Overnight Summer Camp Adaptive Leader

Overview

Overnight Camp Adaptive Leader:

The Overnight Camp (OC) Adaptive Leader is responsible for the coordination and direct support necessary to facilitate the successful inclusion of campers (ages 7-17) with special needs into Overnight Camp. This role ensures that all camp programming is accessible, equitable, and differentiated to meet the diverse requirements of participants.Responsibilities include developing individualized support plans in collaboration with parents/guardians and camp leadership, providing direct one-on-one support, and acting as a consultant and trainer for general camp staff. The OC Adaptive Leader is required to live on-site for the duration of the camp session and must be available and responsive at all times to address immediate camper needs, emergencies, or unforeseen situations. The OC Adaptive Leader must maintain the highest standards of safety and well-being, and participates in the implementation of quality programs, ensuring a genuinely inclusive, welcoming, and enriching camp environment. This position serves as a compassionate, positive role model and contributes collaboratively to the overall goals and positive culture of the camp organization.

For more on Employee Perks, click on this link: Employee Benefits | YMCA of San Diego County (ymcasd.org)

Pay & Benefits

• Weekly Pay: $621.06 - $655.06* This position is exempt from overtime because you will work as a camp counselor or program counselor of an organized camp, and you will be paid a weekly salary equivalent to more than 85% of the minimum wage for a 40-hour week, subject to deduction for the value of lodging you receive and all withholdings and deductions as required by law. 
• Daily Equivalent: Approximately $103.51 - $109.17 per day
• Schedule: 6 days per week
• What’s Included: Free on-site meals are included. On-site housing is provided, with a weekly housing cost deducted from your paycheck.

Schedule 

Mandatory Staff Training - May 27, 2027

Summer Camp - June 6-August 7, 2027

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements individualized support plans and behavioral strategies to facilitate the successful inclusion of campers with special needs into all typical Overnight Camp activities; adapts and modifies general camp programming, including skits, games, songs, crafts, and major events, ensuring they are accessible and allow for meaningful participation by every camper.
• Designs and maintains an age-appropriate learning environment that fosters creativity, supports individual expression, and accommodates diverse learning styles.
• Provides one-on-one support to assigned campers, addressing specific physical, behavioral, social, and emotional needs; collaborates with parents/guardians and unit leaders to pre-assess and prepare activity areas, materials, and schedules to preemptively address potential barriers to participation; maintain daily communication with parents/guardians and feedback regarding the camper's progress, challenges, and successes.
• Maintains heightened situational awareness to respond swiftly and effectively to critical incidents, emotional distress, or sudden changes in camper needs, ensuring immediate safety and comfort.
• Serves as a compassionate and consistent role model, promoting positive behavior, conflict resolution, and social skill development within the group.
• Serves as the primary liaison between parents/guardians, camp administration, and general staff regarding the camper's specific accommodations and daily welfare; acts as the primary inclusion subject matter expert for general camp staff, providing coaching and consultation on disability awareness, best practices, and effective inclusion techniques.
• Fulfills all residential duties, including remaining responsive, prepared, and available to assist with campers and provide necessary supervision and comfort throughout the night.
• Strictly adheres to and model all camp rules, operating procedures, and established emergency protocols, ensuring all actions factor in the specific accommodations and safety needs of assigned campers.
• Actively champions a welcoming, genuine, and nurturing camp culture that prioritizes equity and belonging for all campers, staff, and guests.
• Demonstrates a strong sense of investment in the camp, including maintaining the cleanliness of facilities, ensuring the proper care and inventory of equipment and supplies, and practicing stewardship of the natural environment; participates in various general camp chores, which may include cleaning assigned cabins and bathrooms, assisting with evening programs, special events, and contributing to larger projects as requested by the Program Director.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Formal education, usually obtained by a High School Diploma/GED, or training that ensures the ability to read and write at a level necessary for successful job performance, supplemented by specialized training in childcare, special needs, healthcare, or related field AND,

Years of Experience

• A minimum of one (1) year of experience working with children ages 7-17 with special needs, or related experience.

Competencies

• Visual and auditory ability and physical capacity to quickly identify, assess, and respond effectively to critical incidents and emergencies.
• Up-to-date knowledge of relevant guidelines and standards related to inclusion, equity, and safety for individuals with special needs in a recreational setting.
• Knowledge of best practices for supporting individuals with diverse physical, cognitive, behavioral, and developmental needs (e.g., autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, mobility impairment).
• Demonstrated ability to quickly and effectively modify, adapt, and differentiate traditional camp activities, ensuring physical and cognitive accessibility while maintaining the intended program goals and experience.
• Proven conflict resolution and problem-solving skills to navigate sensitive issues with campers and parents/guardians, while maintaining a positive, collaborative approach within the staff team.
• Ability to quickly build trust, rapport, and supportive relationships with campers, parents/guardians, and colleagues
• Strong organizational skills required for managing, documenting, and tracking individualized support plans, communicating scheduling needs, and coordinating logistics for included campers.
• Ability to provide constant, nurturing support in a demanding environment, and serving as a steadfast, positive role model.
• Excellent verbal communication skills and a warm, approachable demeanor when interacting with children, parents/guardians, and community members and ability to quickly build trust, rapport, and supportive relationships.
• Proficient oral and written communication for active listening, professional articulation of individualized support plans to staff, and effective, empathetic communication with parents/guardians and campers (ages 7-17).
• Required ability to live on-site during the full program season, maintaining professional standards with shared staff and campers in all areas at all times.
• CPR/AED, and First Aid Certification, must include Adult and Child/Infant, obtained within 30 days of hire and must be from one of the following certifying organizations:
  • American Red Cross
  • American Heart Association
  • American Safety & Health Institute

YMCA will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the San Diego County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the YMCA is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Ordinance by visiting the San Diego County Office of Labor Standards and Enforcement.

Pay Range

USD $103.51 - USD $109.17 /Da.

Compensation: 103.51 to 109.17 (USD)