Gailmarie Sprague has spent nearly her entire life connected to the YMCA. A third-generation Y employee, she grew up attending Y summer camps and began working at the Y at age 14. Over the years, she has served in a variety of roles, including Child Watch, summer camp, after-school programs, and dance instruction.
Today, she is the Director of Enrichment and Family Programs at the South Mountain YMCA, a branch of the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges. Her journey from camper to YMCA leader highlights the lasting impact of camp experiences, youth development programs, and career opportunities at the Y.
Sprague: I was obsessed with camp. The counselors were the most amazing people. They were like superheroes. As an adult, I still look up to them. One of the things I loved most about YMCA summer camp was having the freedom to explore activities that interested me. Whether it was sports, arts, or other programs, there were always opportunities to try something new. The staff made every day exciting, and their positive influence is something that has stayed with me throughout my life.
Sprague: Whether it's a summer job or a long-term career, working at YMCA camp gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on children every day. It's an incredibly fun and rewarding environment where you build relationships, create memorable experiences, and help kids grow in confidence and independence. For anyone interested in working with youth, it's a great place to spend the summer while developing valuable skills.
Sprague: One of the great things about working at the YMCA is that you're developing transferable skills that can help you succeed in almost any career. You learn how to think and respond quickly, provide excellent customer service, manage your time effectively, pay attention to detail, and build strong interpersonal and leadership skills.
Working at the Y also creates opportunities to apply your unique interests and talents. For example, if you love science, you might develop hands-on experiments for campers. If you're passionate about arts or sports, you can help create engaging activities and programs. We are always looking for talented specialists who want to share their skills while making a positive impact on young people.
Career Growth at the YMCA
Explore current job opportunities at www.metroymcas.org/jobs.