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Substitute Camp Counselor Jobs in Boulder, CO (NOW HIRING)

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How much do substitute camp counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for substitute camp counselor in Boulder, CO is $16.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.94 and $18.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Substitute Camp Counselor, you need basic child supervision skills, first aid/CPR certification, and experience working with youth, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with camp management systems and safety protocols is beneficial. Strong soft skills such as adaptability, effective communication, and patience help counselors quickly build rapport and manage changing situations. These skills are vital for ensuring camper safety, fostering a positive environment, and maintaining smooth camp operations despite staff changes.

What are some common challenges faced by Substitute Camp Counselors and how can they be addressed?

Substitute Camp Counselors often step into different groups and activities with little notice, which can make it challenging to quickly build rapport with campers and adapt to varying routines. To succeed, it's important to be flexible, proactive in learning group dynamics, and communicate clearly with both permanent staff and campers. Familiarizing yourself with camp policies and being ready to assist wherever needed can help ease transitions and ensure a smooth experience for everyone involved.

What are substitute camp counselors?

Substitute camp counselors are individuals who temporarily fill in for regular camp counselors when they are unavailable due to illness, vacation, or other reasons. They supervise campers, lead activities, ensure safety, and support the overall camp experience, just like regular counselors. Substitute camp counselors must be adaptable, quick learners, and able to build rapport with campers in a short amount of time. Typically, they are required to follow the camp's policies and procedures and work well with other staff members to maintain a positive and safe environment.

What is the difference between Substitute Camp Counselor vs Camp Counselor?

AspectSubstitute Camp CounselorCamp Counselor
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some camps may require CPR/First AidHigh school diploma or equivalent; CPR/First Aid certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentTemporary, fill-in role during staff absences at campsFull-time or seasonal role, responsible for daily supervision of campers
Employer & IndustrySummer camps, youth programs, recreational organizationsSummer camps, youth recreation, educational camps
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding role differences, job requirements, or applying as a fill-inSeeking full-time or seasonal camp staff positions

In summary, a Substitute Camp Counselor temporarily fills in for regular counselors and typically has similar certifications, working in a camp environment. A Camp Counselor usually holds a more permanent or seasonal position with ongoing responsibilities. Both roles are essential for camp operations and share similar credentials and work settings.

What job categories do people searching Substitute Camp Counselor jobs in Boulder, CO look for? The top searched job categories for Substitute Camp Counselor jobs in Boulder, CO are:
What cities near Boulder, CO are hiring for Substitute Camp Counselor jobs? Cities near Boulder, CO with the most Substitute Camp Counselor job openings:
Infographic showing various Substitute Camp Counselor job openings in Boulder, CO as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,267 per year, or $16.5 per hour.
Summer Camp Substitute Counselor - Boulder

Summer Camp Substitute Counselor - Boulder

Steve & Kate's Camp

Boulder, CO • On-site

$20 - $22.50/hr

Other

Posted 10 days ago


Steve & Kate’s Camp rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 54 rated activity centers and activity clubs


Job description

Job Details

Location: 4820 Nautilus Ct N, Boulder, CO 80301
 
Camp Dates: 5/26/2026 (Tue) - 7/31/2026 (Fri) -- (additionally, one weekend to set up, one weekend to breakdown, and an orientation date)
 
Camp Hours: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm (actual shifts will vary)
 
Hourly Wage: The hourly rate for this position is $20.00 - $22.50 per hour. The pay range listed here is what Steve & Kate's Camp in good faith anticipates offering for this job opening.  Actual compensation offers within this range will depend on experience and other relevant business or organizational factors.

At Steve & Kate's, we put radical trust in kids so that they learn to trust themselves. Campers choose minute-to-minute how to spend their time because making decisions today helps to build the self-confidence they’ll need to wrangle unknowns tomorrow. We value empowering our staff to be their whole authentic selves because everyone in our community needs to feel included!  Sound like something you can get behind? If so, we're looking for team members who are motivated babysitters, teachers, coaches, students, athletes, artists, and anyone ready to play hard and be goofy. As a Steve & Kate’s staff member, you’ll sharpen your inherent leadership skills, learn some new ones, and collaborate with interesting people, all while immersing yourself in creativity and play.

Job Responsibilities

Staff members will be responsible for facilitating activities, making connections, and monitoring safety and wellness.  Some staff members will create and/or oversee activity spaces in which campers will self-select activities, while other staff will work in rotating support roles throughout camp.  The best way to find out what your specific responsibilities would be is to speak with your local director, but activities include sewing, stop-motion animation, maker space, performing arts, arts and crafts, lounging, recreation, and so much more!

Additional Job Responsibilities

  • Actively supervising campers
  • Maintaining an organized and approachable activity space
  • Ensure compliance with Camp Policies
  • Reporting & Recording details of notable concerns or incidents, and of injuries to campers, other staff members, or self
  • Keeping track and being aware of camper allergies and dietary restrictions
  • adding daily updates and photos to campers’ profiles

How do you know if you’re the right candidate? 

  • Does the idea of guiding kids while they make decisions for themselves excite you?
  • Are you calm under pressure and able to calm those around you?
  • Are you comfortable leading groups of kids on your own while still collaborating with a team?
  • Do you have the stamina to keep up (literally) with 4-12 year old’s bursting with energy and creative potential? And, can you bench press a kindergartener (just kidding -- can you lift up to 40 pounds)?
  • Are you passionate about sharing your knowledge & learning something new (even if a third grade is doing the teaching)?

Job Requirements

  • At least 18 years of age 
  • Minimum of 2 months experience working with camp–age children, with 1 year preferred, in either a professional, personal or volunteer setting. 
  • First Aid & CPR certified prior to Day 1 of Camp (some locations may require additional certifications)
  • By applying and accepting an offer, you are giving Steve & Kate's permission to email or text you.
  • You may be asked to chaperone campers on an off-site Field Trip where locations demand.
Physical Requirements

This position requires the employee to comply with all applicable federal, state, local, Steve & Kate's Camp, Bright Horizons’, and client site requirements concerning immunizations, employment physical/screening, and health and safety training. If hired, you will work in person in a schooled-aged camp setting to provide supervision, care, program delivery, and services per Steve & Kate's Camp and Bright Horizons’ policies, procedures and guidance, in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations, and in a manner that will ensure the safety of children in Steve & Kate's Camp's care and the employee. 
Steve & Kate's Camp and Bright Horizons comply with all laws that require reasonable accommodations for qualifying disabilities and/or pregnancy-related limitations. The full set of physical requirements for this role are as follows:

  • Maintain and follow all safety and health rules of the location.
  • Organize and maintain clean and accessible activity spaces.
  • Assist in camp set-up and breakdown during move-in and out weekends.
  • Stand for long periods while supervising children and facilitating activities.
  • Participate in athletic games.
Benefits:
  • Where local regulations mandate, this position is eligible for sick time.
Deadline to Apply: This posting is anticipated to remain open until April 15, 2026. 

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