Seasonal Camp Teen Unit Head

CAMP OVERVIEW

Camp Twelve Trails gives children entering Kindergarten - 10th grade the best of both specialty and traditional day camp programs. It is comprised of five Neighborhoods (elective tracks): Play , Create , Explore , Discover , and Grow that allow campers to strengthen their skills in their favorite specialty while encouraging them to explore new areas. Our program is rooted in universally shared values central to Jewish life. These values are incorporated in everything we do, with the hope that it encourages our staff and campers to be the best versions of themselves.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Teen Tribe Leader oversees the day-to-day operations of the Teen Adventures program at Camp Twelve Trails. With the support of the teen committee, the Teen Tribe leader will plan and execute a program for 35 campers each week of Camp as they travel on day and overnight trips. Camper will be entering 8th, 9th, and 10th grades. The Teen tribe leader should show exceptional judgment and a deep care for safety since campers are traveling within the community.

DUTIES PRE CAMP:

• Participate, partake in, and lead pre-camp training.
• Help prepare camp for opening and closing.
• Assist in pre-summer parent communication ​
• Review schedule and calendar to ensure logistics for each trip are organized
• Review camper waivers to ensure all campers can attend
• Participate in training related to Camp’s management system, Campsite.
• Help lead the Teen Family Webinar
• Support Teen Committee with preparation for summer

DUTIES DURING CAMP:

• Supervise Teen Adventure cohort and staff.
• Provide support to for counselors.
• Communicate with families on a regular basis, through weekly newsletters, emails and phone calls.
• Act as a member of the overall camp leadership team.
• Be familiar with and enforce the personnel policies, safety rules, and program of camp.
• Keep records as required, including documenting all incidents and behavioral issues.
• Ensure for the health, safety, and welfare of all campers in any area or programs at camp.
• Model appropriate behavior to staff and campers.
• Provide behavior management techniques and intervention for campers where necessary.
• Attend and supervise all teen overnight trips.
• Evaluate the performance of all Teen staff durig scheduled evaluations, both informally and written.
• Create a culture of trust and feedback within your division.
• Support Teen Head Counselor in supervision of staff and camper groups.
• Perform any other program or agency-related duties or special projects as directed by the supervisor.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum of 5 years working in camp, or camp-like setting.
• Previous teaching and leadership experience is preferred.
• Ability to teach skills to other staff members and campers of all ages.
• Experience supervising overnight and trip experiences with youth.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• Experience communicating and working with families with children of varying abilities.
• Ability to remain calm and maintain perspective under pressure.
• Commitment to work collaboratively with others.
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing needs.
• Much be energetic, enthusiastic and demonstrate and desire to go the extra mile.

Status:

• Seasonal
• Mondays through Fridays, June 29 – August 14, 2026, including 40-45 hours of staff training in June held on some Sundays and evenings.
• Summer salary includes pre-camp prep outside of typical training hours. In the lead up to camp this can look like 2-4 hrs a week for meetings and administrative tasks

Hours: 8:00am-5:00pm during the summer, unless otherwise specified

Salary: $8,000-$10,000

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other functions and responsibilities may change or may be assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

YM & YWHA of Washington Heights & Inwood provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law.

Established in 1917, the YM & YWHA of Washington Heights and Inwood (the “Y”) is a not-for-profit Jewish Community Center that welcomes people of all backgrounds and beliefs. We offer a wide range of educational, recreational, and social service programs to enhance the quality of life of our clients. From top-notch early childhood education and youth development programs to innovative older adult services, there’s always something for everyone at the Y!