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Day Camp Counselor Jobs in Gainesville, FL (NOW HIRING)

FT Hours would be 8:30-4:15 three times weekly, 7:30-4:15 one day weekly, and 8:30-6:00 one day ... Day Camp Afternoon Counselors in several specialty areas listed below. Counselor will be ...

Be prepared with rainy day activities as needed. * Inspects fire extinguisher and report to Head ... Both counselors must accompany campers back to cabin and prepare for bedtime. * No camper or ...

Be prepared with rainy day activities as needed. * Inspects fire extinguisher and report to Head ... Both counselors must accompany campers back to cabin and prepare for bedtime. * No camper or ...

Be prepared with rainy day activities as needed. * Inspects fire extinguisher and report to Head ... Both counselors must accompany campers back to cabin and prepare for bedtime. * No camper or ...

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Day Camp Counselor information

See Gainesville, FL salary details

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How much do day camp counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for day camp counselor in Gainesville, FL is $13.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.35 and $15.05 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 Gainesville, FL? The most popular types of Camp Counselor jobs in Gainesville, FL are:
What job categories do people searching Day Camp Counselor jobs in Gainesville, FL look for? The top searched job categories for Day Camp Counselor jobs in Gainesville, FL are:
What cities near Gainesville, FL are hiring for Day Camp Counselor jobs? Cities near Gainesville, FL with the most Day Camp Counselor job openings:
Infographic showing various Day Camp Counselor job openings in Gainesville, FL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 24% As Needed, 51% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $27,864 per year, or $13.4 per hour.

Day Camp Counselor - YMCA Camp Immokalee

YMCA OF FLORIDA'S FIRST COAST

Keystone Heights, FL โ€ข On-site

$16/hr

Temporary

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Description
We could use someone like you!
Can you imagine going to work knowing that what you do each day positively affects the lives of the people in your community?
Position Summary:
Make an impact with youth at YMCA Camp Immokalee. As a day camp counselor, you will be responsible for the direct supervision of a group of children during camp drop-off, meals, rest period, and pick-up, as well as during various activity blocks. Candidates must enjoy working with children ages 7-13 and be willing to provide a quality experience to children focused on YMCA core values: honesty, respect, responsibility, and caring. Our day camp counselors are expected to lead developmentally appropriate activities to foster individual growth and development of children.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  1. Supervises a group of children and actively participates with all children in providing a program that meets the emotional, physical, intellectual needs of both the individual child and the group.
  2. Models appropriate interactions with the children individually and in groups and encourages their involvement in activities.
  3. Plans and implements program activities that are culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate and consistent with YMCA values.
  4. Models appropriate positive guidance techniques that include: redirection, positive reinforcement of children's efforts, and anticipation of elimination of potential problems.
  5. Adheres to program standards including safety and cleanliness standards.
  6. Attends staff meetings and trainings.
  7. Follows YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention and emergencies.
  8. Maintains positive relations with parents and other staff. Models relationship-building skills (including Listen First) in all interactions.
  9. Ensures all First Coast YMCA standards and best practices are implemented and followed.
  10. Applies YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to best practices, emergency procedures, medical and disciplinary situations and child abuse prevention.
  11. Ensures the health and safety of all members/guests.
  12. Inspect physical space to ensure the safety, orderliness, sanitation and cleanliness of facilities.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):
Inclusion: Creates a safe environment that allows all children and youth to feel welcomed and respected.
Relationships: Interacts with children and youth in a positive, warm and nurturing manner.
Communication: Uses effective listening and verbal skills including the use of positives body language and tone of voice. Promotes and supports the potential of all youth.
Developing Others: encourages children and youth to try new skills and provide support and guidance through the learning process. Acknowledges children and youth through specific observations and appreciations of their efforts and accomplishments.
Quality Results: Selects and uses appropriate equipment, materials and resources to achieve program goals.
Project Management: Executes lesson plans based on Y-USA School Age Framework.
Functional Expertise: Uses best practices, guidelines and methods of youth development in daily work. Recognizes the social, emotional and cognitive and physical stages and milestones every child and youth experience during their journey from birth to careers.
QUALIFICATIONS:
  1. Must have previous child care experience that can be verified by reference check.
  2. Preferred experience working with children in a day camp setting or child care setting.
  3. Experience preferred in one or more of the following areas: outdoor living, archery, boating, camping, songs/music, skits, sports, aquatics, recreational games, etc.
  4. At least 16 years of age
  5. CPR, First Aid, AED certifications prior to the first day of the program.
  6. 40 Hours of Child Care Certification preferred.
  7. Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
  8. Swim skills preferred.
  9. Must pass a Level 2 Background Screening. Level 2 is a fingerprint check of state and federal criminal history information conducted through the Florida Department of law Enforcement (FDLE) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). https://info.flclearinghouse.com

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Ability to plan, lead and participate in a range of activities in a variety of outdoor/indoor settings.
The YMCA of Florida's First Coast is an Equal Opportunity Employer, DRUG FREE Workplace.