1

Camp Head Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Be a Hero to Campers as a Head Counselor at ESF Camps! Are you ready to embark on a thrilling ... Camp Tuition: Enjoy a significantly discounted tuition rate exclusively for Team members' children.

Be a Hero to Campers as a Head Counselor at ESF Camps! Are you ready to embark on a thrilling ... Camp Tuition: Enjoy a significantly discounted tuition rate exclusively for Team members' children.

Some physical requirements of the Camp Head Counselor position could be endurance including climbing, standing, some bending, stooping, and stretching. Eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity to ...

Some physical requirements of the Camp Head Counselor position could be endurance including climbing, standing, some bending, stooping, and stretching. Eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity to ...

Head Counselor

Finlayson, MN ยท On-site

$475/wk

The camp offers youth a safe, fun environment to develop physically, socially, and spiritually ... The Head Counselor guides and supports other counselors, ensuring adherence to policies, safety ...

... Head Camp Counselor (18+) 2026 Hiring Manager(s) Location Coppermine Fieldhouse About the Organization Coppermine offers indoor and outdoor programs that include Lil' Kickers Soccer, Sports Clinics ...

Camp Keystone, Starke, Florida Position Type: Temporary Full-Time About this opportunity: Plans ... Inspects fire extinguisher and report to Head Counselor if any extinguisher has been dispensed.

Camp Keystone, Starke, Florida Position Type: Temporary Full-Time About this opportunity: Plans ... Inspects fire extinguisher and report to Head Counselor if any extinguisher has been dispensed.

next page

Showing results 1-20

Camp Head Counselor information

See salary details

$7

$17

$26

How much do camp head counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for camp head counselor in the United States is $17.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.98 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a camp head counselor?

Camp Head Counselors are responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a camp, supervising other counselors, and ensuring the safety and well-being of campers. They coordinate activities, manage schedules, resolve conflicts, and act as the main point of contact between camp staff and leadership. Head Counselors play a key role in creating a positive camp environment by supporting both staff and campers and addressing any issues that arise. They often help with training new counselors and serve as role models for the entire camp community.

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

To thrive as a Camp Head Counselor, you should possess strong leadership, organizational, and youth development skills, often supported by a degree in education or recreation and prior camp experience. Familiarity with scheduling software, safety protocols, and first aid/CPR certifications is typically required. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution abilities help you build rapport with campers and staff alike. These skills ensure a safe, engaging, and supportive camp environment that fosters growth and positive experiences for all participants.

What are some typical challenges faced by a camp head counselor, and how can they be managed effectively?

As a Camp Head Counselor, you may encounter challenges such as balancing administrative duties with direct camper engagement, addressing conflicts among campers or staff, and ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants. Effective management involves strong communication skills, proactive problem-solving, and the ability to delegate tasks appropriately. Building a supportive team environment and maintaining open lines of communication with both counselors and camp leadership are key strategies to navigating these challenges successfully.

What is the difference between Camp Head Counselor vs Camp Program Director?

Camp Head CounselorCamp Program Director
Typically responsible for supervising counselors and campers, ensuring safety, and implementing daily activities.Oversees the entire camp program, manages staff, plans activities, and handles administrative tasks.

The Camp Head Counselor focuses on direct supervision and activity management, while the Camp Program Director has a broader leadership role overseeing the entire camp operation. Both roles require experience in camp settings, certifications in first aid, and strong leadership skills, but the Program Director's responsibilities are more strategic and administrative.

Do you make money as a camp head counselor?

Yes, camp head counselors typically receive a salary or hourly wage, which can vary based on the camp's location, size, and the counselor's experience. They often earn more than regular counselors and may receive additional benefits such as room and board or stipends for training and certifications.
More about Camp Head Counselor jobs

What cities are hiring for Camp Head Counselor jobs?

Cities with the most Camp Head Counselor job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for Camp Head Counselor jobs?

