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Day Camp Counselor Jobs in Park Ridge, IL (NOW HIRING)

Bensenville Park

Camp Counselor

Bensenville, IL · On-site

$15/hr

Counselors are expected to lead any of the camp activities named during a typical camp day. Depending on qualifications and experience counselors may be in one of these camps: Adventure Camp, Sports ...

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How much do day camp counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for day camp counselor in Park Ridge, IL is $14.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.31 and $16.30 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 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 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 is a day camp counselor?

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.

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Day Camp Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Day Camp Counselor job openings in Park Ridge, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,263 per year, or $14.5 per hour.

Summer Day Camp Counselor

YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

$17.90/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

South Side YMCA is hiring Summer Day Camp Counselors for Summer 2026!
At the Y, we create an exciting, safe camp environment for kids and staff to have an unforgettable summer. While campers are taking part in in unique experiences and adventures, our Summer Day Camp Counselors are developing leadership skills and confidence while making lasting friendships and memories.
Pay starts at $17.90 per hour, Monday-Friday schedule
The Summer 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. The Summer Camp Counselor ensures that each youth has adequate supervision including ensuring that no youth is unsupervised at any time.
Our staff is the Y's greatest asset. Our teams provide valuable skills, knowledge, and passion that is essential to the contribution and positive impact in our communities, which is why we offer Y employees numerous perks and benefits, including:
  • Competitive salaries reflecting your skills and experience.
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees, plus wellness programs, mental health resources, and a family gym membership.
  • Generous PTO and paid holidays, with flexible work hours for work-life balance.
  • 403(b) plan with company contributions for eligible employees after 2 years of service.
  • Continuous learning opportunities through workshops and training programs.
  • Supportive work environment valuing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  • Discounts on programs, employee assistance programs, and company-sponsored events.

As a Summer Day Camp Counselor, you are responsible to:
  • Promote the YMCA, provide excellent customer service and create an outstanding camper experience for children, parents and families.
  • Lead recreational activities with campers, including but not limited to arts and crafts, sports, social recreation, nature hikes, archery, and other games and hobbies
  • Instruct campers using various teaching methods and modifies activities as needed to ensure that campers of all ages and experience levels are engaged
  • Teach socially acceptable behaviors to campers by serving as a role model and by using age-appropriate positive reinforcement and behavior management strategies
  • Communicate consistently with supervisors, team leaders, unit leaders and other team members to ensure everyone is kept abreast of camp activities and schedule
  • Supports camp activities as assigned by supervisor, including any specialty camp activities
  • Ensures the physical and emotional health and safety of campers by being safety conscious, following all established YMCA standards and critically evaluating situations for potential risks
  • Ensures compliance with established rules and regulations to ensure safety
  • Monitors campers and counselors and provides corrective coaching and intervention as necessary
  • Set-up facilities and/or equipment for activities and stores equipment appropriately after use and work to keep camp facilities clean at all times

What do you need to be a Summer Day Camp Counselor?
  • A commitment to and a passion for working with diverse youth
  • Enjoy being outdoors, are creative and not afraid to work and play hard
  • Your experience in camping, childcare, education, recreation, sports or related is a plus but not required
  • You will be 18 years of age or older by the start of camp
  • Excellent verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly and concisely present ideas and concepts and tailor communication to multiple audiences
  • Passion for working with diverse youth and ability to provide a high-quality of instruction using age-appropriate practices
  • Proven ability to establish constructive relationships and interact as a positive role model
  • Continuous learner who leverages opportunities for learning and applies new knowledge and skills
  • Meets physical qualifications required as outlined in job description
  • The YMCA will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities

Child Abuse Prevention - Supports the YMCA's commitment to child abuse prevention by:
  • Reporting any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members or guests to your supervisor
  • Following all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children
  • Reporting any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor
  • Completing all child abuse prevention training as required

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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