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Summer Activity Leader Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

YMCA

Y Summer Camp Program Aide - Salem YMCA

Salem, VA

$13.50 - $17.75/hr

Attends training and staff meetings with summer camp leadership. * Able to attend and participate in scheduled field trips and off-site activities. * Follows YMCA policies and procedures, including ...

YMCA

Y Summer Camp Program Aide - Kirk Family YMCA

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$13.75 - $18/hr

Attends training and staff meetings with summer camp leadership. * Able to attend and participate in scheduled field trips and off-site activities. * Follows YMCA policies and procedures, including ...

YMCA

Y Summer Camp Program Lead - Kirk Family YMCA

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$13.75 - $18/hr

Able to attend and participate in scheduled field trips and off-site activities. * Attends training and staff meetings with Summer Camp leadership. * Follows YMCA policies and procedures, including ...

Club SciKidz

STEM Summer Camp Counselor

Arlington, VA · On-site

$560/hr

Enjoy working with children Have some experience working with and leading a group of children Want ... Memories & friends to last a lifetime Gain great experience ALL lessons & activities are provided ...

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Summer Activity Leader information

What is a summer activity leader?

Summer Activity Leaders are individuals responsible for organizing, overseeing, and leading recreational and educational activities for children or youth during summer programs, camps, or community events. Their primary goal is to create a safe, enjoyable, and engaging environment where participants can learn new skills, make friends, and have fun. They often plan games, arts and crafts, sports, and team-building exercises, ensuring all activities run smoothly and safely. Additionally, they serve as role models and provide guidance, support, and supervision to participants throughout the program.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a summer activity leader, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Summer Activity Leader, you need experience working with children, knowledge of group management, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with first aid, CPR certification, and scheduling or communication apps is typically required. Leadership, creativity, and strong interpersonal skills help you engage participants and foster a positive environment. These skills ensure the safety, enjoyment, and development of children while maintaining smooth operation of summer programs.

What are some common challenges faced by summer activity leaders, and how can they be effectively managed?

Summer Activity Leaders often encounter challenges such as maintaining engagement among diverse age groups, managing large groups of energetic participants, and adapting activities to suit varying interests and abilities. Effective communication, strong organizational skills, and flexibility are key to overcoming these challenges. Leaders can also benefit from proactive planning, clear behavior expectations, and fostering a positive, inclusive environment to ensure smooth and enjoyable activities for all participants.

What is the difference between Summer Activity Leader vs Summer Camp Counselor?

AspectSummer Activity LeaderSummer Camp Counselor
Required CredentialsCPR/First Aid certification often preferredCPR/First Aid certification often required
Work EnvironmentOrganizes specific activities, leads groupsSupervises campers, manages daily camp life
Employer & Industry UsageRecreational programs, summer campsSummer camps, youth programs
Common Search & ComparisonHigh overlap in responsibilities and certificationsSimilar roles, different focus on supervision vs activity facilitation

Both roles involve working with youth during summer, often requiring CPR/First Aid certification. The Summer Activity Leader primarily focuses on organizing and leading specific activities, while the Summer Camp Counselor supervises campers and manages daily camp routines. Both positions are common in summer camps and recreational programs, with overlapping skills and certifications.

What are popular job titles related to Summer Activity Leader jobs in Virginia?

For Summer Activity Leader jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Summer Activity Leader jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Summer Activity Leader jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Summer Activity Leader jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Summer Activity Leader job openings:

Summer Activity Leader jobs near you
Infographic showing various Summer Activity Leader job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Summer Camp Counselor - CMF

Girl Scout Council of the Nation's Capital

Staunton, VA

$13.75 - $18/hr

Full-time, Temporary

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Looking for a fun, meaningful job this summer? 

Make a difference in a camper’s life and empower them to make decisions, become independent, and be proud of who they are. All while encouraging them and participating alongside them in activities like archery, crafts, hiking, climbing, and more! That’s what we do each summer at Camp May Flather! If you’re passionate about youth development and enjoy the outdoors, then Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital sleep-away camps may be for you! 

Multiple Opportunities! 

  • Unit Counselors - Assists the Unit Leader with planning and leading activities. Responsible for the direct daily supervision of campers in the living unit and program areas. Participates alongside campers in activities such as swimming, climbing, hiking, and target sports. Salaries start at $370.
  • Lifeguards - Assists with the implementation of the aquatic program at the pool as a lifeguard. Leads canoeing trips at nearby lakes. Assists with unit programming in the evening when pool is closed. Training is provided, but candidates should be strong swimmers and able to pass the lifeguarding course prerequisites. Salaries start at $425 for residential staff. 
  • Kitchen Assistants - Assist the Kitchen Manager and Cook(s) with food preparation and service. Cleans food preparation areas and equipment. Salaries start at $370 for residential staff. 
  • More- additional positions include arts & crafts counselor, adventure counselor, inclusion specialist, and health center staff. For a full list of positions, visit https://sites.google.com/view/campmayflatherstaff/working-at-camp/jobs-at-camp
  • Start dates vary between May 21 and June 4, the summer season ends August 9. We can be flexible with staff who need to start late or aren’t available the whole summer.  

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.

Is this you? 

  • Passionate about youth leadership
  • Excellent with children, ages 10-17, and equally skilled at working with adults of all ages 
  • Sensitive to people of other cultures and all abilities 
  • Collaborative 
  • 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) 
  • Aren’t bothered by dirt, bugs, or sunscreen 
  • Looking for a summer job 

Some of the Perks

  • Room, board, and laundry facilities provided 
  • 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 country and world
  • Internship opportunities (we'll work with you to fulfill requirements.)  
  • Ample time off 
  • Skill development in leadership, communication, problem-solving, behavior management, creativity, and more 
  • A 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 

About Camp May Flather 

Camp May Flather offers campers in grades 4-11 the opportunity to experience outdoor adventure and discover a new sense of self-confidence. Located a 3-hour drive southwest of Washington, DC, in the scenic George Washington National Forest in Mount Solon, VA, May Flather has been operating as a sleepaway camp since 1930! 

While at May Flather, campers choose from a ton of amazing activities, including hiking, backpacking, climbing a natural wall or man-made tower, target sports, and swimming in the pool. May Flather is owned and operated by Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital, the largest Girl Scout council in the country. 

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 May Flather specific information visit https://sites.google.com/view/campmayflatherstaff/home. 

Have questions before applying? Contact camp director Emily “Sparrow” Reece at ereece@gscnc.org or text 202-274-3305.  

Apply