The top employers for Camp Head Counselor jobs are:

What states have the most Camp Head Counselor jobs?

States with the most job openings for Camp Head Counselor jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Camp Head Counselor jobs?

For Camp Head Counselor jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Camp Head Counselor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,380 per year, or $17 per hour.

Camp Head Counselor Haverford

Haverford, PA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Join our team: Be a Hero to Campers as a Head Counselor at ESF Camps! 

Are you ready to embark on a thrilling adventure filled with laughter, learning, and unforgettable moments? At ESF Camps, we are on a mission to create a summer like no other for campers from preschool to 8th grade. We are looking for energetic and passionate people to join our team and make a positive impact while having a blast! 

At ESF Camps, the Head Counselor is called a Group Specialist. A Group Specialist fulfills counselor responsibilities and takes a lead role in group management, leading activities when needed. This Specialist will work in one of the following: 

Why ESF? 

  • Inspire Young Minds: Make a meaningful difference in the lives of children while receiving comprehensive training and support. 
  • Unleash Your Potential: We offer opportunities for internships, fieldwork, and overall professional development. 
  • Become a Leader: Gain valuable leadership experience as you supervise and mentor children. 
  • Positive Environment: Experience the chance to be part of a team guided by ESF Core Values. 

 Extra Perks:  

  • Convenient Summer Schedule: Enjoy nights and weekends off. 
  • Employee Referral Bonus Program: Increase your earnings through referrals from your network. 
  • Free Certifications: Reimbursements are available for qualified roles. 
  • Camp Tuition: Enjoy a significantly discounted tuition rate exclusively for Team members’ children.

Requirements: 

  • Activity Background: Preferably possess a background in art, science, and/or sports.
  • Education:
    • College graduate working in an education/child-related career.
    • Teaching certification or equivalent experience required.
    • Experience: We are looking for experience working with children.o
      • Prior classroom teaching/fieldwork experience (2-4 years)
      • Previous experience working with students in Elementary or Secondary grade levels
      • Previous experience working with children in a camp setting is preferred.  
    • Hours: Typically, 37.5-40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with opportunities for extended hours. Actual scheduled hours vary by camp location and program.
    • Schedule Commitment: Any schedule changes or time off must be pre-approved by the site director. 
    • Required Training: Complete all required ESF and state-mandated training and onboarding.
    • Dress Code: Maintain the "ESF Look" (camp uniform) and embody the spirit of the camp. 

    Essential Job Responsibilities: 

    • Dive into the Camp Day! Promote and help lead daily activities and projects with enthusiasm, collaborating effectively with co-counselors.
    • Teach & Inspire: At times the Group Specialists will need to lead camp activities in art, science, and/or sports. When this happens, they implement the ESF curriculum, actively engage campers, and bring lesson plans to life.
    • Safety & Positive Group Management:  Ensure the safety and well-being of campers with emphasis on positive behavior and effective group management. Promptly report any concerns to the Site Director. 
    • Be the Ultimate Role Model: Supervise campers, while fostering a positive, welcoming, and safe environment. 
    • Demonstrate ESF Core Values & Code daily, from “Gratitude” to “Bring It” daily. 
    • Model the ESF Virtues of Character (Gratitude, Respect, Trustworthiness, Effort, Kindness, Positivity, Resilience, Community) in camp daily. 
    • Adhere to all company policies.
    • Communication: Maintain clear, concise, and engaging communication with campers, families, peers, and our leadership team. 

      Reporting Relationships: 

      • Reports directly to and takes direction from the Camp Director, with additional accountability to the Site Director.

      Additional Responsibilities: 

      • Push/pull, lift, and carry a minimum of thirty-five (35) pounds across campus. Work outside, upright, and mobile for six (6) to eight (8) hours per day .
      • Respond to emergencies, including running (up to 1 mile in some cases) and ascending stairs without undue exertion. 

      This job description is subject to change at any time.