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

Monday - Friday 7:30 am - 6:00 pm, hours will vary Pay Rate: $17.00 per hour Responsible for safety and well-being of children, ages 5 and up, in a structured seasonal day camp program. Supervises ...

Camp Program Lead OPS

Bradenton, FL · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Contributes to the development of positive interaction with participants in day camp programs ... Counselors. Maintains and inventories all equipment needed for assigned program area. Ensures ...

Camp Program Lead OPS

Bradenton, FL · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Contributes to the development of positive interaction with participants in day camp programs ... Counselors. Maintains and inventories all equipment needed for assigned program area. Ensures ...

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Day Camp Counselor information

See Sarasota, 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 Sarasota, FL is $13.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.59 and $15.38 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 Sarasota, FL? The most popular types of Camp Counselor jobs in Sarasota, FL are:
What are popular job titles related to Day Camp Counselor jobs in Sarasota, FL? For Day Camp Counselor jobs in Sarasota, FL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Day Camp Counselor jobs in Sarasota, FL look for? The top searched job categories for Day Camp Counselor jobs in Sarasota, FL are:
What cities near Sarasota, FL are hiring for Day Camp Counselor jobs? Cities near Sarasota, FL with the most Day Camp Counselor job openings:
Infographic showing various Day Camp Counselor job openings in Sarasota, FL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 24% As Needed, 51% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $28,556 per year, or $13.7 per hour.
Camp Counselor OPS

$17/hr

Other

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

General Information Per 435.12, Florida Statues, the Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse is available through this website FL Clearinghouse | Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. Work Locations: GT Bray, 5502 33rd Avenue Drive West, Bradenton, Florida 34209 John Marble, 3675 53rd Avenue East, Bradenton, Florida 34203 Work Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30 am - 6:00 pm, hours will vary Pay Rate: $17.00 per hour Responsible for safety and well-being of children, ages 5 and up, in a structured seasonal day camp program. Supervises and instructs children in a variety of recreational activities including sports and games, arts and crafts, swimming and field trips

Follows activity plans provided by Camp Coordinator, Camp Site Supervisor or Program Lead. Attends assigned field trips. Always interacts positively with participants in the program.

Work Schedule: Mid-May through August, 40 hours per week. Camp hours are Monday through Friday 7:30 am to 6:00 pm. Work hours will vary within that time frame.

Working Conditions: Indoor/Outdoor situations, high noise environment while performing certain responsibilities. Requires significant outdoor work and physical stamina. Work requires extended periods of time standing and frequent bending, stooping, climbing, crawling, fine manipulations, grasping, kneeling, pulling, pushing, reaching, and repetitive lifting/carrying of objects up to 50 lbs.

alone and up to 100 lbs. with assistance. Job Description Essential Duties These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed.

The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position. Actively participates in hands on in activities with campers in all program areas. Attends and participates in field trips, activities, and special events related to camps.

Instructs activities not led by a Program Lead. Addresses behavior issues and disruptions during activities led by a Program Lead. Responsible for setup and cleanup of play areas and facilities.

Maintains accurate program records including incident and behavior reports and daily attendance. Works cohesively as a team member with other group leaders and staff. Serves as an effective group leader and presents as a positive role model to participants.

Responds quickly, calmly, and appropriately in emergency situations. Performs other duties as requested (including weather and other extreme conditions). Minimum Qualifications Completion of 11th grade and at least 17 years of age at the time of Summer Camp start date.

Community CPR and First Aid certifications required or must be obtained within 30 days of hire. More Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Able to prioritize tasks, deal effectively with competing and changing priorities, and meet deadlines. Accurate, detail oriented, and organized.

Able to resolve routine situations and problems. General knowledge of a variety of recreation activities suitable for children, youth, and clientele having special needs. General knowledge of facilities and equipment needed in a comprehensive recreation program.

General knowledge of rules and regulations governing the play of a variety of recreation games. Good knowledge of hazards and safety precautions necessary for protection of the public and employees in recreation activities. Able to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations.

Able to lead, instruct, and supervise children participating in recreational activities and programs. Good verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal skills to interact professionally and effectively with camp staff, children, parents, and other stakeholders, sometimes under stressful and emergency conditions. Able to explain facts, policies, and practices.

Work is closely supervised. Veterans Preference In accordance with Florida Statute 295.07, F.S., Chapter 55A-7, priority consideration in employment will be given to eligible veterans and spouses of disabled veterans. Applicants claiming preference must provide a DD Form 214 or other acceptable documentation with their application

We are committed to honoring the service and sacrifices of our veterans and their families. EEO/ADA Statement Manatee County Government is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require any accommodations to participate in the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at 941-748-4501 x 3865.

Drug-Free Workplace Manatee County Government is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida Law. Emergency Response/Recovery Activities All employees may be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location, and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.