Just 30 minutes from Charlotte, YMCA Camp Thunderbird stretches across nearly two miles of scenic Lake Wylie shoreline, providing the perfect setting for life-changing experiences. For 90 years, our camp has helped kids cultivate confidence, independence, self-discipline, and empathy while embracing new challenges and developing lifelong friendships. Campers can expect exciting adventures in a safe and nurturing environment where they can be their best selves. Through shared experiences, they build meaningful connections, celebrate differences, and create memories that last a lifetime. Many arrive as guests but leave as family. When traditional overnight and day camps are not in session, YMCA Camp Thunderbird offers a variety of school-year programs and a retreat center for schools, businesses, and organizations. Whether for a summer of adventure or a customized group retreat, Camp Thunderbird is where growth, connection, and discovery come to life.
The Y Kids Program Supervisor supports the successful operation of assigned YMCA program by planning and implementing program activities, providing frontline staff and volunteer supervision, and ensuring high quality service to members, participants, and families. This hands-on role focuses on creating a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment that contributes to participant satisfaction and program quality. The Y Kids Program Supervisor works closely with the Regional Program Director and provides direct oversight of the assigned program and staff.
Culture Statement:
The culture of the Y is rooted in our Christian mission and core principles. We strive every day to collectively embody our purpose to love, serve and transform lives. Every day we show up to Lead with Love and Serve with Purpose. We Love unconditionally – showing genuine care and concern for everyone, making each interaction meaningful and personal and ensuring every person feels valued, seen and welcomed. We elevate Hope – promoting optimism by offering encouragement and practical solutions to challenges. We act with Care & Compassion – listening attentively without judgment, responding with empathy, and creating a sense of belonging by uplifting and supporting those around us. We demonstrate Generosity – sharing our time, skills, and resources freely and with joy. We walk in Grace – showing patience and kindness, even in difficult moments. We ignite Faith – staying grounded in our mission, principles and purpose, inspiring others to trust in what is possible.
Demonstrating consistency in our actions, helping others see how their efforts align with a greater purpose. We treasure Honesty – communicating openly and truthfully, admitting mistakes when they occur, and honoring commitments. We honor Humility – leading with a servant's heart by prioritizing the needs of others above our own. We live with Joy – celebrating small and big wins alike, inspiring connection and shared joy. We offer Respect – addressing everyone by name and honoring diverse perspectives and backgrounds. We value Responsibility – performing every task timely with diligence and excellence and holding ourselves accountable by openly evaluating our performance. We engage in Service – going above and beyond in
serving others by anticipating needs and delivering exceptional experiences.
Primary Responsibilities (not comprehensive):
• Camper life: Manage behavior, parent communication, and cabin assignments for both campers and staff in resident camp. Manage the programs for returning campers at both resident and day camps.
•Staff Leadership: Lead and coach cabin life staff and assist with recruitment and training for Resident Camp staff.
•Logistics: Oversee inventory of non-activity program supplies, coordinate third-party vendors needed for resident camp, and manage the "camper closet" year-round for all programs.
• Camper recruitment: Lead recruitment efforts through home shows, center-based events, and by hosting tours and orientations for prospective families.
• Operational Support: Collaborate on planning and development for the resident camp program. Play a key role in the supervision of the summer operations, including attending meals, evening programs, and other program elements as assigned.
•Interdepartmental Collaboration: In the fall, winter, and spring seasons, play a key role in the execution of Environmental Education Field trips by assisting with activities and/or hosting programs on a regularly scheduled basis.
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Minimum of 3 years' experience working in a related program delivery setting, with prior leadership or lead staff responsibilities.
- Demonstrated ability to supervise staff and manage daily program operations.
- Strong communication, active listening, and conflict resolution skills.
- Ability to model professionalism and the YMCA’s core values.
- Organized and adaptable, with attention to detail and the ability to prioritize in a fast-paced setting.
- Experience working with children, families, or members in recreational, educational, or community programs is preferred.
- Proficiency with basic administrative tools and digital platforms for scheduling, reporting, and communication.
All YMCA team members are expected to maintain a current and active status for all safety, risk, and programming certifications defined by the YMCA of Greater Charlotte.Working Conditions:
- Work is primarily performed in active indoor/outdoor program environments (e.g., gymnasiums, classrooms, pools, playgrounds).
- Frequent standing, walking, and physical activity; may involve lifting up to 60 lbs.
- Schedule may include morning, evening, and weekend shifts depending on program needs.
- May be required to work at multiple sites within the center or association.
- Travel in personal vehicle to other centers within association.
- Must be able to swiftly in an emergency situation.
- Supervise and support part-time staff and volunteers in assigned programs, providing ongoing coaching, problem-solving, and performance feedback.
- Ensure daily program operations run smoothly, including scheduling, preparing facility areas and supplies, communication, and on-site monitoring of program activities.
- Support training and onboarding of new team members and volunteers, modeling effective practices and YMCA values.
- Monitor program quality and participant satisfaction, addressing concerns promptly and professionally.
Maintain accurate records, including attendance, audits, and incident reports in accordance with YMCA policies.
Serve as the onsite point of contact for families, members, volunteers, and participants during assigned program hours. - Assist with enforcing safety, behavior, and risk management procedures in all areas of the program.
- Collaborate with center leadership, regional leadership, and counterparts at other centers to problem solve and plan improvements to program delivery.
- Communicate effectively with staff, participants, volunteers, and families to build positive relationships and ensure clear expectations.
- Support YMCA initiatives, events, and cross-department collaboration as needed.
- Performs other duties and tasks as assigned by leadership
- COLLABORATION: Creates sustainable relationships within the Y and with other organizations in service to the community.
- DEVELOPING SELF & OTHERS: Develops self and supports others (e.g., staff, volunteers, members, program participants), both formally and informally, to achieve their highest potential.
- EMOTIONAL MATURITY: Demonstrates ability to understand and manage emotions effectively in all situations
- PROGRAM/PROJECT MANAGEMENT: Ensures program or project goals are met and intended impact occurs