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Junior Camp Counselor Jobs in Rutherford, NJ (NOW HIRING)

ymcaoforanges

Counselor-Super Summer

Livingston, NJ · On-site

$15.25 - $20/hr

Supervise campers and Junior Camp Counselors focused on their camp responsibilities. * Assist all Specialists during activity periods, keeping all staff and campers engaged. * Learn Camper's names.

ymcaoforanges

Counselor-Super Summer

Livingston, NJ · On-site

$15.25 - $20/hr

Supervise campers and Junior Camp Counselors focused on their camp responsibilities. * Assist all Specialists during activity periods, keeping all staff and campers engaged. * Learn Camper's names.

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How much do junior camp counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for junior camp counselor in Rutherford, NJ is $15.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.26 and $17.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a junior camp counselor?

Junior Camp Counselors are typically young individuals, often teenagers or recent high school graduates, who assist senior camp counselors in supervising and guiding campers during camp activities. They help ensure the safety, well-being, and enjoyment of campers by participating in games, crafts, and other programs while also serving as role models. Junior Camp Counselors usually work under the direct supervision of more experienced staff, gaining valuable leadership and teamwork experience. Their responsibilities may include helping with daily routines, resolving minor conflicts, and supporting campers emotionally and socially.

What does a junior camp counselor do?

A junior camp counselor assists senior counselors and other camp staff members as they plan and oversee activities for campers. As a junior counselor, you typically work under a leader who is in charge of a group of campers and plans recreation activities for them. Junior camp counselors are usually teenagers. Your duties and responsibilities can vary depending on the needs of the senior camp counselor. You may be responsible for planning specific activities or monitoring a smaller group of campers within the larger group. This is usually a temporary position during the summer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a junior camp counselor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Junior Camp Counselor, you need a basic understanding of child supervision, group activity facilitation, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with safety protocols, first aid certification, and camp management tools is typically expected. Strong communication, patience, and teamwork skills help build positive relationships with campers and staff. These abilities ensure a safe, engaging, and supportive environment that fosters growth and enjoyment for all participants.

What are some common challenges faced by junior camp counselors, and how can they be managed effectively?

Junior Camp Counselors often encounter challenges such as managing group dynamics among campers, handling homesickness, and adapting to fast-paced daily schedules. Building strong communication skills, staying patient, and working closely with senior counselors are key strategies for overcoming these hurdles. Additionally, successful Junior Camp Counselors are proactive in seeking feedback and always ready to assist with activities, which helps them grow professionally and ensures a positive camp experience for everyone.

Can I be a junior camp counselor with no experience?

Junior camp counselor positions often do not require prior experience, as training and supervision are provided. Employers typically look for enthusiasm, responsibility, and good communication skills, making it possible for individuals with no previous experience to qualify. Certifications like CPR or first aid may be beneficial but are not always mandatory before starting.
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Junior Camp Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Junior Camp Counselor job openings in Rutherford, NJ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 53% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 8% Temporary, and 8% Summer. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $31,764 per year, or $15.3 per hour.

Camp Counselor Junior-Resident Camp

Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges

New Milford, NJ • On-site

$2.0K - $2.6K/wk

Part-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Part-time
Description
Camp Counselor - Michikamau
POSITION SUMMARY:
This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Provides direct supervision of a group of children in a seasonal residential camp. The Camp Counselor is responsible for a group of children and always supports the ongoing supervision of all campers throughout the camp residential. The Camp Counselor helps children adjust to camp according to camp rules and safety precautions, form cohesive groups and enjoy their activities. The Camp Counselor creates positive, nurturing relationships with children, while building cooperative relationships with parents/caregivers. He or she is responsible for the planning and delivery of the variety of activities on regular camp residential s and supports the efforts of the Director and camp activities. Promotes and supports the potential of all youth in programs and facilitates peer-to-peer connections as part of the overall camp experience.
YMCA of Greater Bergen County operates traditional day and resident camps in Harriman State Park, NY, along Lake Kanawauke, providing a beautiful natural setting. The camp is 45 minutes from Hackensack, where our YMCA is located; all counselors and campers are bused to camp from the YMCA. Camp activities include swimming, boating, fishing, arts & crafts, sports & games, archery, nature, hiking, rock climbing, and challenge/low ropes course.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Keeps campers focused and engaged in camp activities. Assist Specialist during activity periods.
  • Consistently greet campers with a smile and treat them with enthusiasm.
  • Develop positive relationships with member families and learn why they come to our Y.
  • Learn camper's names. Respond to campers needs.
  • Assist Senior Counselor, Specialists, and all camp staff in carrying out themes, special events, trips, and all camp activities.
  • Encourage camper's youth development progress.
  • Help group maintain camp cleanliness.
  • Work cooperatively with all camp staff while planning all camp activities.
  • Perform the above responsibilities in an enthusiastic and committed manner. Do more than the minimum for campers. Treat them as special. Treat campers and fellow staff members with respect.
  • Use redirection to appropriate activities when needed and use positive reinforcement to commend good choices.
  • Teach and instill the Four Core Values of the YMCA in all camp activities:Caring, Respect, Honesty, & Responsibility.
  • Act as requested by the supervisor.

Safety:
  • Must attend and complete all required trainings.
  • At all times uphold camp safety standards. Maintain constant face counts. Will understand and practice risk management and disaster policies and procedures.
  • Help maintain group control and facilitate lunch time activities.
  • Must follow all Association Aquatics Policy Guidelines. Take on designated assignments for aquatic activities. Help expedite arrival and departure from the pool (i.e. dressing rooms, etc.). Follow all YMCA, ACA, and NJ Licensing standards and procedures to ensure the safest and best quality camp and to help maintain ACA accreditation.
  • Secure and submit all accident reports, special plans, schedule changes, and evaluations to Camp Director when appropriate.
  • Report all immediate concerns to Camp Director or nearest supervisor.
  • Follow supervision of bus counselors and help to insure safety, expedient procedures and fun activities on the bus. Lead bus songs, stories and games.
  • Use two methods of discipline with campers to include: redirection to appropriate activities and using positive reinforcement to commend good choices.

OTHER DUTIES:
  • Always maintain a professional demeanor, as you are a representative of the YMCA.
  • Wear Camp T-shirt daily.
  • Maintain positive attitude, responsibility and self-motivation. Be punctual and reliable.
  • Create a positive and nurturing learning environment to instill youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS:
  • High school student or equivalent.
  • Previous experience working with children preferably in a residential camp setting, preferably as a CIT.
  • Interest preferred in one or more of the following areas: outdoor living, archery, boating, camping, songs/music, skits, sports, aquatics, recreational games, etc.
  • At least 18 years of age.
  • Previous experience with diverse populations preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Ability to plan, lead and participate in a range of activities in a variety of outdoor/indoor settings.
Salary Description
$2,000-$2,600

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