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Cabin Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Cabin Counselor will monitor, lead and control a group of children. This position will work with children, fellow workers, and staff to provide a safe and meaningful summer camp experience in a ...

The Cabin Counselor will monitor, lead and control a group of children. This position will work with children, fellow workers, and staff to provide a safe and meaningful summer camp experience in a ...

Cabin Counselor

Finlayson, MN · On-site

$350/wk

The Cabin Counselor supervises and guides an assigned group of campers (ages 6 to 17), ensures their safety, and builds positive relationships. The Counselor also leads daily activities, supports ...

Summer Camp Cabin Counselor

WA · On-site

$90/day

A Summer Camp Cabin Counselor serves as a professional role model for our campers by leading through example and guiding campers through recreational activities that teach life skills, encourage ...

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Cabin Counselor information

See salary details

$6

$14

$22

How much do cabin counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for cabin counselor in the United States is $14.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.02 and $16.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges cabin counselors face when supervising campers, and how can they effectively handle them?

Cabin Counselors often encounter challenges such as managing homesickness, resolving conflicts between campers, and maintaining a safe yet fun environment. Effective communication and a calm, empathetic approach are essential for building trust and addressing campers' emotional needs. Counselors also need to balance enforcing rules with fostering a positive camp experience. Regular check-ins, teamwork with other staff, and proactive problem-solving can help counselors create a supportive atmosphere while ensuring campers' well-being.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cabin counselor?

To thrive as a Cabin Counselor, you need skills in youth supervision, activity planning, and basic first aid, often supported by experience working with children or relevant certifications like CPR. Familiarity with camp management tools, emergency protocols, and recreational equipment is typically required. Strong leadership, patience, and effective communication help build trust and create a positive environment for campers. These skills ensure the safety, well-being, and engagement of campers, contributing to a successful camp experience.

What is the difference between Cabin Counselor vs Camp Counselor?

AspectCabin CounselorCamp Counselor
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; CPR/First Aid certifications often requiredHigh school diploma or equivalent; CPR/First Aid certifications often required
Work EnvironmentSupervises children in a cabin setting at summer campsSupervises children in various camp activities, including outdoor and recreational settings
Employer & IndustrySummer camps, youth programsSummer camps, youth programs
Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Both Cabin Counselors and Camp Counselors work in summer camp environments, supervising children and ensuring safety. The main difference is that Cabin Counselors focus on supervising children within a specific cabin or living area, while Camp Counselors may oversee a variety of activities and settings. Understanding these roles helps in choosing the right position based on your skills and interests.

What is a cabin counselor?

Cabin counselors are staff members at camps who are responsible for supervising and guiding campers, typically within a specific cabin or group. Their duties include ensuring campers’ safety, facilitating activities, helping with personal needs, and fostering a positive and inclusive camp environment. Cabin counselors serve as role models and mentors, helping to resolve conflicts and encouraging campers to participate in camp programs. They often work closely with other camp staff to ensure a fun and memorable experience for all campers.
More about Cabin Counselor jobs
Infographic showing various Cabin Counselor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,158 per year, or $15 per hour.

Cabin Counselor - Sleepaway Camp

Boys' Club of New York

Arden, NY • On-site

$7.0K - $8.0K/mo

Full-time

Re-posted 23 hours ago


Job description

Position: Cabin Counselor
Location: BCNY @ Harriman State Park, 553 Arden Valley Road, Southfields, NY 10975
Employment Dates: June 22 - August 15, 2026
Total Salary: $7,000 - $8,000
Employment Type: Seasonal, Full-Time, Exempt
Housing: Residential position with shared lodging provided
Reports To: Cabin Counselor Division Leader
About Us
The Boys' Club of New York (BCNY) operates a premier sleep-away camp experience designed for 10 to 17-year-old boys and young men to grow through adventure, community, and skill building. Since 1876, BCNY has created environments where young people develop confidence, resilience, teamwork, and leadership, grounded in our core values of Care, Courage, Curiosity, and Community.
At Harriman Basecamp, members engage in structured programs that promote healthy minds and bodies, expand their talents, and encourage positive peer relationships. Guided by evidence-based youth development practices and our commitment to the 4 Cs, BCNY's Basecamp programs aim to set a high standard for outdoor education and character development. To strengthen this mission, we continue to build a dedicated team of camp professionals who can deepen and broaden our impact each season.
Job Summary
The Cabin Counselor provides 24-hour supervision, mentorship, and care for campers living in a shared cabin environment. Cabins consist of 10-12 campers, grouped by age, and are staffed by two Cabin Counselors per cabin. Counselors are empowered to manage day-to-day camper behavior, uphold Basecamp expectations, and foster a positive cabin culture rooted in BCNY values. Camper safety, respectful conduct, and accountability are non-negotiable.
Opportunities are available for staff to receive lifeguard training and earn certification. Performance in this role directly impacts eligibility for future employment with BCNY.
Mandatory attendance at full pre-camp staff training (June 22 - July 3) is required to ensure readiness in behavior management, camper supervision, safety protocols, and camp culture alignment.
Responsibilities
Camper Supervision & Care
  • Live in-cabin with assigned campers and provide consistent, age-appropriate supervision at all times
  • Build positive, trusting relationships through mentorship, modeling, and daily engagement
  • Support campers' physical care, emotional regulation, transitions, and overall well-being
  • Maintain clear awareness of camper whereabouts and ensure adherence to schedules and supervision expectations

Cabin Culture & Daily Routines
  • Partner with co-counselor to create and sustain a safe, inclusive, and respectful cabin environment
  • Establish clear routines, expectations, and shared responsibilities within the cabin
  • Build cabin identity, pride, and positive group norms
  • Lead daily routines including wake-up, meals, activities, hygiene, evening programs, and bedtime
  • Maintain cabin cleanliness, organization, and care of shared living spaces

Behavior Guidance & Documentation
  • Manage camper behavior using Basecamp behavior guidance tools, policies, and expectations
  • Respond to challenges with empathy, consistency, and clear boundaries
  • Address minor behavioral concerns directly and promptly
  • Complete initial written incident reports for higher-level concerns and submit them to the Division Leader
  • Escalate ongoing, patterned, or serious concerns appropriately and support follow-up behavior plans

Teamwork, Leadership & CIT Support
  • Collaborate effectively with co-counselors, Division Leaders, Activity Counselors, and camp leadership
  • Participate fully in evening programs, special events, and camp-wide traditions
  • Model professionalism, responsibility, and positive leadership for campers and peers
  • Support assigned Counselors-in-Training (CITs) through daily modeling, guidance, and feedback
  • Engage in regular check-ins and coaching conversations with Division Leaders

Qualifications
  • Must be at least 18 years old by the start of employment
  • Experience working with youth in camp, educational, residential, or community-based settings preferred
  • Strong interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills
  • Ability to manage group dynamics and maintain consistent structure
  • Ability to live and work in a residential outdoor environment for extended periods
  • CPR/First Aid certification preferred (training provided if needed)

Additional Requirements
  • Flexible and adaptable, with a willingness to work a demanding schedule.
  • Meet all required immunizations (MMR and Poly required).
  • You must be able to work in an outside environment, where you have the ability to walk/hike daily, at various grades, elevations, and on uneven terrain regardless of weather conditions.
  • Must be able to lift 40-50 pounds, and carry and load luggage, tables, chairs, and other program equipment
  • Other duties as assigned

The Boys' Club of New York is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other status protected by law. If you have a disability or other protected need requiring an accommodation, please contact Human Resources.