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Day Camp Counselor Jobs in San Diego, CA (NOW HIRING)

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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 San Diego, CA is $15.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.27 and $17.60 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.

More about Day Camp Counselor jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Camp Counselor jobs in San Diego, CA? The most popular types of Camp Counselor jobs in San Diego, CA are:
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What cities near San Diego, CA are hiring for Day Camp Counselor jobs? Cities near San Diego, CA with the most Day Camp Counselor job openings:
Day Camp Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Day Camp Counselor job openings in San Diego, CA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 24% As Needed, 56% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $32,652 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

Summer Day Camp Director-13-030- SC/ East County Red Shield

The Salvation Army Southern CA Division

El Cajon, CA

$19 - $26/hr

Temporary

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

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 God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Position Summary

The Summer Day Camp Director is responsible to the El Cajon Corps Youth Programs to assist the Corps Officers in maintaining a safe, educational, and fun Christian environment for participating children in support of the values of Jesus Christ and The Salvation Army. Additionally, the Director will assist in organizing Day Camp Counselors, overseeing check in/check out procedures are maintained. Assist with preparing and planning activities. Implementing and monitoring child safety plans, and working to ensure the safety and well being of campers, staff and volunteers.

Essential Functions

  • Ensure the health and safety of students while maintaining a clean and safe work area.
  • Communicating with students, parents, and co-workers.
  • Assist in creating and developing games, recreational activities and academic activities for children from Kindergarten through the 5th grade.
  • Supervise students and volunteers in accordance with The Salvation Army policies and procedures.
  • Help monitor and transport children between different facilities and field trips.
  • Monitor students as they complete tasks and activities observing strengths and room for improvement.
  • Maintaining audio/video equipment, books, toys, and furnishings.
  • Use equipment and systems such as a projector, DVD player, speakers, television, game consoles, and computers.
  • Be proficient in Microsoft Word, MS Powerpoint, and MS Excel.
  • Serve snacks and clean up after snack time.
  • Show up on time and be flexible with hours should additional help be needed.
  • Correct or reprimand students as soon as possible (in accordance with Day Camp guidelines) for actions that put health and safety of other students at risk and/or distract others from completing activities or following directions.
  • Be responsible for the welfare of each individual in the program and do all possible to solve problems.
  • Maintain good morale around the children and parents at all times.
  • Inform Corps Officers of any student, co-worker or volunteer problems and document any inappropriate behavior and confidential notices of concern.
  • Attend trainings as required including but not limited to Protect the Mission – child safety training, CPR certification and The Salvation Army fleet safety training.
  • Be willing to attend all orientation meetings/classes.
  • Make every effort to get along with co-workers not causing friction or rifts in staff.
  • Be willing to help in set up at the start of the week, and clean up/takedown at end of every week and at the conclusion of the summer.
  • Maintain professional appearance and wear Day Camp Staff Uniform at all times when working.
  • Be willing and prepared to lead morning and afternoon staff meetings.
  • Assist in preparing and leading staff orientation
  • Follow and enforce all staff policies and procedures.
  • Take a leadership role in the implementation of Summer Day Camp activities.
  • Work with other leaders following camp to debrief and strategize for the following summer.
  • Other duties as assigned by the Corps Officers.

Working Conditions

Ability to walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, run, jump, and twist on an intermittent and sometimes continuous basis. Maintain the ability to grasp, push, pull objects such as files, file cabinet drawers, reach overhead, and carry program supplies. Maintain the ability to operate a computer, telephone, and similar technologies. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Minimum 1 year experience working with children.
  • Ability to complete Protect the Mission – child safety training.
  • Have the ability to work well independently and in a detailed, professional and courteous manner.
  • Have the ability to work on a dynamic high performing small team.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

  • Be a fast learner and able to keep pace with multiple priorities.
  • Be a leader capable of showing a good example to other staff and enforcing policies with grace.
  • Completion of Protecting the Mission –Child Safety Training after working with children.
  • Be flexible and open to new ideas, concepts, and ways of doing things.