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Summer Camp Counselor Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Summer camp...adventure, friends, and fun. The Y invites you to join us for an amazing summer that is so much more than a job. Position : Camp Counselor Salary: $17.00-$18.00 The YMCA of Metropolitan ...

Pay for Counselors is $560 per week. Camp Locations: St. Thomas More Cathedral School: 105 N Thomas ... great summer as they learn science & technology Are reliable & hard working; have reliable ...

Tennis Camp Counselor

Potomac, MD · On-site

$16 - $22/hr

Our summer camps combine tennis instruction, games, and team activities in a fun, positive, and professional environment. Position Overview We are looking for Tennis Camp Counselors to support our ...

Tennis Camp Counselor

Potomac, MD · On-site

$16 - $22/hr

Our summer camps combine tennis instruction, games, and team activities in a fun, positive, and professional environment. Position Overview We are looking for Tennis Camp Counselors to support our ...

Tennis Camp Counselor

Potomac, MD · On-site

$16 - $22/hr

Our summer camps combine tennis instruction, games, and team activities in a fun, positive, and professional environment. Position Overview We are looking for Tennis Camp Counselors to support our ...

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Summer Camp Counselor information

See Reston, VA salary details

$8

$16

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How much do summer camp counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer camp counselor in Reston, VA is $16.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.04 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by summer camp counselors, and how can they be overcome?

Summer Camp Counselors often face challenges such as managing groups of energetic children, addressing homesickness, and resolving conflicts between campers. To overcome these, counselors use strong communication skills, maintain clear routines, and foster a positive, inclusive environment. Building rapport early and staying adaptable helps counselors respond effectively to unexpected situations, ensuring a safe and enjoyable camp experience for everyone involved.

What does a summer camp counselor do?

A summer camp counselor helps children explore age-appropriate recreation activities in a structured program. Camp hours vary since some are day camps while others are overnight camps. Campers can range in age from early elementary to high school levels, so camp activities may differ to address a variety of needs. Activities in summer camp programs can include both indoor and outdoor events, and camp counselors direct and supervise each activity. You will work directly with children, communicate with parents, help kids learn and explore, and manage attendance and safety paperwork.

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

To thrive as a Summer Camp Counselor, you generally need experience working with children, basic first aid knowledge, and often at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with camp management systems, safety protocols, and certifications like CPR or lifeguarding are typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help counselors engage campers, manage group dynamics, and handle unexpected situations. These skills and qualifications ensure a safe, enjoyable, and enriching camp environment for all participants.

What is the difference between Summer Camp Counselor vs Summer Camp Director?

AspectSummer Camp CounselorSummer Camp Director
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; CPR/First Aid certification often preferredCollege degree often required; leadership and management experience beneficial
Work EnvironmentOutdoor camp settings, assisting with activities and supervising childrenOffice and outdoor settings, overseeing camp operations and staff
Employer & Industry UsageSummer camps, recreational organizationsCamp organizations, recreational companies, educational institutions
Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

While both roles are integral to summer camp programs, Summer Camp Counselors focus on supervising children and facilitating activities, often with minimal management responsibilities. Summer Camp Directors oversee the entire camp operation, including staff management, budgeting, and program planning. The roles differ mainly in scope, responsibilities, and required experience, but both are essential for a successful camp experience.

What is a summer camp counselor?

Summer camp counselors are individuals responsible for supervising, guiding, and ensuring the safety and well-being of campers during summer camp programs. They lead activities, facilitate games, and foster a positive, inclusive environment for children and teens. Counselors also serve as role models, help resolve conflicts, and often assist with daily routines such as meals and cabin assignments. Their goal is to create a fun, memorable, and enriching camp experience for all participants.

What are the most commonly searched types of Camp Counselor jobs in Reston, VA?

The most popular types of Camp Counselor jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Summer Camp Counselor jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Summer Camp Counselor job openings:

Infographic showing various Summer Camp Counselor job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 41% Full Time, 50% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 6% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,438 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

$425/wk

Full-time, Temporary

Re-posted yesterday


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.