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Day Camp Counselor Jobs in Bellingham, WA (NOW HIRING)

Recreation Camp Counselor

Bellingham, WA · On-site

$20.30 - $21.80/hr

Running Camp counselors lead elementary and middle school youth through the trails and parks of ... From outdoor adventures and group games to creative projects and team challenges, every day at camp ...

Ensures that counselors are planning and organizing cabin activities as well as participating in ... The usual camp workweek is six days on and one day off, including training, staff meetings, and ...

Unit Director

Eastsound, WA · On-site

$113/day

Ensures that counselors are planning and organizing cabin activities as well as participating in ... The usual camp workweek is six days on and one day off, including training, staff meetings, and ...

Day Camp Counselor information

See Bellingham, WA salary details

$7

$15

$22

How much do day camp counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for day camp counselor in Bellingham, WA is $15.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.98 and $17.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Day Camp Counselor Do?

A day camp counselor plans and oversees activities and learning experiences for children. You perform your duties in a day camp, so the campers return home daily and do not remain onsite overnight. Your responsibilities may vary depending on the theme of the day camp. As a counselor, you oversee a group or team of children. You guide them through the daily camp activities, assess the needs and participation level of each camper, and provide additional assistance if necessary. You ensure that the campers in your team remain safe while at the facility. This is often a seasonal summer job.

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

To thrive as a Day Camp Counselor, you need experience working with children, basic first aid knowledge, and often a high school diploma or higher. Familiarity with camp management software, activity planning tools, and CPR certification are commonly required. Strong leadership, patience, creativity, and excellent communication skills help counselors create a positive and engaging environment for campers. These skills ensure campers' safety, foster personal growth, and contribute to a memorable camp experience.

What are some common challenges faced by Day Camp Counselors, and how can they be effectively managed?

Day Camp Counselors often face the challenge of managing groups of children with varying personalities and energy levels, especially during outdoor activities or transitions between activities. Effective communication, patience, and proactive planning help counselors maintain a positive environment and ensure all campers are engaged and safe. Building strong rapport with campers early on and working closely with co-counselors can also make it easier to address behavioral issues or conflicts as they arise. Regular team meetings and feedback sessions further support counselors in sharing strategies and staying organized throughout the camp season.

What are day camp counselors?

Day camp counselors are individuals responsible for supervising, guiding, and engaging children or youth in a variety of activities at day camps. They ensure campers' safety, lead games, crafts, and educational projects, and help foster a fun, inclusive environment. Day camp counselors also act as role models and mediators, handling conflicts and supporting campers' social and emotional development. Their role is seasonal and typically runs during school breaks or summer months.

What is the difference between Day Camp Counselor vs Summer Camp Counselor?

AspectDay Camp CounselorSummer Camp Counselor
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Child Care CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Child Care Certifications
Work EnvironmentDaytime, local camp settings, close to homeExtended hours, outdoor settings, often overnight options
Employer & IndustryCommunity centers, schools, local organizationsSummer camps, recreational organizations, youth programs

Both roles involve supervising children, organizing activities, and ensuring safety. The main difference is that Day Camp Counselors work during the day at local camps, while Summer Camp Counselors often work longer hours, including overnight stays, at seasonal summer camps. Your choice depends on your preferred work environment and schedule.

What are the most commonly searched types of Camp Counselor jobs in Bellingham, WA? The most popular types of Camp Counselor jobs in Bellingham, WA are:
What job categories do people searching Day Camp Counselor jobs in Bellingham, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Day Camp Counselor jobs in Bellingham, WA are:
What cities near Bellingham, WA are hiring for Day Camp Counselor jobs? Cities near Bellingham, WA with the most Day Camp Counselor job openings:
Infographic showing various Day Camp Counselor job openings in Bellingham, WA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 24% As Needed, 50% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $31,966 per year, or $15.4 per hour.
Summer Camp Day Camp Counselor

Summer Camp Day Camp Counselor

YMCA of Greater Seattle

Eastsound, WA

$90/day

Part-time, Temporary

Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


YMCA Of Greater Seattle rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

533rd of 663 rated non-profit organizations


Job description

Overview

We have a strong commitment to equity

The Y actively promotes a culture free from bias and injustice. We are dedicated to removing institutional and systemic barriers that result in oppression and racism. We will be accountable to marginalized communities for creating equitable and sustainable environments where social justice is woven into every facet of our programs, and by caring for our communities in a culturally versatile and respectful manner.

