Inspire, Lead, Empower: Why Working at a YMCA Camp is a Dream Job
By Danette Connors, Chief Learning Officer, YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago
Adventure is waiting for everyone at our YMCA Overnight and Family Camps! Camp is a place where youth forge confidence, independence, and lifelong friendships — all under the guiding wings of our dedicated camp team. That’s where you come in!
There’s no better place to inspire the bright minds of the future than at YMCA Camp. This summer, empower yourself to discover new talents and foster connections while enjoying outdoor adventures and beautiful scenery at YMCA Camp Duncan, YMCA Camp Independence, YMCA Camp MacLean, YMCA Family Camp Nawakwa, and YMCA Camp Pinewood.
Still need a little push? Here are five reasons why working at YMCA Camp is a dream job!
Do What You Love While Having Fun
Whether you aspire to help teach life skills, provide a safe and clean environment, promote health and wellbeing, or nourish spirits and stomachs, YMCA Camps have a role for you! Get paid to do what you love in a setting that promotes laughter and unique experiences. Plus, you’ll get a YMCA family membership, discounted programs, and much more!
Positions include health officers, housekeepers, cooks, camp counselors, and more. Find a role that fits your skill set and passion via our online job board.
Make Long-Lasting Change in Your Community
There’s no greater joy than dedicating yourself to work that serves and benefits your community. At the Y, we are committed to creating a space where youth are empowered to discover, learn, and grow. As part of the overnight camp team, you’ll play a huge role in shaping campers’ futures.
Together, we build an open, encouraging environment and guide youth through fun activities that teach life skills and encourage healthy and safe behaviors. You get to create a positive experience that will help campers explore their value and share their discoveries with the world. Learn more about the positive impact of YMCA camps from my Summer Adventures blog post.
Meet People from Different Backgrounds
As part of the overnight camp team, you have the opportunity to make new friends and meet people of all backgrounds, whether they’re campers or your fellow staff members.
The magic of the YMCA is in our ability to bridge our communities and provide a space where people can connect, grow, and evolve. With your camp team, you will build an empowering work environment where you can make a difference and contribute to building a better, stronger community for all.
Find — and Hone — Your Leadership Skills
No matter what position you serve in, all YMCA Camp team members play a crucial role in creating a positive, supportive environment for campers. You’ll develop transferable leadership and life skills that carry over wherever your journey takes you next.
Camp is a unique workplace with new experiences and challenges that build confidence and resilience, foster personal responsibility and time management, encourage interpersonal relationships and teamwork, and develop conflict resolution skills. At the Y, you grow as a leader while making a positive impact on the lives of young campers.
Have the Summer of a Lifetime
On top of everything else, working at YMCA Overnight and Family Camps is simply FUN! Enjoy the scenic environment and experience the joys of inspiring and empowering youth. There’s no better place than camp to unplug, reconnect with nature, and build new networks and partnerships.
Think this sounds like a great opportunity? Us, too! Join us at the place where growth and discovery happen, one adventure at a time. Get started today by checking out our open positions and submitting your application.
With over 20 years of experience in the social-service field, Danette Connors is a visionary leader and relationship-builder, specializing in strategic program growth to ensure equitable resources for individuals and families. As the Chief Learning Officer at the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago since 2023, she oversees youth, teen, and adult education, enrichment, and development programs, including early learning, before- and after-school care, and camp programs.