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Camp Head Counselor Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Camp Head Counselor information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$7

$16

$25

How much do camp head counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for camp head counselor in Raleigh, NC is $16.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.60 and $20.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

Do you make money as a camp head counselor?

Yes, camp head counselors typically earn a salary or hourly wage, which can vary based on the camp's location, size, and the counselor’s experience. They often receive additional benefits such as room and board, and some camps offer bonuses or stipends for extended sessions or specialized skills.

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 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 cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Camp Head Counselor jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Camp Head Counselor job openings:
Infographic showing various Camp Head Counselor job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,392 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Head Counselor - OnSite After School Program | A.E. Finley YMCA

YMCA

Raleigh, NC

Part-time

Posted 14 days ago


YMCA rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 1,987 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

570th of 771 rated non-profit organizations


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of the Youth Program Director, the Head Counselor is responsible for leading the management and development of assigned staff and campers.

They will support, develop, and coach all assigned staff under their direction, as well as give leadership to camp programs as a whole. They have the responsibility for all aspects of the assigned programs when the Director or other program leadership is unavailable.

They are responsible for managing these functions in accordance with the stated mission, goals, and policies established by the administrative staff, governing committees, and Board of Directors of the YMCA.

Job Schedule:

Monday - Friday

3 - 6 p.m.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Provide leadership to the program and daily support and coaching to all assigned staff.

Hold assigned staff accountable to performance standards, including safety.

Maintain awareness of issues with staff, campers, and parents in their charge.

Provide regular informal coaching to staff in line with Director's feedback and support.

Lead afternoon assemblies when appropriate.

Assist counselors with major discipline issues.

Keep programmed areas clean, neat and supplied at all times.

Maintain open communication with parents and school faculty.

Help to open or close programs daily.

Have complete knowledge of emergency procedures to ensure safety of children.

Attend and promote all staff meetings and Family Nights.

Help program daily activities that engage children physically, mentally, and emotionally.

If applicable, assist in tracking and improving the academic progress of Y-Learning children

Models relationship-building skills in all interactions. Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with community organizations. Maintains regular, clear, and concise communication within area of responsibility.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Must be at least 16 years of age

High school diploma or GED required with 1 year of experience working with youth preferred.

Previous experience in personal development, outreach initiatives, and supervision of staff and participants.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills are required.

Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.

Strong programming, communication, public speaking, and problem solving skills.

Ability to assist in the management of the facility, equipment, and staff.

Must obtain certifications through the YMCA in American Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer, First Aid, and Administering Emergency Oxygen (or equivalent) within first 30 days of hire.

Multi-lingual desired but not required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & 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.

Requires corrected vision, speech, and hearing to normal range, or have special accommodations made of sufficient nature for completion of assigned tasks.

Ability to lift and carry a minimum of 50 pounds, as well as stand, walk, kneel, stoop, bend, and climb.

Ability to work in a confined space, drive a motor vehicle, pull, and push to appropriate standards.

Ability to quickly adapt to change, work under stressful conditions, be responsible for others, and communicate clearly through written and verbal communication.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.


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