YMCA Camp Chingachgook is part of the Capital District YMCA and offers a variety of positions during the summer. We are a community of dynamic outdoor leaders who foster youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. We hire over 100 dedicated domestic and international staff to work with our summer programs and look for staff who have a passion for working with children and a love and appreciation of the outdoors. Our summer season starts in early to mid-June with training and ends in late August.

Counselor & Adventure Trip Leader opportunities:

• Overnight Camp Counselor
• Overnight Camp Assistant Counselor
• Day Camp Counselor
• Day Camp Assistant Counselor
• Adventure Trip Leader
• Adventure Trip Guide

Overnight Camp Counselor & Assistant Counselor Requirements:

• Overnight Camp Counselors must be at least 18 years old by the start of camp.
• Assistant counselors must be at least 17 years old by the start of camp.
• Must have experience working with children, teaching and/or with camping. Appropriate certifications for activities (if applicable).

• Responsible for creating a safe cabin community for 8 - 10 campers and providing leadership/direction to a Counselor-In-Training (CIT). Teach skill classes and lead all aspects of a three-day camping excursion.

• Trained, or willing to be trained, in lifeguarding and/or wilderness first aid. Must be able to teach in at least 2 activity areas (listed below).

Activity Areas:

• Aquatics
• Athletics
• Archery
• Backpacking
• Mountain Biking
• Arts & Crafts
• Canoeing
• Environmental Science
• Farm & Garden
• Fishing
• Music
• Dance
• Improv
• Rock Climbing & High Ropes
• Sailing
• Waterskiing

Day Camp Counselor & Assistant Counselor Requirements:

• Day Camp Counselors must be at least 18 years old by the start of camp.
• Assistant counselors must be at least 17 years old by the start of camp.
• Must have experience working with children, teaching and/or with camping. Appropriate certifications for activities (if applicable).

• Responsible for creating a safe group community for 8 - 10 campers and providing leadership/direction to Counselors-In-Training (CITs). Lead activity and classes with groups of 5-10 year old campers.

• Trained, or willing to be trained, in lifeguarding and/or wilderness first aid.
• Assist with overnight camp programs, including serving as a cabin counselor, leading wilderness trips, providing support to special events, and working holdover weekends as needed.

Adventure Trip Leader & Guide Requirements:

Adventure Trip Leaders & Guides are committed to developing responsible wilderness leadership, facilitating interpersonal connections, and encouraging personal growth of each participant. This position requires the ability to work independently and to prioritize multiple duties. Strong human relations, communication, and logistical skills are essential. Leaders & Guides lead teens on backpacking, kayaking, and canoeing trips that range 1-5 weeks in the wilderness.

Adventure Trip Leader-

• Minimum age of 21.
• Preferred qualifications include a valid driver’s license.
• This position requires the ability to work independently and to prioritize multiple duties.
• Certification training will be available at camp before position start date.

Adventure Trip Guide-

• Minimum age of 18
• This position requires the ability to work independently and to prioritize multiple duties.
• Certification training will be available at camp before position start date.