Camp Counselor - Summer Resident | YMCA Camp Sea Gull

YMCA of the Triangle -
Arapahoe, NC

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Job Details

Seasonal

Benefits

Leadership training provided

Qualifications

Outdoor work experience
Live-in employment experience
Conflict management
Working with youth

Full Job Description

This application is for people that have NOT previously worked at Camp Sea Gull.

POSITION SUMMARY:

YMCA Camp Sea Gull for boys is an overnight leadership camp on the coast of North Carolina. For over 75 years, they’ve helped youth build confidence, resilience, and lifelong friendships through skill development, cabin living, and meaningful connections.

This is a residential summer role focused on delivering a high-quality camper experience rooted in the YMCA core values: Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility. Staff serve as role models and leaders, helping campers grow through goal setting, teamwork, and trying new things.

Camp roles include:

Cabin Counselors – Supervise campers and lead activities such as Aquatics, Sailing, Powerboating, Arts, Athletics, and more (assigned based on skill/certification)

Sunfish Counselor (Nanny) – Care for children (ages 6 and under) of Camp Directors and nurses

Operations Team – Support logistics for the Dining Hall and Camp Store

Admin Leadership Team – Lead camper groups and provide staff supervision

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Attend mandatory Staff Training 1-2 weeks before Camp begins (typically late May to early June): Essential for learning your role, building strong connections with your team, and preparing for an unforgettable summer experience.

Foster a Safe & Welcoming Environment: Create a space where campers feel supported physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Focus on Safety & Details: Keep camper safety and privacy at the forefront, while noticing the little things that make a big difference.

Live in Community with Campers: Share a cabin, help with routines and privacy, and serve as a positive role model in daily life.

Keep the Cabin on Track: Follow the Camp schedule, maintain structure, and encourage camper participation.

Lead by Example: Demonstrate responsibility, kindness, and teamwork in everything you do.

Guide Activities & Growth: Lead or support Camp activities, encourage campers to set goals, and celebrate their achievements.

Support Evening Reflections: Plan and lead nightly devotions or “goodnights” that help campers connect and reflect on their day.

Pitch in Where Needed: Jump into Camp operations—whether helping in the Dining Hall, running games, or supporting camp-wide events.

Stay Flexible & Positive: Adapt to changing situations and bring a solution-oriented mindset.

Communicate & Collaborate: Work calmly and clearly with campers and staff from all backgrounds.

Be Dependable: Show up consistently, follow through, and bring your best attitude every day.

Care Deeply About Kids: Above all, approach your work with empathy, energy, and heart.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum 16 years of age at time of application. CILT (Camper in Leadership Training) experience preferred. 1-2 years’ experience working with children.

Must complete pre-arrival checklist, which includes virtual trainings, forms, direct deposit, etc.

Priority will be given to applicants who are available to work the entire summer.

Sex at birth must match the sex of Camp cabin occupants.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

In addition to the above responsibilities, the person in this position must be able to lift up to 50 pounds, walk at least a mile without assistance, deal with conflict in a positive way, have the ability to work in high-stress situations, and be able to work very long hours in an outdoor camp environment.

Cabin counselors live in open-aired cabins with 10-13 campers and 1-2 co-counselors for the two week or four-week sessions.

Cabin counselors cannot use their cell phones around campers and are asked to only use their cell phone before campers wake up, after they go to bed, or when they’re on time-off.

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