SUMMER 2026 Applications Open end of October/Beginning of November!

Summer Camp Jobs

Working at YMCA Camp Cosby is more than having a fun summer job. Our staff creates an environment that inspires our campers to develop new skills, build self-confidence, create lifelong friendships and have safe adventures. Our activities include sports, archery, ceramics, BB guns, alpine tower, giant swing, arts & crafts, low ropes, high ropes, horses, mini bikes, theater, cooking, banana boat, canoeing, water slides, sailing, swimming pool, water ski/wake surf/wakeboarding, tubing, pickleball and fishing. All this happens on 135 acres of wooded hills on the shores of Lake Logan Martin 55 minutes from Birmingham and 2 hours from Atlanta.

YMCA Camp Cosby staff ensure the safety, growth, fun, and development of campers through activities that promote the YMCA’s four core values: Honesty, Caring, Respect, and Responsibility. A YMCA Camp Cosby staff live in the cabin with the campers and provides care for campers physical, mental, social, emotional and spiritual well-being. Counselors are also responsible for providing a fun and enjoyable experience for campers and leading camp activities. We prefer that counselors have previous experience working with children (preferred but not required), have an attitude of service and are required to complete First Aids/CPR Certification (training offered onsite) along with other mandatory training. Counselors will be required to pass background checks and complete all other Birmingham YMCA hiring requirements.

Why work at YMCA Camp Cosby?

• Living where you work is AWESOME!
• Earn and save money for college or career prep.
• You will not spend much money during your time working with us this summer because we provide housing and all meals.
• Paid staff training and certifications.
• Learn life skills that will prepare you for college or work life in general.
• You get to teach and learn how to do fun activities like, horse riding, waterski/wake surf, climbing, riding motor bikes.
• We basically pay you to have fun!!!!

Summer 2026 Applications OPEN SOON- How to apply

All staff are required to complete the Staff Questionnaire and the Staff Application. Interviews will be scheduled at YMCA Camp Cosby.

1. CampInTouch Application (Required) – All summer staff must complete this along with the Staff Paycom Application.
2. YMCA of Greater Birmingham Paycom Application (Required)- This link is for all of the YMCA of Greater Birmingham. Type “Cosby” into the search bar for YMCA Camp Cosby only positions. If you are only interested in working at Camp Cosby select “no” when asked “are you interested in other positions.” 

Staff spots are limited. Apply today!

Summer Seasonal Positions offered at YMCA Camp Cosby 

The following positions are summer seasonal positions between mid May-Late July

Counselor Positions

Our counselors live in cabins with campers, facilitate activities, and help lead daily camp life.

Junior Counselors
Must be 17 years old. Perfect position for young staff with a passion for working with youth and facilitating a nurturing environment and exciting camp experience. 

Counselors
Must be 18 years old. Leading campers through daily activities and supporting their overall camp experience.

Senior Counselors
Must be 19 years old or older. These experienced leaders support campers and mentor younger staff.

Head Counselors (Cabin Life Leadership)

Lead a specific age division of campers and provide direct support to counselors.

Buckaroo/Pathfinder Head Counselor
Oversees Rising 1st–3rd Grade cabins.

Blazer Head Counselor
Oversees Rising 4th–5th Grade cabins.

Ranger Head Counselor
Oversees Rising 6th–7th Grade cabins.

ADV Director
Oversees Rising 8th–10th Grade cabins.
(Recommended age: 21+, not required.)

LIT/CIT Directors (Male & Female)
Oversee Leadership-in-Training and Counselor-in-Training programs for Rising 10th & 11th Graders.
(Recommended age: 21+, not required.)

Activity Directors

Manage specialty program areas and lead campers in exciting, skill-based activities.

Aquatics Director
Oversees all waterfront activities and certified lifeguards. Communicates regarding maintenance and planning for all aquatic programs.

Boating Director
Leads boat drivers, water ski specialty, and oversees daily boat operations and communication regarding maintenance for vessels and equipment. 

Barn Director
Manages horseback riding activities, supervises barn staff members, oversees wrangler camp, and maintains horse care.

Minibike Director
Oversees minibike program and specialty camp riders and minibike staff members.

Minibike Mechanic
Maintains and repairs minibikes to keep the program running safe and smooth.

Program Leadership Roles

Support the overall camp operation through logistics, planning, and staff coordination.

Cabin Life Director
Oversees camper life, counselor performance, and cabin support systems.
(Recommended age: 21+, not required.)

Activities Director
Oversees all camp activity areas and supports specialty activity staff and daily activity operations.
(Recommended age: 21+, not required.)

Summer Administrative Assistant
Supports office operations alongside our senior leadership team.

(Recommended age: 21+, not required.)

Media Director
Responsible for capturing all of the magical camp moments for our campers and their loved ones. Aids in supervision of additional camp photographers and assists with photo uploads for families.

Evening Program Director
Plans and executes camp-wide evening events and activities. Responsible for inventory and requests for all evening program supplies.

Summer Staff Culture

Gene Ott Award

Gene Ott was a well-respected director at Cosby whose heart was focused on camper growth and development. Gene truly represented our I AM THIRD Motto and the Cosby Spirit. In 1985 the “Staff of the Summer Award” was changed to the Gene Ott Award in honor of his great camp legacy. The Gene Ott Award is given to one staff each summer who is selected by their peers based on their hard work, professionalism, child-focused attitude and excellence in program execution.

Seasonal Food Service and Housekeeping

Come join a positive working environment and be an critical part of the Cosby Team. Our Housekeeping and Food Service staff members plays a vital role in assuring our campers have the best possible experience.

Housekeeping Staff have the option to live on-sit during summer operations. Housing and Meals are provided for staff who choose to live on site. Please click HERE to be directed to the YMCA of Greater Birmingham Application page. Please search for Req #: HOUSK01084

Food Service Staff members please click HERE to be directed to the YMCA of Greater Birmingham application page and search for Req #: FOODS01085

If you have any problems with the application please contact Sky York, Sr. Program Director, at 256-268-2007.