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How much do camp counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for camp counselor in Summit, NJ is $15.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.79 and $17.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a camp counselor?

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.

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 does a camp counselor 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 common challenges camp counselors face and how can they 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.

Do you make money as a camp counselor?

Yes, camp counselors typically earn a salary or hourly wage, which varies depending on the camp, location, and experience. Most camp counselors are paid for their work during the summer season and may receive additional benefits such as room and board or training opportunities.

How hard is it to be a camp counselor?

Being a camp counselor can be physically and emotionally demanding, as it involves supervising children, organizing activities, and ensuring safety. The job requires strong communication skills, patience, and the ability to handle unexpected situations, often working long hours during the camp season.
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Camp Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Camp Counselor job openings in Summit, NJ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 61% Full Time, 35% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 72% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 26% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,109 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

Camp Counselor CIT-Resident Camp

Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges

New Milford, NJ • On-site

$4.5K - $5.0K/mo

Part-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Part-time
Description
Camp Counselor - Michikamau
POSITION SUMMARY:
This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Provides direct supervision of a group of children in a seasonal residential camp. The Camp Counselor is responsible for a group of children and always supports the ongoing supervision of all campers throughout the camp residential. The Camp Counselor helps children adjust to camp according to camp rules and safety precautions, form cohesive groups and enjoy their activities. The Camp Counselor creates positive, nurturing relationships with children, while building cooperative relationships with parents/caregivers. He or she is responsible for the planning and delivery of the variety of activities on regular camp residential s and supports the efforts of the Director and camp activities. Promotes and supports the potential of all youth in programs and facilitates peer-to-peer connections as part of the overall camp experience.
YMCA of Greater Bergen County operates traditional day and resident camps in Harriman State Park, NY, along Lake Kanawauke, providing a beautiful natural setting. The camp is 45 minutes from Hackensack, where our YMCA is located; all counselors and campers are bused to camp from the YMCA. Camp activities include swimming, boating, fishing, arts & crafts, sports & games, archery, nature, hiking, rock climbing, and challenge/low ropes course.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Keeps campers focused and engaged in camp activities. Assist Specialist during activity periods.
  • Consistently greet campers with a smile and treat them with enthusiasm.
  • Develop positive relationships with member families and learn why they come to our Y.
  • Learn camper's names. Respond to campers needs.
  • Assist Senior Counselor, Specialists, and all camp staff in carrying out themes, special events, trips, and all camp activities.
  • Encourage camper's youth development progress.
  • Help group maintain camp cleanliness.
  • Work cooperatively with all camp staff while planning all camp activities.
  • Perform the above responsibilities in an enthusiastic and committed manner. Do more than the minimum for campers. Treat them as special. Treat campers and fellow staff members with respect.
  • Use redirection to appropriate activities when needed and use positive reinforcement to commend good choices.
  • Teach and instill the Four Core Values of the YMCA in all camp activities:Caring, Respect, Honesty, & Responsibility.
  • Act as requested by the supervisor.

Safety:
  • Must attend and complete all required trainings.
  • At all times uphold camp safety standards. Maintain constant face counts. Will understand and practice risk management and disaster policies and procedures.
  • Help maintain group control and facilitate lunch time activities.
  • Must follow all Association Aquatics Policy Guidelines. Take on designated assignments for aquatic activities. Help expedite arrival and departure from the pool (i.e. dressing rooms, etc.). Follow all YMCA, ACA, and NJ Licensing standards and procedures to ensure the safest and best quality camp and to help maintain ACA accreditation.
  • Secure and submit all accident reports, special plans, schedule changes, and evaluations to Camp Director when appropriate.
  • Report all immediate concerns to Camp Director or nearest supervisor.
  • Follow supervision of bus counselors and help to insure safety, expedient procedures and fun activities on the bus. Lead bus songs, stories and games.
  • Use two methods of discipline with campers to include: redirection to appropriate activities and using positive reinforcement to commend good choices.

OTHER DUTIES:
  • Always maintain a professional demeanor, as you are a representative of the YMCA.
  • Wear Camp T-shirt daily.
  • Maintain positive attitude, responsibility and self-motivation. Be punctual and reliable.
  • Create a positive and nurturing learning environment to instill youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS:
  • High school student or equivalent.
  • Previous experience working with children preferably in a residential camp setting, preferably as a CIT.
  • Interest preferred in one or more of the following areas: outdoor living, archery, boating, camping, songs/music, skits, sports, aquatics, recreational games, etc.
  • At least 18 years of age.
  • Previous experience with diverse populations preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Ability to plan, lead and participate in a range of activities in a variety of outdoor/indoor settings.
Salary Description
$4,500- $5,000

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