred. 
• First Aid/CPR certifications (must be obtained within 60 days of employment). 
• Growth Mindset: Learn and improve to better serve members and the mission. 
• Team Player: Work collaboratively with others and support a positive team environment. 
• Communicates Effectively: Listen actively and communicate clearly with members and peers. 
• Customer Focused: Anticipates needs and ensures quality, member-centered service. 
• Fosters Belonging: Ensure everyone feels welcomed, respected, and included. 

Physical Requirements: 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, hike outdoors in hot temperatures, bend, talk, and occasionally lift and/or move items, including equipment, furniture, and/or children. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions 

Work Location

465 Buda Sportsplex Drive, Buda, Texas 78610, United States

About Us

The Greater Austin YMCA is a dynamic force elevating quality of life in Greater Austin by boldly expanding access for all children, adults, families and seniors in our rapidly growing community. For nearly 75 years, the Greater Austin YMCA has evolved to address each community's greatest needs, touching every phase of life and nurturing happier, healthier people, a stronger community and a better world.

We believe everyone deserves access to high-quality programs that keep our community strong. As a proud 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we provide financial assistance to expand access so community members can learn, grow, and thrive through our early learning academies, fitness and wellness centers, youth programs, workforce development, adult programming, mental health counseling, and more.

Each year, the Y serves nearly 140,000 people across Travis and Hays counties through seven fitness and wellness centers, more than 55 licensed campuses in four school districts, two YMCA Tomorrow Academy™ locations, and Camp Moody, our outdoor Adventure camp.

Globally, the YMCA is one of the oldest and largest youth-serving organizations in the world, united by our commitment to a better future -- for all.

Additional Information:

The organization has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate.

The Greater Austin YMCA provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Greater Austin YMCA complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which we have employees. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

We Take Care of Our People

• Benefit from a free household YMCA membership, enriching both your life and the lives of others.
• Access retirement planning options to secure your future.
• Enhance your skills through participation in learning and development workshops.
• Exclusive cell phone plan discounts for AT&T and T-Mobile/Sprint users.
• Discounts on programs and services to make your YMCA experience even more rewarding.

Pay Range

$18.00