YMCA Camp Ernst is located in Burlington, Kentucky. The camp is conveniently located 15 minutes away from the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport and just 25 minutes
from downtown Cincinnati. You’ll find camp at: 7615 Camp Ernst Rd, Burlington, Kentucky 41005
Absolutely! We seek staff with warm personalities, positive attitudes, strong work ethics, good character and a sincere desire to live and work with children. If you have those qualities, and you’re willing to live by our values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility, then please consider joining us! We’ll train you in everything else you need to know during Staff Orientation
People tend to fall in love with camp and return year after year. It’s not uncommon to hear people have been coming to camp for over 10+ years. Our staff and camper return rate is more than 70%. That said, we take great pride in welcoming newcomers to our camp family!
Like most of our campers, many of our staff come from the Greater Cincinnati Area. However, we attract staff from across the country, and we host approximately 30 staff from other countries each summer.
You are not required to work every week. When you apply, you will note your availability.
E-team commit to a two-week session and Junior Counselors to a three-week session.
We ask cabin counselors commit to our staff training week plus a minimum of four camper weeks.
We encourage leadership and program staff to commit to the whole summer, but some positions have flexibility in the scheduling.
Our focus at camp is our values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. The mission of the YMCA is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. We place a strong emphasis on welcoming all and creating a place of belonging for everyone.
We hire around 400 staff every summer to help us make our summer programs run smoothly. From cabin counselors to leadership staff and everything in between, there is probably a position that will fit your needs. There is a mix of both day and overnight roles available.
Click on the appropriate link to view all positions:
Our kitchen team, led by Food Service Director Javier Villanueva, works hard to make delicious kid-friendly meals each day. Every meal includes an extensive breakfast or salad bar, and vegetarian and gluten-free options are always available.
Our cabins are cozy, rustic, and well maintained. All cabins have electricity and screened windows for fresh breezes. Staff sleep in twin-sized bunk beds with standard camp mattresses. You’ll bring your own bed linens and pillow with you. All cabins are within eyesight of the central bathroom and shower facilities.
Summers are usually hot and humid in Northern Kentucky, with occasional rainstorms during the summer months. Daily temperatures averaging between the mid and upper 80s Farenheit, although often we are sweating through the 90s! Day time you are usually in shorts and a tshirt, but nights might call for long pants and a sweatshirt.
Yes, we have WIFI available to staff on their time off. Cell service is a little patchy at camp in certain areas, but you are a short walk away to service on camp property.
Overnight staff will receive off time each day. Unit Leaders will provide a schedule at the beginning of each week to help counselors plan ahead. All staff also get the Saturday to Sunday off in between sessions.
Day camp staff typically work a schedule of Monday through Friday, 8:45am-4pm.
During the first and last days of each session, you’ll wear a staff uniform, consisting of a staff shirt (provided for you), khaki shorts and a nametag. Every other day, you can wear whatever feels comfortable. Most staff wear athletic shorts and t-shirts or tank tops.
Before the arrival of campers, we host a mandatory staff orientation for both new and returning staff 18 years and older, which is designed to teach you everything you need to know to be successful in your role. The most important part of orientation is creating a sense of community and teamwork within the staff team. You’ll also learn youth development strategies, facilitation skills, and leadership techniques. Plus, you’ll learn all the hands-on skills needed to lead a cabin and facilitate camp activities, along with all the policies and procedures we use to keep everyone safe. Even when orientation is over and your campers arrive, you’ll have veteran staff by your side to help with anything that comes up.
Our teen program staff attend virtual trainings prior to the start of their session and the complete the remaining training during their session.
If you are not available for the in person staff orientation, it does not mean that you cannot apply to work at camp. Please reach out to Megan to discuss available options.
Our cabins are typically made up of two cabin counselors, one junior counselor or support staff member, and approximately 12 campers.
Yes, staff have used their work at camp as part of internships in the past, and we’re happy to help you in any way we can.
While we have some positions that are already designed as internships, at camp we have the flexibility to work with you to meet your internship needs. We have helped college students complete internships in food service, camp and outdoor recreation, education, psychology and more.
If you have questions about making an internship work at camp, please contact Megan.