Summer 2026 Family Camp Counselors

YMCA Family Camp Nawakwa is now hiring Family Camp Counselors for the 2026 season!

Family Camp Nawakwa is one of a handful of quality YMCA Family Camps in the country. Nestled between Big Crooked and little Sugarbush lakes near Lac du Flambeau, WI, our 180 acres of pristine forest, wetlands, and lakes is teaming with wildlife and picturesque views. Open year-round, there's endless opportunity for families to explore, learn new skills and make lasting memories together. Leave the hustle and bustle of everyday life behind and enjoy time together at YMCA Family Camp Nawakwa!

Job Summary and Key Accountabilities:

Under the direct supervision of the Program Director, the Family Camp Counselor is responsible for leading recreational activities with youth and families that stay at Camp Nawakwa. The Family Camp Counselor organizes and promotes activities such as arts and crafts, sports, large group games, music, social recreation, camping and various hobbies to provide campers with experiences that provide support and enrichment, teach life skills and promote wellness of spirit, body and mind.

Pay is $680-$800 bi-weekly, housing provided

Our staff is the Y's greatest asset. Our teams provide valuable skills, knowledge, and passion that is essential to the contribution and positive impact in our communities, which is why we offer Y employees numerous perks and benefits, including:

• Competitive salaries reflecting your skills and experience.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees, plus wellness programs, mental health resources, and a family gym membership.
• Generous PTO and paid holidays, with flexible work hours for work-life balance.
• 403(b) plan with company contributions for eligible employees after 2 years of service.
• Continuous learning opportunities through workshops and training programs.
• Supportive work environment valuing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Discounts on programs, employee assistance programs, and company-sponsored events.

Scope and Responsibilities:

• Organizes, leads and promotes recreational activities, including but not limited to, arts and crafts, fishing, campfire songs, nature hikes, archery, canoeing, kayaking, tie dye, small and large group activities.
• Works with the Program Director to create weekly programs to engage campers and provide a variety of experiences for campers of all ages.
• Shares and leads songs with other counselors during campfires.
• Teaches socially acceptable behaviors to campers by serving as a role model and by using techniques such as positive reinforcement and behavior modification.
• Enforces rules and regulations of the facilities to maintain discipline and ensure safety. Monitors all campers and intervenes if campers are behaving inappropriately or unsafely.
• Potentially operates the Camp Store during scheduled hours. Greets campers, operates the cash register, and organizes products on shelves, racks, etc. (discuss during interview)
• Sets up activities and/or equipment for activities and store equipment appropriately after use. Immediately notifies Program Director of any broken or unsafe equipment or if more resources/equipment are needed.
• Works to keep camp areas clean by picking up litter, maintaining a clean and orderly cabin and tidying up shared spaces when necessary.
• Cleans camper cabins (full kitchen and bathrooms in most) on Saturdays as well as other times as directed by the Program Director and/or Executive Director
• Serves as a lifeguard, if hired as one, at the waterfront during guard hours, the triathlon event, and other waterfront activities.
• Supports the camp operations with other duties as assigned.

Requirements and Qualifications:

• Must be 18 years of age.
• Lifeguard Certification preferred but not required.
• Must obtain American Red Cross First Aid, CPR, and AED for Adults and Children prior to the start of camp.
• Strong interest, maturity and judgment in working with campers in an outdoor setting.
• Knowledge and experience in camp related activities preferred.
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility and a commitment to, and a passion for, the mission of the YMCA and YMCA Family Camp Nawakwa
• Must be willing to engage, entertain and lead campers in songs, skits, and other activities.
• Must be willing to plan activities, generate ideas to develop new activities and improve existing activities to continually enhance the camper experience.
• Meets physical qualifications required (being able to lift 50lbs, able to stand for long periods of time, and act with urgency during emergencies-like running).
• Must be able to pass a background check.

Child Abuse Prevention - Supports the commitment of the YMCA to child abuse prevention by:

• Reporting any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members or guests to your supervisor.
• Following all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children.
• Reporting any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor.
• Completing all child abuse prevention training as required.