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Overnight Camp Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As an Overnight Camp Counselor for Y camp, you will supervise and ensure the safety of a group of campers. You'll assist with the planning and implementation of activities that meet Y camp curriculum ...

As an Overnight Camp Counselor for Y camp, you will supervise and ensure the safety of a group of campers. You'll assist with the planning and implementation of activities that meet Y camp curriculum ...

Camp Counselor

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$15.15 - $16.50/hr

Camp Bow Wow is a Premier Doggy Day and Overnight Camp that provides a fun, safe and upscale ... We are looking for full and part-time Camp Counselors that have a genuine love of dogs, are ...

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Camp Counselor

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$15.35 - $16/hr

Camp Bow Wow is a Premier Doggy Day and Overnight Camp that provides a fun, safe and upscale ... We are looking for full and part-time Camp Counselors that have a genuine love of dogs, are ...

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Overnight Camp Counselor information

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How much do overnight camp counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for overnight camp counselor in the United States is $14.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.02 and $16.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an overnight camp counselor?

Overnight camp counselors are staff members responsible for supervising, guiding, and ensuring the safety of campers during overnight stays at camps. They lead activities, facilitate group interactions, handle emergencies, and provide emotional support to campers away from home. Counselors typically stay in cabins with campers, help maintain camp routines, and serve as role models, fostering a positive and inclusive camp environment.

What does an overnight camp counselor do?

Overnight camp counselors plan and lead activities for camp attendees. Unlike day camp counselors who oversee campers during regular business hours, overnight camp counselors work in programs where the students stay overnight for one a or series of nights. In this role, you develop engaging games and projects for campers to complete on each day, including wilderness safety, and schedule evening activities, such as making smores around a campfire or open-air dances. You must also enforce nighttime rules to ensure everyone is safe and in their cabins by the scheduled curfew. Overnight camp counselors may be assigned to a cabin with the students or sleep in separate facilities with other counselors.

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

To thrive as an Overnight Camp Counselor, you need experience in youth supervision, activity planning, and basic first aid, typically supported by a high school diploma and CPR/First Aid certification. Familiarity with camp management software, two-way radios, and safety protocols is often required. Strong leadership, conflict resolution, and attentive communication help build trust and ensure a positive environment for campers. These skills are vital for ensuring camper safety, fostering personal growth, and maintaining a fun and inclusive camp experience.

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

Overnight Camp Counselors often face challenges such as managing group dynamics among campers, ensuring everyone's safety during nighttime hours, and balancing their own rest with the demands of supervising children 24/7. To manage these, counselors can use strong communication skills, proactively address conflicts, and follow established camp protocols for safety and supervision. Building supportive relationships with co-counselors and participating in regular team check-ins also helps share responsibilities and maintain a positive camp environment.

What cities are hiring for Overnight Camp Counselor jobs?

Cities with the most Overnight Camp Counselor job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Camp Counselor jobs?

The most popular types of Camp Counselor jobs are:

What states have the most Overnight Camp Counselor jobs?

States with the most job openings for Overnight Camp Counselor jobs include:

Infographic showing various Overnight Camp Counselor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,158 per year, or $15 per hour.

Summer 2026 Overnight Camp Counselor

YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago

Burlington, WI • On-site

$600/wk

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

YMCA Camp MacLean is now hiring Overnight Camp Counselors for the 2026 Summer Camp Season!
The Overnight 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 Overnight Camp Counselor ensures that each youth has adequate supervision including ensuring that no youth is unsupervised at any time. Overnight Camp Counselors must be 18 years of age at the start of camp.
Pay starts at $600 bi-weekly, housing & meals provided
The Overnight Camp Junior Counselor is responsible to assist the Overnight Camp Counselor with supervising campers at all times, so that a camper is never unsupervised or unattended. Junior Counselors cannot supervise campers on their own without a lead counselor (18+ years old).
Pay starts at $520 bi-weekly, housing & meals provided
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.

Scope of Responsibilities
Camper Experience
  • Promotes the YMCA and provides outstanding customer service by creating an outstanding camper experience for children, parents and families.
  • Leads recreational activities with campers, including but not limited to, arts and crafts, sports, social recreation, songfests, nature hikes, archery, and other games and hobbies. Instructs campers using various teaching methods and modifies activities as needed to ensure that campers of all ages and experience levels are engaged.
  • Teaches socially acceptable behaviors to campers by serving as a role model and by using age-appropriate positive reinforcement and behavior management strategies.
  • Communicates consistently with supervisor, team leader, unit leader 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.

Camp Safety
  • 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.
  • Sets up facilities and/or equipment for activities and stores equipment appropriately after use. Immediately notifies Program Director of any broken or unsafe equipment or if more resources/equipment are needed.
  • Works to keep camp facilities clean at all times

Requirements and Qualifications:
  • Overnight Camp Counselor - Must be at least 18 years of age by the first day of camp
  • Overnight Camp Junior Counselor - Must be at least 16 years of age
  • Must have prior experience working with youth; previous experience in a camp setting strongly preferred
  • Relevant specialty experience for positions supporting specialty camps
  • Commitment to, and passion for, the YMCA of Metro Chicago's mission
  • 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. Ability to observe camper behavior and apply appropriate behavior management techniques.
  • 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
  • Demonstrates evidence of YMCA Y Team competencies in previous experience or practice
  • Meets physical qualifications required as outlined in job description. The YMCA will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities.

Child Abuse Prevention - Supports the commitment of the YMCA 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.

IND1
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.