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

Reports To Camp Director / Program Director Position Summary The Summer Day Camp Counselor is responsible for providing a safe, engaging, and positive camp experience for children. Counselors lead ...

Reports To Camp Director / Program Director Position Summary The Summer Day Camp Counselor is responsible for providing a safe, engaging, and positive camp experience for children. Counselors lead ...

Day Camp Counselor information

See Pensacola, FL salary details

$7

$13

$20

How much do day camp counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of May 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for day camp counselor in Pensacola, FL is $13.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.83 and $15.67 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 Pensacola, FL? The most popular types of Camp Counselor jobs in Pensacola, FL are:
What are popular job titles related to Day Camp Counselor jobs in Pensacola, FL? For Day Camp Counselor jobs in Pensacola, FL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Day Camp Counselor jobs in Pensacola, FL look for? The top searched job categories for Day Camp Counselor jobs in Pensacola, FL are:
What cities near Pensacola, FL are hiring for Day Camp Counselor jobs? Cities near Pensacola, FL with the most Day Camp Counselor job openings:
Infographic showing various Day Camp Counselor job openings in Pensacola, FL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 24% As Needed, 55% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $29,074 per year, or $14 per hour.

Part-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Reports To
Camp Director / Program Director
Position Summary
The Summer Day Camp Counselor is responsible for providing a safe, engaging, and positive camp experience for children. Counselors lead activities, supervise campers, and serve as positive role models while supporting the YMCA's mission and values.
Key Responsibilities
  • Supervise and ensure the safety and well-being of campers at all times
  • Lead and participate in age-appropriate activities such as games, sports, arts and crafts, swimming, and group activities
  • Build positive relationships with campers, parents, and fellow staff
  • Maintain active supervision and follow all YMCA policies and safety procedures
  • Manage camper behavior using positive guidance and redirection techniques
  • Assist with daily camp schedules, set-up, and clean-up of activities
  • Communicate effectively with Camp Director regarding camper needs, concerns, and incidents
  • Serve as a positive role model by demonstrating YMCA values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility

Child Abuse Prevention Verbiage:
Employees and volunteers who directly supervise consumers will:
  1. Adhere to policies related to boundaries with consumers.
  2. Attend required abuse risk management training.
  3. Employees and volunteers who do not directly supervise consumers will:
  4. Adhere to policies related to boundaries with consumers.
  5. Attend required abuse risk management training.
  6. Report suspicious and inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.
  7. Follow mandated abuse reporting requirements.
  8. Adhere to job specific abuse risk management responsibilities.
    • Maintenance employees and volunteers-ensure unused rooms and closets remain locked; routinely monitor high-risk locations (locker-rooms and bathrooms), etc.
    • Front desk personnel-ensure consumers are properly signed in and signed out,ensures only authorized adults are allowed in the facility, etc.
  9. Adhere to procedures related to managing high-risk activities and supervising consumers.
  10. Report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.
  11. Follow mandated abuse reporting requirements.

Qualifications
  • Must be at least 16 years of age (age requirements may vary by program). Ages 18 and up preferred due to YMCA policy with a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Experience working with children preferred
  • Ability to lead groups and participate in active, outdoor programming
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to respond to emergencies calmly and follow safety procedures
Certifications & Training
  • CPR, First Aid, and AED certification (or willingness to obtain before camp begins)
  • Completion of child abuse prevention training, YMCA camp training and orientation
Physical Requirements
  • Ability to stand, walk, run, and participate in physical activities for extended periods
  • Ability to lift up to 25 pounds
  • Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions
Work Schedule
  • Seasonal, summer position
  • Monday-Friday, with varying hours based on program needs
YMCA Mission Statement
The YMCA of South Alabama is a nonprofit organization dedicated to putting Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.
The YMCA is an equal opportunity employer.