ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Sleep Away Camp Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSleep Away Camp Jobs

Sleep Away Camp information

See salary details

$8

$30

$59

How much do sleep away camp jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for sleep away camp in the United States is $30.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.08 and $35.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a sleep away camp?

Sleep away camps, also known as overnight camps, are residential programs where children and teenagers stay away from home for several days or weeks. At these camps, participants engage in various activities such as sports, arts and crafts, swimming, and team-building exercises under adult supervision. Sleep away camps aim to foster personal growth, independence, and social skills in a supportive environment. Campers sleep in cabins or tents and experience a community living atmosphere, often forming lasting friendships and memories.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a sleep away camp counselor?

To thrive as a Sleepaway Camp Counselor, you need skills in youth supervision, activity planning, and basic first aid, often supported by prior camp experience or certifications like CPR. Familiarity with safety protocols, camp management software, and outdoor equipment is typically required. Leadership, patience, and strong interpersonal communication help counselors build trust and foster positive group dynamics. These skills ensure a safe, engaging, and supportive environment that promotes campers' well-being and memorable experiences.

What are some common challenges counselors face working at a sleep away camp, and how can they best prepare for them?

Counselors at sleep away camps often face challenges such as managing homesickness among campers, balancing multiple responsibilities, and adapting to a fast-paced, communal environment. Being prepared to handle emotional situations, communicate effectively with both campers and colleagues, and maintain a positive, energetic attitude are key to success. Training sessions provided before camp begins are invaluable for building skills in conflict resolution and group management, and seeking advice from experienced staff can help new counselors adjust quickly.

What is the difference between Sleep Away Camp vs Camp Counselor?

AspectSleep Away CampCamp Counselor
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require CPR/First Aid certificationHigh school diploma; CPR/First Aid often preferred
Work EnvironmentResidential setting, often remote or outdoor locationsOn-site at camp, outdoor and activity-based
Employer & Industry UsageSummer camps, youth recreation organizationsSummer camps, youth programs, recreational organizations
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles at sleep away campsComparing responsibilities and requirements of camp staff

Sleep Away Camp refers to the overall setting and experience of a residential summer camp, while a Camp Counselor is a specific role within that environment responsible for supervising and engaging campers. Both roles often require similar certifications and work in outdoor, youth-focused settings. The main difference is that Sleep Away Camp describes the environment, whereas Camp Counselor describes the job position.

More about Sleep Away Camp jobs

What states have the most Sleep Away Camp jobs?

States with the most job openings for Sleep Away Camp jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Sleep Away Camp jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Sleep Away Camp jobs are:

Sleep Away Camp jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sleep Away Camp job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,185 per year, or $30.9 per hour.

Summer Camp Counselor - CPW

Girl Scout Council of the Nation's Capital

Leesburg, VA • On-site

$425/wk

Full-time, Temporary

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Camp Staff or Superhero? 

Take a moment to imagine making a difference in the life of a child. Empower youth to make decisions, become independent, and be proud of who they are. That's what we do each summer at sleep-away camp! If you're passionate about youth development, enjoy the outdoors, and want to encourage youth to discover the best versions of themselves, then Girl Scouts Nation's Capital sleep-away camps may be for you! 

Multiple Opportunities! 

  • Unit Counselors - June 3 - August 10 (flexible scheduling available). With other counselors, responsible for the direct daily supervision and care of a group of up to 20 girls, and works with other counselors to plan and implement activities.Salary starts at $370 a week.
  • Lifeguards -May 27 - August 10. Assists with the implementation of the aquatic program at the pool as a lifeguard. Assists with unit programming in the evening when the pool is closed. Current lifeguard and CPR certifications or willing and able to obtain certifications during pre-camp training. Salaries start at $425 a week. 
  • Additional Positions (administration, health, activity/program, kitchen) Available - https://sites.google.com/view/cpwstaff for more information! Limited number of hourly commuter positions are available.

Starting weekly salaries for each position are listed above. Returning staff members from previous summers may be eligible for a pay differential of 6% to 8% above the listed starting salary, depending on the number of prior years they have worked with Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital sleep-away camps. Final pay rates are determined based on prior experience, role placement, and years of service with the organization.

Flexible Scheduling Available

Start dates vary by positions between May 20 - June 3. Need to start later? We can work with you to get you caught up on pre-camp training. The summer season wraps up on August 10, but do you need to leave earlier? We can work with you!

Is this you? 

  • Passionate about youth leadership 
  • Excellent with children, ages 5-17, and equally skilled at working with adults of all ages 
  • Sensitive to people from all cultures and abilities 
  • Flexible & Creative: able to change direction on a moment’s notice and carry on
  • Energetic: able to sing songs, lead games, and show positivity all of the time (even when they don’t feel like it!)
  • Considerate: honest and kind, keeping the children’s best interest in mind
  • Love being outdoors and willing to work outdoors in the heat, humidity, and rain 
  • Prepared to live on-site during employment in rustic cabin accommodations (no electricity, internet, or flushing toilets) or prepared to commute to camp just north of Leesburg, VA each day 
  • Not bothered by dirt, bugs, wildlife (snakes, mice, deer, etc.), or sunscreen
  • Willing to work long hours (up to 13 hours per day) for up to 6 days in a row

Some of the Perks 

  • Room, board, and laundry facilities provided 
  • Most Saturdays off 
  • Paid pre-camp training and professional development 
  • Free certification in CPR/First Aid and other activities dependent on position (lifeguarding, archery, etc.) 
  • Networking opportunities and a chance to work with staff from across the globe
  • Internship opportunities (we'll work with you to fulfill requirements.) 
  • Skill development in leadership, communication, problem-solving, behavior management, creativity, and more 
  • An active summer outdoors in the woods without screens! 
  • Memories and friendships to last a lifetime 
  • The opportunity to create a positive impact on the youth of today 

For more information and other sleep-away camp employment opportunities, go to https://www.gscnc.org/en/discover/our-council/careers/work-at-camp.html. For more Potomac Woods information go to https://sites.google.com/view/cpwstaff

Have questions before applying? Contact camp director Rebecca “Bandi O’s” Montague at rmontague@gscnc.org or text 202-274-3329. 

About Camp Potomac Woods 

Camp Potomac Woods, located on the Potomac River in Loudoun County, Virginia, provides the perfect getaway for Girl Scouts in grades K-11. Located 50 miles northwest or 1 hour outside of Washington, DC, Potomac Woods is within driving distance of several major cities, including Richmond, Baltimore, and Philadelphia. Potomac Woods is owned and operated by Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital, the largest Girl Scout council in the United States of America.

Potomac Woods offers a variety of specialty theme overnight programs that range from two nights to five nights in a fun, safe, rustic, and traditional camp setting. The property spans 101 acres of hilly woodland with lots of trees. Full of creativity and imagination, all programs provide campers the opportunity to explore the outdoors while having the time of their lives!

Campers enjoy swimming at the pool, getting creative at arts & crafts, trying outdoor cooking, learning about STEM, and taking aim at target sports like archery, slingshots, knife and tomahawk (axe) throwing! Campers participate in many wonderful Camp Potomac Woods traditions, including campfires, singing, and hikes to explore the Pooh Tree or RiverWalk.

Apply