Job Details

COMPENSATION:

$400 / Weekly

POSITION DURATION:
May 16, 2026 - August 1, 2026

POSITION SUMMARY:

An Activity Specialist is the primary facilitator for a specialty camp in the morning and an "Ohana Time" activity in the afternoon. In an attempt to customize staff experience, the options for these activities will be listed below. It will be asked in the interview process which of these specialty camps and activities applicants have the most applicable experience and true passion to head for the summer. Please have your ideal Morning and Afternoon pairing options prepared.

Morning Activities (Specialty Camps) :

• Adventure Camp : Must meet the requirements to be bus driver certified - listed under "Bus and Activity Specialist". Will transport and facilitate various activities for up to 13 campers (13+ y/o) around the North Shore. Activities include hiking, snorkeling, paddle boarding, and others. This person must be able to bring the energy and enthusiasm to the program, and have a passion for teaching youth to explore the outdoors safely.
• Surf Camp : Must meet the requirements to be bus driver certified - listed under "Bus and Activity Specialist". Will transport and work with the Surf School Staff to guide campers of all ages and experience levels through safety lessons and assist in camper management in and out of the water.
• Sampler Camp : Capabilities to be camp vehicle certified preferred - vehicle users must be 21+ years of age, have a valid U.S. Driver's license, and be able to pass the YMCA Vehicle Certification Test. The Sampler Camp Specialist will guide and maintain the safety of up to 7 campers (all ages) through a rotating schedule joining the other camps for a day. This person must be adaptable, and eager to take new challenges head on.
• Ike Hawai'i Camp : Capabilities to be camp vehicle certified preferred (listed under "Sampler Camp"). This person must have a passion for learning and teaching Hawaiian history, culture, and activities to up to 7 campers of all ages. The ideal candidate will be a self starter and innovate creativity and passion for incorporating and teaching Hawaiian words and traditions into all camp activities. Most days for Ike Hawai'i occur at camp, but there is an opportunity for a trip to Waimea Valley on the last day.
• Climbing Camp : Capabilities to be camp vehicle certified preferred (listed under "Sampler Camp"). Must be able to pass Camp Erdman's in house ropes course facilitation training. ACCT Challenge Course Level 1 or 2 Certification Preferred. The Climbing Camp Specialist will be responsible for a group of up to 7 (13+) campers, and will guide them through safe climbing practices with both top rope and bouldering opportunities. Most days are at camp, but a trip to a bouldering gym is one of the four days.

Afternoon Activities (Ohana Time):

• Arts and Crafts : The arts & crafts specialist will be responsible for creating themed crafts for campers of all ages, and facilitate the 8 A&C Sessions that occur throughout the week. This person will maintain inventory of arts and crafts supplies and assist in distribution of every day supplies for cabin needs.
• Archery : The Archery Specialist will maintain a functional stock of archery equipment and facilitate the 8 Archery sessions that occur throughout the week. This person has creative freedom to make the session exciting! Brainstorming fun games and bringing a speaker for music is always appreciated. This person may not be dedicated to a morning activity so that they can also facilitate morning day camp blocks.
• Lifeguard : This person must have an active lifeguard certification by the beginning of summer. This may be obtained through Camp Erdman during certification week. This person will be the first called upon guard for Ohana Time Blocks and any Night Swim Activities that occur after evening programs. This person will work with the head lifeguard to ensure all campers and staff are being their safest selves at and around the pool.
• Ropes Course Specialist : Must be able to pass Camp Erdman's in house ropes course facilitation training. ACCT Challenge Course Level 1 or 2 Certification Preferred. This person(s) will be the first called upon facilitator of our climbing tower and traversing "Odyssey" course in the afternoons. They will be a point person alongside the Challenge Course Specialist in ensuring all campers and staff are maintaining the highest level of safety on and around the ropes courses.
• Mālama 'Āina : Mālama meaning "to care for" and 'Āina, "the land". This specialist is responsible for guiding our campers through our Dryland Forest Restoration Initiative, which involves the removal of invasive guinea grass from our hiking trail and placing and maintaining weed mats in areas so that native species can be planted down the line from the project. This person must take pride in their work and feel comfortable making dirty jobs fun!

All activity specialists will work closely with the Overnight Camp Coordinator (direct supervisor) and must be comfortable receiving constructive feedback and executing tasks provided by said Coordinator. The Aquatics Specialist will also work with the Senior Program Director responsible for inventory of chemicals and large scale maintenance concerns. All Activity Specialists must have a thorough understanding of the YMCA's mission and goals, and a desire to work with children. Leadership skills, enthusiasm, patience, a sense of humor and self-control are all essential. All activity specialists work together on a rotational basis to plan and execute evening programs such as Large Group Games, Campfire Programs, Camp Dance, Camp Out, and have the innovation and creativity skills to do so in a new and exciting manner for our campers and their fellow staff. All activity specialists must want to go the extra mile for an exceptional camper and staff experience.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Leadership:

• Be a role model for & develop positive relationships with camp counselors.
• Actively supervise and support camp counselors, enabling them to provide high quality programming. Hold camp counselors accountable to camp rules and expectations.
• Ensure camp counselors get adequate time off.
• Assist with staff training

Child Development:

• Be a role model for & develop positive meaningful relationships with youth.
• Provide children with the opportunities to make new friends and learn new activities.
• Be aware of health and safety concerns.
• Ensure that Camp Erdman is a positive and memorable experience instilling a strong desire to return to every camper.

Programming:

• Provide innovative and fun programming including leading skill tracks and cabin times.
• Operate your program within the Camp Erdman schedule.
• Foster a sense of ownership in programs and facilities.
• Other duties as required that pertain to the operation of a summer camp.
• Attend staff training and meetings.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree
• Bus Driver Certification required
• Must be a high school graduate
• Experience working with children
• CPR/AED and First Aid required
• TB test required
• Ability to be physically active all day

Why the Y?:

• Free Y membership with employment
• Referral bonuses - Y employees can earn cash or Y credit bonuses for referring a new hire*
• Up to 60% discounts for yourself, family, and even your siblings on Y programs, camps, preschool, childcare, and more.

Child Protection Commitment:

The YMCA requires all staff to share responsibility for preventing child abuse by upholding professional boundaries, completing mandatory Praesidium training, and reporting concerns. All candidates must successfully complete a comprehensive background screening, including criminal and sex offender checks.

*See job opportunities page for full details