Lead Counselor

Exciting Growth Ahead!We're excited to announce that we'll be opening our new West Essex YMCA in December 2026! As we get closer to our opening date, we'll be adding a variety of new positions across multiple departments. If you don't see the right opportunity today, be sure to check back regularly—new roles will be posted throughout the year as we continue to grow. We look forward to welcoming new team members to our expanding organization!

The Lead Counselor for the Summer Sprouts Pre-K Camp provides direct supervision, care, and guidance to preschool-aged children (typically ages 3–5) within a licensed early learning and child care setting. The Lead Counselor is primarily responsible for a consistent group of children and supports the overall supervision of all campers throughout the camp day at the Peanut Shell Early Learning Child Care Center.

The Lead Counselor helps children feel safe, supported, and confident as they participate in developmentally appropriate camp activities. This role focuses on fostering social-emotional growth, early learning skills, and positive peer relationships through structured routines, play-based learning, and theme-based experiences. The Lead Counselor builds nurturing, respectful relationships with children and maintains cooperative, professional partnerships with parents/caregivers.

In collaboration with the Director, the Lead Counselor plans and facilitates daily activities that support kindergarten readiness, creativity, physical movement, and positive behavior development, while upholding all YMCA values and state childcare licensing requirements.