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Overnight Camp Jobs (NOW HIRING)

About Camp Tanager Established in 1926, Camp Tanager provides day and overnight camp programs to over 1,000 campers each summer. Campers from all backgrounds are welcome to attend our programs ...

About Camp Tanager Established in 1926, Camp Tanager provides day and overnight camp programs to over 1,000 campers each summer. Campers from all backgrounds are welcome to attend our programs ...

Assistant Camp Director

Barker, NY · On-site

$16.75 - $23/hr

Camp Description YMCA Buffalo Niagara operates two premier summer overnight camps in Western New York. YMCA Camp Kenan (CampKenan.com) overlooks beautiful Lake Ontario on 50 acres near Barker, NY.

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Overnight Camp information

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$559

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How much do overnight camp jobs pay per week?

As of May 28, 2026, the average weekly pay for overnight camp in the United States is $559.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $375.00 and $682.69 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 working with children, basic first aid/CPR certification, and a strong sense of responsibility. Familiarity with camp management software, safety protocols, and outdoor activity equipment is typically required. Leadership, patience, and excellent communication skills are essential for creating a positive and safe camp environment. These skills ensure campers' well-being, smooth camp operations, and memorable experiences for all participants.

What are some common challenges faced by staff working at an overnight camp, and how can they be managed?

Staff at overnight camps often encounter challenges such as homesickness among campers, adjusting to long working hours, and maintaining high energy throughout the camp session. Managing these challenges involves strong communication skills, teamwork, and adaptability. Staff are encouraged to build supportive relationships with both campers and colleagues, participate in regular team meetings, and utilize resources like senior staff or camp directors for guidance. Emphasizing self-care and time management can also help staff maintain their well-being and effectiveness throughout the camp season.

What are overnight camps?

Overnight camps are programs where children or teenagers stay away from home, typically in cabins or tents, for one or more nights. These camps offer a variety of activities such as sports, arts and crafts, nature exploration, and team-building exercises. The goal is to help campers develop independence, social skills, and new interests in a supervised, safe environment. Overnight camps are usually run during the summer and are staffed by trained counselors.

What is the difference between Overnight Camp vs Day Camp Counselor?

AspectOvernight CampDay Camp Counselor
Work EnvironmentResidential setting, staying overnight with campersDaytime only, working at a camp during the day
Required CredentialsCPR/First Aid, background check, possibly certifications in child careCPR/First Aid, background check, similar certifications
Work HoursExtended hours, often overnight shiftsRegular daytime hours, typically 9am-5pm
Employer & Industry UsageSummer camps, residential youth programsDay camps, community youth programs

Overnight Camp counselors stay overnight with campers in a residential setting, providing supervision and activities during extended hours. Day Camp counselors work only during daytime hours, focusing on activities and supervision during the day. Both roles require similar certifications and are common in summer youth programs, but the key difference lies in the work environment and hours.

More about Overnight Camp jobs
What cities are hiring for Overnight Camp jobs? Cities with the most Overnight Camp job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Camp jobs? The most popular types of Camp jobs are:
What states have the most Overnight Camp jobs? States with the most job openings for Overnight Camp jobs include:
Infographic showing various Overnight Camp job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 27% Full Time, 67% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 3% Summer. Highlights an 92% Physical, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,117 per year, or $14 per hour.
Overnight Camp Counselor J1 - Hi Rock

Overnight Camp Counselor J1 - Hi Rock

YMCA

Mount Washington, MA • On-site

Other

Posted 2 days ago


YMCA rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 1,974 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

476th of 663 rated non-profit organizations


Job description

The Overnight Camp Counselor aids in supervising and effectively leading a group of campers in a resident camp setting. The Overnight Camp Counselor maintains a supportive, positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals while promoting and maintaining safe conditions in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures. This results in a cause-centered culture that is welcoming, genuine, hopeful, nurturing, and determined. Overnight Camp Counselors may be asked to work in resident camp and/or day camp depending on camp needs.

Essential Functions:

  • Demonstrates values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility in relationships with colleagues, members, volunteers, vendors, and guests
  • Builds positive, nurturing relationships with children and cooperative relationships with parents/caregivers
  • Promotes and supports the potential of all youth and facilitates peer-to-peer connections
  • Responds to and provides opportunities to discuss individual or group problems or concerns
  • Assists campers in meeting personal and camp-established development goals
  • Follows procedures for supervising camper health and enforcing safety regulations
  • Supervises all aspects of campers' daily routines (waking up, kapers, meals, siesta, activities, bedtime, overnights, after-hours duty)
  • Plans and leads nightly Cabin Chat sessions
  • Instructs campers in emergency procedures (fire, severe weather, lost camper, tag calls)
  • Teaches and assists during Coaching Periods as assigned
  • Serves as a Lifeguard or Lookout at the waterfront as assigned
  • Participates in Weekend Program, Unit On Duty, and other assigned events
  • Actively participates in staff training, meetings, and supervisory conferences
  • Follows all camp procedures and guidelines related to health, safety, supervision, attendance, and reporting requirements
  • Communicates with staff, campers, and parents in a timely and professional manner to support a positive YMCA experience

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