What is the Teen Program?
Each summer, YMCA Camp Ernst hires almost 200 teen program participants who help support our overnight
camp programs by keeping campers safe and healthy, serving as positive role models, helping campers learn and
grow, cultivating friendships and belonging, and creating a culture of fun.
E-teamers, typically those going into their Junior Year of High School next year, are responsible for running the
camp activities under the supervision of their Unit Leader. Each session is comprised of approximately 40 Eteamers
who all live in a cabin together called the Casa. The E-team is led by a group of college-age or older leaders who train, supervise, and assist E-teamers during their session.
Junior Counselors, typically those going into their Senior Year of High School next year, live in and assist a camper
cabin under the supervision of their Cabin Counselors, Unit Directors, and JC Unit Leader. Junior Counselors will
complete training and have hands-on experience to help them learn the necessary skills to be a cabin counselor.
Teen Internships are available for candidates entering their Junior or Senior year of High School next year. Teen
Interns get extra leadership experience in Aquatics, Media, or Office.
Click here for a downloadable version of our Teen Program Information Packet
What positions are available?
E-team Positions
| Position | Min Age | Description | Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Activities Team | 16 | Be at the center of camp fun! Help lead archery, slingshots, sports, fishing, arts & crafts, nature adventures, and more. Every day brings something new — you’ll get to share your energy and creativity while making activities safe and exciting for campers. | $180/week |
| Lifeguard Team | 16 | Spend your summer by the water! Rotate between the pool, lake, and creeks while keeping campers safe and having fun. You’ll also help with swimming and waterfront activities, so every splash counts. (Lifeguard certification required prior to start date). | $250/week |
| Ranch Team | 16 | Saddle up for a summer at the barn! Assist with trail rides, arena lessons, and horse care while teaching campers the ropes of ranch life. From feeding and grooming to joining trail rides, you’ll help campers connect with horses in a safe and fun way. | $180/week |
| Ropes Team | 16 | Take adventure to new heights! Help run our high ropes course and low ropes challenges while cheering campers on as they climb, swing, and soar. You’ll be part of the team that makes the camp’s most thrilling activities both safe and unforgettable. | $180/week |
Junior Counselor Positions
| Position | Min Age | Description | Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior Counselor | 16 | Jump into cabin life and help make camp magic happen! Live with a cabin, assist yourcounselors, lead games, support campers, and grow your skills as a future counselor.You’ll get real hands-on training and be part of the action all session. | $250/week |
| Ranch Junior Counselor | 16 | Love horses? Combine barn life with cabin life! Live in the cabin, support your counselors, and spend a good chunk of your days learning the ins and outs of ranch care—trail rides, lessons, horse handling, and all the fun barn stuff. | $250/week |
Teen Intern Positions
| Position | Min Age | Description | Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teen Intern: Aquatics | 16 | Dive in behind the scenes! Help oversee pool operations, support swim in-services,assist with safety and programming at the waterfront, and get a front-row view of howcamp water fun happens. | $250/week |
| Teen Intern: Media | 16 | Be our story-sharer! Snap daily camp photos, upload them, and help run our socialmedia. You’ll help share the camp’s magic visually and keep everyone connected to themagic of camp. | $180-250/week |
| Teen Intern: Office | 16 | Be behind the scenes in our command center! Assist with organizing camperpaperwork, sorting mail, answering phones, supporting programs, and keeping things running smoothly. | $180-250/week |
Teen Volunteer Positions
| Position | Min Age | Description | Volunteer hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teen Program Volunteer | 15 | Schedule make it complicated to do a full session? Join our team as a teen programvolunteer. Assist with our day camp programs from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM on select days,Monday through Friday. | Up to 40 hours/week |
| International Teen Program Participant | 16 | In accordance with Visa regulations, teens ages 16-17 may spend a session as programparticipants and will be assigned responsibilities within the teen program where they willreceive proper training and adequate supervision. A fee is required to participate. | Program Fee of $160/week and 40 hours/week |
What are the Session Dates?
Priority is given to applicants who are able to commit to the full session schedule.
Teen Program members work a total of three weeks, beginning with a mandatory two-week session, followed by one individual week that does not have to be consecutive. There may be an opportunity to add additional individual weeks depending on availability.
All Teen Program Participants go home Saturday mornings and come back Sunday afternoons of each session they’re scheduled for.
MANDATORY TWO WEEK SESSION OPTIONS:
| Session | Dates |
|---|---|
| Session 1 | June 7-20, 2026 |
| Session 2 | June 21-July 4, 2026 |
| Session 3 | July 5-18, 2026 |
| Session 4 | July 19-August 1, 2026 |
INDIVIDUAL ONE WEEK SESSION ADD ON OPTIONS:
| Session | Week |
|---|---|
| Week 3 | June 21-27 |
| Week 4 | June 28-July 4 |
| Week 5 | July 5-11 |
| Week 6 | July 12-18 |
| Week 7 | July 19-25 |
| Week 8 | July 26-August 1 |
| Week 9 | August 2-8 |
What is the application process?
1. Complete an online application
Create a new account using your own email address (We do not recommend using a school email address because our emails often get blocked).
Select the Teen Program Application (please note: applications must be completed by the Teen Program candidate only- not the parent).
While there is not a set due date for applications, candidates can use the following dates as a guide:
- Early Action Decision: Apply and interview by November 30, 2025
- Priority Decision: Apply and interview by January 15, 2026
- Rolling applications accepted based on availability after January 16, 2026
-
2. Check your email for next steps
All applicants will receive an email within two weeks of submitting your application. If you are selected
to continue with the interview process, you can expect to complete the following:
Submit a Written Response Form
The next steps email will include a written response form that you will upload to your Camp Brain account prior
to your virtual interview.
Submit References
You will receive a separate email from Checkster asking for the names and email addresses of your references. Please complete the reference submissions within two weeks of receiving the email:
- You need to provide at least five references (two relatives and three non-relatives),
but you are welcome to add more. - Checkster will contact your references via email, and they will complete the form electronically. Kindly notify your references to anticipate an email from Checkster.
3. Attend your Virtual Interview:
The email with next steps will also include the date, time, and
link for your virtual interview. Interviews are group style over zoom and consist of breakout rooms with interview questions, a
teamwork session, and scenario-based questions.
4. Await a Response:
All applicants will receive an email with a decision according to the following timeline:
- Applicants who apply for early action can expect a response by December 15, 2025.
- Applicants who apply for Priority can expect a response by February 1, 2026.
- Applicants who apply during the Rolling Application period can expect a response two weeks after their completed interview.
What happens after I am hired?
1. Sign your Letter of Intent
- To accept your position, please sign and return the letter of intent by the deadline provided in your offer email.
2. Check your email weekly
- Email is our main communication with staff. Please make sure you check the email you provided on your application at least once a week for important updates.
3. Complete the onboarding process
- In the Spring, you will receive an email with information on how to complete the onboarding process. You will need to have the following items prepared:
- A copy of a photo ID (passport, school ID, driver’s permit)
- A copy of your birth certificate or social security card
- A direct deposit enrollment form or voided check (it must have your name, account number, and routing number listed. Handwritten information will not be accepted)
- All staff must also complete a series of online trainings prior to starting their work at camp. This information will also be sent out early Spring.
4. Prepare for your time at camp
- Make sure you have your scheduled session on your calendar. We are counting on you for the session you are scheduled for. If something comes up and you can no longer work, please let us know by email as early as possible.
- There is a lot you can do to prepare for working at camp. Here are some helpful resources to get you started:
- Learn some new games and songs
- Check out this free camp resource page