Employment
As a member of the Phantom Lake YMCA Camp staff, you will create memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. Come experience the sunsets, camp songs, and s’mores and have a summer that you will never forget.
Why Work at PLYC?
What Can I Expect?
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Wages are dependent on the position. Seasonal employees will receive their specific wage information prior to signing their employment contract. Summer staff are paid bi-weekly with many earning a weekly salary. Some hourly positions are available.
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Referral Bonus
Have a friend that also wants to work at camp? Refer them to get a $150 bonus (per referral) on your last paycheck.
Requirements:
Referral must be hired onto the staff team
Both staff members must be present on staff for at least 6 weeks of the summer
Both staff members must have a positive end of summer eval
Safety Bonus
Offered by our VP of Safety and Quality, this bonus is awarded to all staff who meet employment requirements and will be added onto their final paycheck. It is a tiered based bonus that is based on safety protocol scores throughout the summer.
Certification Bonus
We offer two optional additional certifications for our staff, High Ropes and Lifeguard. High Ropes certification allows for staff to facilitate our High Ropes Course and Zipline. Lifeguard certifications are completed through the American Red Cross requirements and teaches staff the safety protocols and proper saving techniques for the waterfront.
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Except for hourly employees, Phantom Lake YMCA Camp summer team members will stay on grounds. Counselors are required to stay in platform tents with their campers each week, while other positions may have living arrangements that vary.
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Each summer team member will be allotted 24 hours off for each week that occurs between the end of checkout procedures on Saturday and the staff meeting on Sunday. Off periods and breaks throughout the week vary on the position. Additional time-off requests are available at the discretion of camp leadership.
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Staff will be trained for their specific positions as well as get trained in program planning and facilitation, behavior management, safety procedures, camp policies, and more. Staff will participate in many team building activities and games, campfires, and have many other opportunities to bond with other staff.
Summer Positions
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Camp Counselor
The Camp Counselor plays the most vital role in delivering a safe, high-quality, and transformative summer experience. This position is responsible for the overall well-being, safety, daily supervision, and personal growth of the campers living in their assigned cabin.
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Unit Leader
The Unit Leader serves as the primary support system for the counselors and cabins within their unit, conducting regular daily check-ins to monitor team morale, camper needs, and cabin dynamics. Serving as an approachable, organized, and proactive communicator who leads with integrity, the Unit Leader coordinates camper logistics, tracks arrivals and departures, and ensures accurate documentation of behavioral and injury reports.
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Health Intern
The Health Intern is responsible for assisting healthcare staff in maintaining the health and safety standards set forth by the State Health Department and camp’s risk management policy standards. Responsible for staff and children supervision, support, documentation, and communication.
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Waterfront Specialist
Reporting directly to the Waterfront Program Director, this non-counseling position combines the responsibilities of swimming and boating instruction, taking full operational ownership of daily execution, safety, programming, and technical maintenance across both the Swimming and Boating Areas. Requires a Lifeguard Certification and a Wisconsin Boater’s License, or willingness to obtain them.
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MESHI (Inclusion) Specialist
The MESHI Specialist serves as the primary floating support for the MESHI (Mental, Emotional, Social, Health, and Inclusion) Department across both Day and Residential Camp programs. Operating under the direction of the MESHI Director to assist, mentor, and provide relief to MESHI counselors and 1:1 inclusion team members.
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Media Specialist
The Media Specialist plays a vital role in capturing, preserving, and sharing the story of our transformative summer experience. Reporting directly to the Marketing Director, this position is responsible for producing all digital media, including high-quality photography, videography, social media content, and promotional assets across all camp programs.
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Supply Specialist
The Supply Specialist plays an important role in delivering a smooth, welcoming, and organized summer experience. The Supply Specialist is responsible for the daily management, inventory, sales, and retail operations of the camp store (The Mercantile), as well as overseeing all incoming camper mail and care package logistics.
