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Residential Camp Counselor Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Residential Reports to: Camp Supervisor Job Type: Non-Exempt Arch Amenities Group Wellness-driven ... Work closely with fellow staff, counselors, and leadership to deliver consistent and cohesive ...

Residential Reports to: Camp Supervisor Job Type: Non-Exempt Arch Amenities Group Wellness-driven ... Work closely with fellow staff, counselors, and leadership to deliver consistent and cohesive ...

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Residential Camp Counselor information

See Florida salary details

$5

$11

$17

How much do residential camp counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for residential camp counselor in Florida is $11.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $8.99 and $12.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Residential Camp Counselor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Residential Camp Counselor, you typically need experience working with children or youth, basic first aid/CPR certification, and a high school diploma or higher. Familiarity with activity planning tools, safety protocols, and sometimes camp management software is helpful. Strong leadership, conflict resolution, and communication skills help counselors create a supportive and engaging camp environment. These skills are vital to ensure campers’ safety, foster positive relationships, and deliver a memorable and enriching camp experience.

What are some common challenges residential camp counselors face, and how can they be addressed?

Residential camp counselors often encounter challenges such as managing homesickness among campers, maintaining energy during long and active days, and balancing the needs of a diverse group of children. Addressing these challenges involves proactive communication, building trust and rapport with campers, and working closely with fellow staff members to share responsibilities and support one another. Most camps provide training sessions to equip counselors with strategies for conflict resolution, emotional support, and effective teamwork, helping ensure a positive experience for both campers and staff.

What are Residential Camp Counselors?

Residential Camp Counselors are staff members who live on-site at camps and are responsible for supervising, mentoring, and ensuring the safety and well-being of campers throughout their stay. They organize and lead activities, facilitate group dynamics, and serve as role models for campers. Their role also includes providing emotional support, handling conflicts, and maintaining a positive and inclusive camp environment.

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

AspectResidential Camp CounselorDay Camp Counselor
Work EnvironmentLives on-site at the camp, providing 24/7 supervisionWorks during the day, returns home in the evenings
Required CredentialsCPR/First Aid, background check, sometimes camp-specific certificationsCPR/First Aid, background check, often similar certifications
Job ResponsibilitiesSupervises campers, organizes activities, ensures safety, provides overnight careSupervises campers during daytime activities, ensures safety, leads activities
Work DurationTypically seasonal, with overnight commitmentsUsually daytime hours, seasonal or part-time

Residential Camp Counselors live on-site and provide round-the-clock supervision, including overnight care. Day Camp Counselors work during the day and return home afterward. Both roles require similar certifications and focus on camper supervision, but the key difference lies in the work environment and overnight responsibilities.

What job categories do people searching Residential Camp Counselor jobs in Florida look for? The top searched job categories for Residential Camp Counselor jobs in Florida are:
Infographic showing various Residential Camp Counselor job openings in Florida as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 37% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 25% Temporary, and 25% Summer. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $23,284 per year, or $11.2 per hour.

Residential Camp Counselor -YMCA Camp Immokalee

YMCA OF FLORIDA'S FIRST COAST

Keystone Heights, FL • On-site

$315/wk

Temporary

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Description
We could use someone like you!
Can you imagine going to work knowing that what you do each day positively affects the lives of the people in your community?
If you are a person who wants more than just a job, who wants your efforts to have an impact on your community and who wants to work in a welcoming and positive environment, then you are someone we'd like to work with us. Join us!
Position Summary: Implements developmentally appropriate activities, to foster individual growth and development of children in YMCA care during camp.
Essential Functions:
  1. Requires employee to live in a cabin setting with campers, generally Sunday afternoon through Saturday evening as well as being assigned to work, at minimum, one weekend camp per summer season.
  2. Actively participates with all children in providing a program that meets the emotional, physical, intellectual needs of both the individual child and the group.
  3. Models appropriate interactions with the children individually and in groups, and encourages their involvement in activities.
  4. Models appropriate positive guidance techniques that include: redirection, positive reinforcement of children's efforts, and anticipation of elimination of potential problems.
  5. Encourages identification and verbalization of feelings.
  6. Participates in the maintenance of the facility to ensure it is clean at all times. Including but not limited to: cleaning fingerprints, picking up trash, cleaning up spills, cleaning furniture, toys and supplies, sweeping up after meals, or art activities, cleaning tables, keeping bathrooms clean, stacking chairs, etc.
  7. Remains constantly aware of the growing needs of each child, offering new and enriching experiences as each child reaches each level of development.
  8. Participates in planning with other staff to include lessons/activities within the framework of the assigned curriculum.
  9. Applies YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to best practices, emergency procedures, medical and disciplinary situations and child abuse prevention.
  10. Ensures the health and safety of all members/guests.
  11. Inspect physical space to ensure the safety, orderliness, sanitation and cleanliness of facilities.

NOTE: This job description reflects management's assignment of essential functions. It does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.
YMCA Competencies (Leader):
Community: Ensures a high level of service with a commitment to improving lives.
Inclusion: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinion, and perceptions.
Relationships: Builds rapport and relates well to others.
Influence: Seeks first to understand the other person's point of view and remains calm in challenging situations.
Communication: Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively.
Self-Development: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance.
Emotional Maturity: Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths, and limitations and how they impact relationships.
Qualifications (Minimum qualifications and experience)
  1. Junior Counselors in a cabin must be at least 17 years of age and have completed the Counselor in Training Camp Program.
  2. Senior Counselors in a cabin must be at least 18 years old and have graduated High School.
  3. Child Abuse prevention training must be completed within 30 days of hire date.
  4. Must obtain CPR, First Aid, AED certifications prior to working with children in a camp setting. These courses will be offered as a part of onboarding during staff training.
  5. Previous experience working with children in a developmental setting preferred.
  6. Ability to plan, organize and implement age-appropriate/developmentally appropriate program activities.
  7. Previous experience with diverse populations. Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with people from different backgrounds.
  8. Some previous experience working with children is preferred.
  9. Swim skills are preferred.
  10. Willingness to be trained and certified in a specialized area of camp, which includes, but is not limited to: high ropes, lifeguarding, boating, target sports, pottery.
  11. Must pass Level 2 Background Screening. Level 2 is a fingerprint check of state and federal criminal history information conducted through the Florida Department of law Enforcement (FDLE) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). https://info.flclearinghouse.com

Physical Demands:
Ability to plan, lead and participate in activities.
Ability to live for up to a week at a time in a Camp Cabin in possibly harsh weather elements such as heat or rain.
Be in good physical health.
Be able to push, pull, or lift 30 pounds or greater.