Summer Camp Counselor (Multiple Locations)
Why Your Role Matters
We are now hiring Camp Counselors for the Summer! Join the Greater Austin YMCA as a Summer Camp Counselor and help create amazing experiences for kids across Central Texas. You’ll be a role model, mentor, and activity leader, guiding campers ages 4–12 through games, swimming, field trips, creative projects, and outdoor adventures. You’ll help kids build confidence, make friends, and discover what they’re capable of. Every day is different. Every day matters.
As a YMCA Summer Camp Counselor, 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 Make an Impact
- Inspire and lead youth in engaging daily activities that promote growth, development, teamwork, and fun.
- Supervise groups of campers, ensuring their safety, well-being, and positive engagement throughout the day.
- Plan and implement creative schedules that include enrichment, recreation, and hands-on learning experiences.
- Promote physical wellness and team spirit through games, sports, and active play.
- Foster social-emotional growth by modeling positive behavior and the YMCA’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
- Maintain a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all participants, following YMCA policies and applicable childcare and safety standards.
- Communicate effectively with campers, families, and staff, providing updates and addressing concerns with professionalism and empathy.
- Support program operations through attendance tracking, documentation, organization, and activity planning.
- Participate in staff training, meetings, and professional development opportunities.
- Serve as a positive ambassador of the YMCA’s mission, vision, and values, contributing to a strong and supportive community.
- Complete other duties as assigned.
What You Bring to the Y
- High school diploma or GED equivalent.
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- A minimum of one year of experience in camps, childcare programs, or similar environments is preferred.
- Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in varying weather conditions.
- First Aid/CPR certifications (training provided during onboarding).
- 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
- 4000 South Interstate 35 Frontage Road, Austin, Texas 78704, United States
- 1220 Old San Antonio Road, Buda, Texas 78610, United States
- 5315 Ed Bluestein Boulevard, Austin, Texas 78723, 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
$18.00 an hour