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Youth Leader Development Program Mentor (Dugout Mentor)
The Dugout Mentor is responsible for providing direct mentorship, hands-on guidance, and operational assistance within the Youth Leader in Training (YLT) and Staff Development Program (SDP) programs across both Residential and Day Camp.
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Craft Shop Program Director
The Craft Shop Program Director is responsible for the overall creative leadership, craft shop management, art curriculum design, and safe execution of all craft shop activities and creative arts programming. They are responsible for designing step-by-step project guides, managing studio inventory and equipment, maintaining a clean and accessible space, and constructing activity schedules in collaboration with other members of the PLYC Admin Team.
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Outpost Program Director
The Outpost Program Director is responsible for the overall management, programmatic execution, equipment maintenance, and logistics for both the Overnight Outpost Camping Program and the Environmental Education Program. The Outpost Program Director designs and leads outdoor wilderness experiences, equipping campers and staff with essential outdoor living skills, environmental stewardship, and a deep appreciation for nature.
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Challenge Course Program Director
The Challenge Course Program Director supervises, guides, and empowers challenge course facilitators and camp staff, actively prioritizing physical emotional safety, skill development, and a positive team culture. The Challenge Course Program Director is responsible for the overall management, technical safety, programmatic execution, and creative leadership of all challenge course operations, including High Ropes, Low Ropes, Zip Line, and Team Building Activities. Requires ability to obtain and maintain ESI In-House Challenge Course Certification.
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Waterfront Program Director - Position Filled
The Waterfront Director is responsible for the overall strategic leadership, technical safety, program execution, and equipment management of all aquatic facilities and programs. The Waterfront Director is responsible for administering camper swim assessments, maintaining accurate swim level data entry per state licensing requirements, coordinating lifeguard schedules and breaks, and serving as the primary lead during any water emergency situations. Requires a valid Lifeguard Certification, Wisconsin Boater’s License, and Wisconsin Fishing License, or willingness to obtain.
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Sports and Recreation Program Director - Position Filled
The Sports and Recreation Program Director is responsible for the overall programming, management, physical safety, and equipment integrity of all target sports areas, and field sports. The Sports and Recreation Program Director directly oversees their program areas, while also spearheading the creative development, logistics, and execution of camp-wide, large-scale evening program games.
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Assistant Residential Camp Director - Position Filled
The Assistant Residential Camp Director supervises, guides, and empowers team members, actively prioritizing camper wellbeing, personal growth, and a positive team culture. The Assistant Residential Camp Director is responsible for the overall daily organization, programmatic execution, and hands-on leadership of the residential camp operation.
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Assistant Day Camp Director - Position Filled
The Assistant Day Camp Director is responsible for the overall daily organization, programmatic execution, and hands-on leadership of the day camp operation. The Assistant Day Camp Director supervises, guides, and empowers team members, actively prioritizing camper wellbeing, professional growth, and a positive team culture.
Hourly Positions
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Kitchen Staff
The Kitchen Staff team assists in all aspects of food preparation and service, ensuring a safe, sanitary, and efficient dining experience for all camp participants.
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Dining Steward
The Dining Steward is a key position responsible for the overall management of the dining hall’s front-of-house operations. This role ensure a high-quality, organized, and positive mealtime experience for all campers and staff by overseeing meal service, monitoring staff and campers, and maintaining a clean and safe dining environment. The Dining Steward acts as a crucial link between the kitchen staff and the dining hall, ensuring seamless and efficient service.
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Kitchen Coordinator
The Kitchen Coordinator facilitates all aspects of ordering, receiving, documentation, food preparation and service, ensuring a safe, sanitary, and efficient dining experience for all camp participants.
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Maintenance Staff
The Maintenance Staff team’s responsibilities include meeting setup, grounds keeping, upkeep of camp facilities and more. Maintenance staff may be instructed to complete duties related to moving furniture, repairs, and other related responsibilities.
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Custodial Staff
The Custodial Staff team is responsible for cleaning and sanitizing assigned areas, including such duties as mopping, dusting, and trash removal. They may complete duties related to window washing, grounds keeping, and other related responsibilities.