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Camp Counselor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

EAST BAY SPCA

Camp Counselor Oakland

Oakland, CA

$19/hr

The Animal Camp Counselor (seasonal) reports to the Humane Education Manager and assists in facilitating summer camp programs at our Oakland or Dublin campuses. Animal Camp Counselors are responsible ...

Channel Islands YMCA

CAMP COUNSELOR

San Luis Obispo, CA

$17 - $18/hr

Flexible Schedule What do Camp Counselors do? * Assist in planning, supervising, and implementing camp programs in accordance with guidelines from American Camping Association (ACA) * Provide quality ...

Channel Islands YMCA

CAMP COUNSELOR

Lompoc, CA · On-site

$18.04/hr

Flexible Schedule What do Camp Counselors do? * Assist in planning, supervising, and implementing camp programs in accordance with guidelines from American Camping Association (ACA) * Provide quality ...

KE Camps

Summer Day Camp Counselor

Stockton, CA

$14.75 - $19.25/hr

As a Camp Counselor , you will be an active participant in all camp activities and will assist your Camp Director with a variety of daily tasks, all with the goal of creating a memorable and ...

KE Camps

Summer Day Camp Counselor

Oakland, CA · On-site

$17.50 - $19.50/hr

As a Camp Counselor , you will be an active participant in all camp activities and will assist your Camp Director with a variety of daily tasks, all with the goal of creating a memorable and ...

KE Camps

Summer Day Camp Counselor

Eureka, CA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

As a Camp Counselor , you will be an active participant in all camp activities and will assist your Camp Director with a variety of daily tasks, all with the goal of creating a memorable and ...

KE Camps

Summer Day Camp Counselor

Novato, CA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

As a Camp Counselor , you will be an active participant in all camp activities and will assist your Camp Director with a variety of daily tasks, all with the goal of creating a memorable and ...

KE Camps

Summer Day Camp Counselor

Seal Beach, CA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

As a Camp Counselor , you will be an active participant in all camp activities and will assist your Camp Director with a variety of daily tasks, all with the goal of creating a memorable and ...

Channel Islands YMCA

CAMP COUNSELOR

Camarillo, CA

$17/hr

Flexible Schedule What do Camp Counselors do? * Assist in planning, supervising, and implementing camp programs in accordance with guidelines from American Camping Association (ACA) * Provide quality ...

Spring Education Group

Summer Camp Counselor

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Day Camp Counselors support Lead Counselors and help guide campers through daily activities. * Day Camp Lead Counselors use provided materials to plan, teach, and coordinate day camp activities for a ...

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See California salary details

$6

$14

$22

How much do camp counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for camp counselor in California is $14.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.88 and $16.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Do Camp Counselors Do?

Camp counselors supervise and educate children and teens in day and overnight camping programs. They plan and lead activities based on the nature of the camp and their specialties. For example, a summer camp may include swimming lessons, and the camp counselor must be able to teach, supervise, and perform CPR during swim sessions. A drama camp may need a camp counselor to instruct young kids on acting techniques for a stage performance. Camp counselor duties may also include overnight supervision, food service, outdoor training, and basic first aid.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Camp Counselor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Camp Counselor, you need leadership skills, basic first aid knowledge, and experience working with children, often supported by a high school diploma or higher. Familiarity with safety protocols, activity planning tools, and certifications like CPR/First Aid are typically required. Strong communication, patience, and problem-solving abilities help counselors engage campers and handle diverse situations. These skills are crucial for ensuring a safe, positive, and enriching camp experience for all participants.

What are some common challenges camp counselors face, and how can they effectively handle them?

Camp counselors often encounter challenges such as managing group dynamics, addressing homesickness among campers, and ensuring safety during activities. Effectively handling these situations requires strong communication skills, patience, and adaptability. Counselors can foster a positive environment by setting clear expectations, staying attentive to campers' needs, and working closely with co-counselors and supervisors to resolve issues quickly. Ongoing training and teamwork are key to successfully overcoming these challenges and ensuring a rewarding experience for both campers and staff.

What are camp counselors?

Camp counselors are individuals responsible for supervising and guiding campers during their stay at a camp. They plan and lead activities, ensure the safety and well-being of campers, and serve as role models and mentors. Camp counselors work in a variety of settings, including day camps, overnight camps, and specialty camps focused on sports, arts, or outdoor education. Their main goal is to create a fun, safe, and inclusive environment that helps campers build confidence, skills, and friendships.
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What cities in California are hiring for Camp Counselor jobs? Cities in California with the most Camp Counselor job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Camp Counselor jobs in CA? For Camp Counselor jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Camp Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Camp Counselor job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 61% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 8% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,750 per year, or $14.8 per hour.

Camp Counselor Oakland

EAST BAY SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS

Oakland, CA • On-site

$19/hr

Temporary

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

The Animal Camp Counselor (seasonal) reports to the Humane Education Manager and assists in facilitating summer camp programs at our Oakland or Dublin campuses. Animal Camp Counselors are responsible for monitoring campers' safety, presenting lessons and activities in a fun and engaging manner, and supervising animal meets.
East Bay SPCA (EBSPCA) is a 501(c)3 non-profit committed to the welfare of dogs and cats in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. Our mission is to transform the lives of cats and dogs by enriching the human-animal bond through respected and accessible expertise. EBSPCA is one of the nation's oldest humane organizations, in operation since 1874, and receives no funding from any national organizations. You can find more information about EBSPCA on our website at www.eastbayspca.org.
Category: Seasonal; Non-exempt
Location: Oakland, CA
Reports to: Humane Education Manager
Qualifications
  • Must be 18 years or older
  • Experience in providing educational programming and supervising children (K - 12)
  • Ability to work independently and manage time well
  • Experience with animal handling/care preferred
  • Available for scheduled hours (see Working Conditions)
  • Pre-employment background check, drug screening, and finger-printing clearance required
  • Demonstration of excellent communication skills

Responsibilities
  • Facilitate youth animal camps, ages 6 - 14, including daily lessons, games, crafts, activities, and interaction with shelter dogs and cats
  • Maintain an organized, structured classroom; assist with set up & clean up each day
  • Provide a safe, fun and engaging learning environment for participants
  • Follow East Bay SPCA policies and procedures when working with participants, staff, volunteers and shelter animals
  • Assist with program administrative tasks
  • Provide guidance and support to youth volunteers (Counselors in Training and Youth Program Assistants)
  • Facilitate animal interactions ensuring proper animal safety protocols
  • Respond to electronic and telephone messages in a timely and appropriate manner
  • Provide care for onsite education animals, as needed
  • Provide basic communications with camper parents
  • Comply with applicable Mandated Reporter requirements per California Penal Code

Working Conditions
  • Schedule:
    • Mandatory (Paid) Training Dates: May 26th - May 29th 2026
    • During Camp: June 1st - August 7th 2026 (No camp on Friday June 19th)
      • Facilitating Camp which takes place Monday through Friday from 9am-3pm, including time for preparation and clean up. General workday is 8:00am-4:30pm with a 30 minute lunch.
  • Work is performed in an animal shelter environment at Oakland or Dublin facilities
  • Must be comfortable handling dogs and cats of all sizes and ages
  • Animal contacts and related injuries, including bites and scratches, may occur
  • Noise exposure varies and often includes uncontrolled barking and other animal vocalizations
  • Animal waste contact, smells and visual exposure are prevalent
  • Occasional lifting up to 50 lbs. with reasonable accommodation

Compensation
  • This is a seasonal non-exempt position with a payrate of $19/hour. There are no benefits included in this position.

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