Jayden Neptune

Youth development and camp professional with leadership experience in staff training, program planning, scheduling, youth supervision, and parent communication. Experienced in leading Counselors-in-Training, developing future camp staff, coordinating daily program operations, and creating safe and engaging experiences for children. SUNY Plattsburgh graduate with a B.A. in History and additional coursework in education and child development.

Strong background in community service, volunteer leadership, and the YMCA mission of youth development and community engagement.

Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Director at YMCA Camp Abnaki (2025-06 – Present)

Lead and supervise the camp's Counselor-in-Training program, preparing teenage participants to become effective counselors, leaders, and role models for younger campers.

• Train, coach, and evaluate CITs throughout the summer, providing ongoing feedback on camper engagement, supervision, communication, professionalism, and leadership.
• Create and manage daily CIT schedules, balancing cabin responsibilities, program assignments, dining hall duties, waterfront coverage, and other operational needs throughout camp.
• Help develop and coordinate staff training schedules alongside other members of the camp leadership team.
• Assist with interviewing prospective CITs during the application and selection process.
• Helped onboard more than 15 former CITs as they transitioned into camp staff positions, supporting their development from participants into employees.
• Plan and facilitate leadership workshops covering topics including communication, role modeling, homesickness, camper supervision, peer pressure, routines, safety, and professional expectations.
• Communicate with parents and families regarding the CIT program, schedules, expectations, camper development, and program questions.
• Work closely with counselors, program staff, and camp leadership to evaluate CIT performance and determine readiness for future employment.
• Coordinate activities, special programs, trips, and leadership experiences designed to build confidence, responsibility, and practical childcare skills.
• Maintain a strong presence throughout camp to ensure CITs are appropriately supervising and engaging with campers while following YMCA expectations and safety procedures.
• Support broader camp operations and step into program areas as needed to help maintain a safe, positive, and engaging environment for campers and staff.

Fraternity & Sorority Life Events Coordinator (Part-Time) at SUNY Plattsburgh (2024-01 – Present)

• Coordinated and supported events and programming for the university's fraternity and sorority community, working with student leaders and campus partners to ensure successful execution.
• Assisted with planning event logistics, scheduling, communication, and organization for Greek life programs and community-wide initiatives.
• Maintained records of philanthropy dollars raised by each fraternity and sorority and tracked fundraising totals across recognized organizations.
• Monitored and organized community service and philanthropic data to help measure the overall impact of the fraternity and sorority community.
• Communicated regularly with fraternity and sorority leaders regarding upcoming events, organizational expectations, philanthropy initiatives, and campus programming.
• Supported large-scale Greek life events involving multiple organizations and helped coordinate participation across the fraternity and sorority community.
• Balanced multiple events, deadlines, organizational needs, and administrative responsibilities while maintaining accurate records.
• Gained hands-on experience in event management, community engagement, fundraising administration, and working with diverse groups of student leaders.

Overnight Camp Counselor at YMCA Camp Abnaki (2024-06 – 2024-08)

Provided direct supervision and care for campers in a residential camp environment, taking responsibility for their safety, well-being, and overall camp experience.

• Lived alongside campers and helped manage daily routines including meals, activities, cabin time, transitions, and bedtime.
• Led recreational activities and encouraged campers to try new experiences, build confidence, develop independence, and form positive relationships with their peers.
• Built meaningful relationships with campers by serving as a positive role model and creating an environment where each child felt included and supported.
• Responded to homesickness, interpersonal conflicts, behavioral challenges, and individual camper needs with patience and appropriate communication.
• Collaborated with fellow counselors, program staff, and camp leadership to provide consistent supervision and maintain YMCA safety expectations.
• Developed the hands-on youth development experience that led to my promotion into the CIT Director position the following summer.

Day Camp Counselor at Oak Crest Day Camp (2023-06 – 2023-08)

• Supervised children throughout a full day of camp activities while maintaining a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment.
• Built positive relationships with campers and helped children feel comfortable, included, and engaged in the camp community.
• Led and participated in recreational activities, games, group programming, transitions, and daily routines.
• Managed camper behavior using positive reinforcement, clear expectations, and age-appropriate communication.
• Worked collaboratively with fellow counselors and camp leadership to coordinate activities and maintain appropriate camper supervision.
• Communicated concerns and important information to supervisors while helping respond to the individual needs of campers.
• Developed practical experience in youth development, group management, conflict resolution, and creating engaging programming for children.

Bachelor of Arts in History – SUNY Plattsburgh (2022-09 – 2026-05)