Summer Camp Lead (Multiple Locations)

Why Your Role Matters

We are now hiring Camp Leads for the Summer! Join the Greater Austin YMCA as a Summer Camp Lead and help create amazing experiences for kids across Central Texas. As a Camp Lead, you’ll oversee daily camp operations, support staff, and ensure a fun, safe, and engaging environment for campers ages 4-12. You'll lead activities, mentor counselors, and foster a positive camp experience. Most importantly, you’ll help create an unforgettable summer for both campers and staff!

As a YMCA Summer Camp Lead, you may work in one of our exciting camp programs: 

Adventure Camp 

• Spend your days outside leading hiking, canoeing, rock climbing, and team-building challenges. Adventure Camp focuses on nature-based learning, confidence-building, and exploration in a beautiful outdoor setting. This is perfect for counselors who love fresh air, movement, and hands on experiences.
• Programs run Monday through Friday between 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM.
• Location: Camp Moody, 1220 Old San Antonio Rd, Buda, TX 78610. 

Day Camp at YMCA Centers 

• Our traditional day camps are packed with swimming, games, creative activities, field trips, and group projects. You will guide a small group of campers through fun filled days that build friendships, encourage teamwork, and help kids try new things.
• Programs run Monday through Friday between 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM. 
  Locations: Northwest Y, North Y, East Communities Y, TownLake Y, Southwest Y, Springs Y. 

Day Camp at Partner Sites 

• These camps take place in schools and community spaces and offer the same great YMCA camp experience with activities, swimming days, and field trips right in local neighborhoods. You will work with larger groups and play a key role in bringing summer fun to families across Central Texas. 
• Programs run Monday through Friday between 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM. 
  Locations: Elementary schools and churches across Austin, Manor, and Hays, including AISD, Manor ISD, Hays CISD, RRISD, and Charter Schools 

Availability Expectations 

Counselors must have flexible availability during program hours and reliable attendance throughout the summer season. Full availability is strongly preferred to ensure consistency for our campers and teams. We encourage candidates to apply early as positions fill quickly. Most YMCA summer camps begin in late May or early June and run through August. 

How You Will Make an Impact  

• Act as the primary point of contact between counselors and camp leadership, ensuring effective communication throughout the camp experience. 
• Lead and facilitate outdoor activities, team-building exercises, sports, swimming, crafts, and outdoor education to enhance the camper experience. 
• Supervise and engage with campers and counselors during activities, meals, and free time, prioritizing safety and well-being at all times. 
• Model positive behavior, uphold YMCA values, and create a supportive and respectful camp environment. 
• Assist counselors in managing conflicts or behavioral issues among campers with a calm and constructive approach. 
• Document and submit daily attendance and other required records in accordance with camp policies and procedures. 
• Address behavioral concerns, first aid incidents, and parent communication with professionalism and swift action. 
• Take initiative in preparing activity areas, managing supplies, maintaining cleanliness, and providing feedback to staff. 
• Participate in staff development through team meetings, pre-service training, and at least 15 additional hours of training throughout the year. 
• Lead portions of Summer Camp Staff Training and contribute to the development of staff. 
• Serve as an Ambassador for the YMCA’s mission, vision, and values, and share the organization’s story and culture with camp participants, members, staff, and guests. 
• Complete other duties as assigned.   

What You Bring to the Y

• High School graduate or GED equivalent.
• Minimum age of 21 years. 
• at least 6 months experience in camp/childcare related job.
• CPR and First Aid certification will be provided as part of the training.
• For Camp Moody site location - Willingness to obtain and maintain any required program-specific certifications (e.g., climbing, canoeing, ropes course).
• 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

• 1220 Old San Antonio Road, Buda, Texas 78610, United States
• 5315 Ed Bluestein Boulevard, Austin, Texas 78723, United States
• 55 North Interstate Highway 35, Austin, Texas 78702, United States
• 465 Buda Sportsplex Drive, Buda, Texas 78610, United States
• 1000 West Rundberg Lane, Austin, Texas 78758, United States
• 5807 McNeil Drive, Austin, Texas 78729, United States
• 6219 Oakclaire Drive, Austin, Texas 78735, United States
• 27216 Ranch Road 12, Dripping Springs, Texas 78620, United States
• 1100 West Cesar Chavez Street, Austin, Texas 78703, 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.

Pay Range: $20.00 an hour