Tell me about this job!

Day Camp 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 healthy and safe behaviors and create a positive camper experience. Recreational activities with campers, include but are not limited to, arts and crafts, sports, social recreation, songs, nature hikes, archery, and other games and enrichment activities.

To learn more about working with Camp & Outdoor Leadership at the Y, please visit us online at www.campingandoutdoorleadership.org

What you'll get from working at The Y

  • Membership to the YMCA of Greater Seattle for you and your household
  • Retirement with generous employer contributions
  • Free access to mental health resources
  • Rapidly-accruing paid time off (PTO) available immediately upon hire
  • Discounts on qualifying YMCA of Greater Seattle childcare and day camp programs

Hiring Range: $75/day, Staff returning to the same or equivalent job for the second season: $80/day, Staff returning to the same or equivalent job for third season: $85/day, staff returning to the same or equivalent job for 4 or more seasons: $90/day.

Responsibilities

What you'll be doing

  • Supervises a group of campers. Ensures that all campers are accounted for and safe at all times.
  • Facilitates program activities that are developmentally appropriate and which promote camper skill and character development.
  • Leads and assists with facilitation of all-camp special events.
  • Provides leadership and supervision to any developing teen leaders placed with the group.
  • Maintains safety and cleanliness standards. Takes special note of individual camper health needs or concerns on a daily basis. Shares cleaning duties with fellow staff.
  • Communicates personal or camper needs to supervisor in a timely manner.
  • Maintains equipment in sound and safe order.
  • Attends staff meetings and trainings.
  • Follows YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention and emergencies.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This job operates at a seasonal residential camp, both inside and outdoors.

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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. This position requires the ability to occasionally lift store or janitorial products and supplies, up to 50 pounds. POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

This is a part-time, shift position. Shifts vary depending on group needs. Working nights and weekend shifts may be required.

TRAVEL

All travel required for work will be done by YMCA Authorized Drivers.

Code of Conduct for Applicants (https://seattleymca.icims.com/icims2/servlet/icims2?module=AppInert&action=download&id=191063&hashed=999166779)

All employees and volunteers are responsible for adhering to abuse prevention policies, maintaining appropriate boundaries, completing required training, reporting suspicious or inappropriate behavior, and complying with mandated reporting requirements.

Responsible for ensuring staff are properly screened, trained, supervised and held accountable to the organization's abuse risk management standards.

Qualifications

What we're looking for in an applicant

  • 18 years old or older 2. 1-2 years of experience with children; camps, childcare, tutoring, nannying, coaching 3. Previous camp experience preferred 4. 1+ years of experience leading others as a supervisor or lead 5. Demonstrated experience planning and implementing group activities 6. Ability to participate in activities that involve rigorous physical activity in an outdoor setting including, but not limited to hiking, boating, camping, and swimming.

Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.

Preferred Education/Experience

• Current state approved first aid certification* • Current state approved CPR certification* • Bachelor's degree preferred • Current Wilderness First Responder strongly preferred. Documented knowledge of challenge courses and current safety standards and practices • Prefer knowledge of and previous experience with, diverse populations (language, culture, race, physical ability, sexual orientation, etc.). Ability to speak any language in addition to English may be helpful. • Experience with anti-racism practices and coalition building.

Our Mission

Building a community where all people, especially the young, are encouraged to develop their fullest potential in spirit, mind, and body.

YMCA of Greater Seattle's Core Values

  • Respect
  • Responsibility
  • Honesty
  • Caring
  • Passion for Excellence

YGS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and equitable work environment. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran , or any other status protected by local, state , or federal law.

All job offers are contingent on the results of a background check. We participate in the Federal E-Verify system.