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Day Camp Counselor Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

Day Camp Counselor

Decatur, IL · On-site

$15.53 - $19.18/hr

Day Camp Counselor Pay Grade: 201 Salary Range: $15.53 - $19.18 Job Summary: To lead and facilitate summer day camp activities. This will include engaging with the children in the program, planning ...

Scovill Activity Center Camp I Can Counselor Seasonal, Part Time, $15/hour Camp I Can Counselor Age ... On pool days be sure to wear swim suits and be in the water with the children * Take daily ...

Stay-at-home parentsseeking daytime work * Health care workerslooking for a change ... Teacher aides, daycare workers, camp counselors * Classroom assistants, school paraprofessionals

Stay-at-home parents seeking daytime work * Health care workers looking for a change * Veterans ... Teacher aides, daycare workers, camp counselors * Classroom assistants, school paraprofessionals

Day Camp Counselor information

See Decatur, IL salary details

$7

$14

$21

How much do day camp counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for day camp counselor in Decatur, IL is $14.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.12 and $16.11 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 popular job titles related to Day Camp Counselor jobs in Decatur, IL? For Day Camp Counselor jobs in Decatur, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Day Camp Counselor jobs in Decatur, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Day Camp Counselor jobs in Decatur, IL are:
What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Day Camp Counselor jobs? Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Day Camp Counselor job openings:
Day Camp Counselor

Day Camp Counselor

The Salvation Army

Decatur, IL • On-site

$15.53 - $19.18/hr

Full-time

Posted yesterday


Salvation Army rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 341 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

464th of 667 rated non-profit organizations


Job description

The Salvation Army

Position Description

Decatur, IL

Position Title: Day Camp Counselor

Pay Grade: 201

Salary Range: $15.53 - $19.18

Job Summary: To lead and facilitate summer day camp activities. This will include engaging with the children in the program, planning activities, helping with snacks and overall being a positive roll model to the participants at all times.

Reports To: Community Center and Athletic Ministries Director

Qualifications:

Candidates must have a passion for fulfilling the mission of The Salvation Army and must be articulate in presenting the same to others.

Candidates must successfully pass the pre-employment background inquiry and annual motor vehicle check with a valid driver's license and be 18+ years of age.

Education:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent experience considered.

Skills:

  • Team player, self-starter, and perform well with minimal supervision.
  • Must have an interest and ability to work with people of diverse racial, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds in a sensitive and culturally appropriate manner.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience or capacity to demonstrate positive interpersonal skills and work as a cooperative team member.
  • Proficiency in computer software applications, including demonstrated experience in using email, MS Office applications, Internet, and Social Media platforms.
  • Must be able to workdays, evenings, weekends, and holidays as necessary. Especially in emergent situations.

The Salvation Army Mission Statement

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of Christ. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Essential Responsibilities:

  • Assist with day camp programming and recommend engaging new experiences.
  • Supervise children during day camp activities and events.
  • Chaperone field trips to ensure the safety of all while away from the Corps.
  • Plan activities under the direction of the Day Camp Director, provide suggestions as appropriate.
  • Participate in activities with children inside and outside, engaging the youth.
  • Distribute meals and snacks in accordance with local Health Department standards.
  • Maintain accurate and timely records for statistics and licensing procedures.
  • Maintain positive work atmosphere through appropriate conflict management, courteous demeanor, and professional and appropriate communication practices.
  • Maintain compliance in The Salvation Army's "Safe from Harm" Certification.
  • Perform other duties as assigned as related to the administrative support.

Position Ranking:

  • Seasonal Full Time, Non-Exempt

Physical Demands/ Work Environment:

This Position is required to do basic business and office work. In order to successfully perform the essential functions of this position, the individual is regularly required to talk and listen, stand, walk, sit, and use hands. Individual must be able to regularly lift up to 30 pounds and occassionally lift up to fifty pounds. The use of Office and Computer Equipment is necessary. Vision abilities will require close vision. Work may be performed indoors and occasionally require outdoors to attend meetings. There is low to moderate noise level for this position.


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About Salvation Army

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Industry

Non-profits, retail, amusement, gambling, and recreation and religious organizations

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Alexandria, VA, US