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Summer Camp Counselor Jobs in Rochester, MN (NOW HIRING)

Summer Camp Ministry Staff

Zumbro Falls, MN · On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

Now Hiring Summer Camp Counselors or many other staff positions. Don't waste your summer... spend it for God's glory! Use your energy, your time and your passion for the glory of God by serving ...

Summer Camp Ministry Staff

Zumbro Falls, MN

$14 - $18.50/hr

Now Hiring Summer Camp Counselors or many other staff positions. Don't waste your summer... spend it for God's glory Use your energy, your time and your passion for the glory of God by serving Christ ...

Summer Camp Counselor information

See Rochester, MN salary details

$7

$16

$22

How much do summer camp counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer camp counselor in Rochester, MN is $16.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $17.84 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.

How much do 16 year old camp counselors make?

The pay for 16-year-old summer camp counselors typically ranges from minimum wage to around $10 to $15 per hour, depending on the camp, location, and responsibilities. Many camps also offer additional benefits such as room and board or training opportunities. Certification in first aid or CPR can enhance earning potential and job prospects.

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.

How do you become a summer camp counselor?

To become a summer camp counselor, applicants typically need to be at least 16 or 18 years old, depending on the camp, and often require a background check and CPR certification. Relevant skills include leadership, communication, and the ability to work with children, with some camps also requiring previous experience or training in first aid or child development.

Is 30 too old to be a camp counselor?

There is no age limit for becoming a summer camp counselor, and many camps value maturity, life experience, and strong interpersonal skills. Age can be an advantage in leadership and responsibility, and some camps actively seek diverse age groups to create a well-rounded staff. Candidates of all ages who demonstrate enthusiasm, reliability, and relevant experience are typically considered for the role.

Do you make money as a camp counselor?

Yes, camp counselors typically earn a salary or hourly wage for their work during the summer season. Pay rates vary depending on the camp, location, and experience, but most counselors receive compensation for their time and responsibilities. Some camps also offer stipends or additional benefits such as training or certifications.

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 are summer camp counselors?

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 Rochester, MN? The most popular types of Camp Counselor jobs in Rochester, MN are:
What job categories do people searching Summer Camp Counselor jobs in Rochester, MN look for? The top searched job categories for Summer Camp Counselor jobs in Rochester, MN are:
What cities near Rochester, MN are hiring for Summer Camp Counselor jobs? Cities near Rochester, MN with the most Summer Camp Counselor job openings:
Infographic showing various Summer Camp Counselor job openings in Rochester, MN as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Summer. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,586 per year, or $16.1 per hour.
Summer Camp Counselor - Rochester, MN

Summer Camp Counselor - Rochester, MN

Bright Horizons Children's Centers

Rochester, MN • On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement

Posted 20 days ago


Bright Horizons rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 294 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

109th of 224 rated education and training


Job description

As a Seasonal Camp Counselor at Science Factory Camp, you play a hands on role in helping children ages 6-12 explore science at summer camp through creativity, experimentation, and play. Our Camp Counselors are at the heart of the camper experience. You build strong relationships with kids, guide your group through each part of the day, and help create a space where campers feel safe, supported, and excited to participate. Each day, you help campers try new things, solve problems, and discover what they are capable of, shaping their experience moment by moment.

If you are patient, energetic, and calm in a fast paced setting, and you love building relationships with kids and supporting positive group dynamics, you will thrive here. This is an in person summer day camp counselor role where your curiosity and encouragement help make learning fun, memorable, and meaningful.

This Camp will run from July 17th-August 26th.


Responsibilities:

  • Supervise and support a consistent group of campers, building positive relationships and helping foster friendships

  • Facilitate group activities and transitions throughout the day, keeping campers engaged, included, and having fun

  • Maintain camper safety and wellbeing at all times, including awareness of allergies, dietary restrictions, and individual needs

  • Follow camp policies and expectations, and report or document incidents or injuries as needed

  • Share daily updates and photos, respond to campers' questions and needs, and assist across groups or with meals as needed


Qualifications:
Candidates must pass required state and company background checks and meet state and company minimum education and experience requirements:

  • Must be at least 16 years of age

  • 2+ months of experience working with camp-age children required (1 year preferred), ideally in a summer camp setting

  • First Aid and CPR certification required prior to the first day of camp

  • Ability to chaperone campers for off-site field trips when required

About Science Factory Camp
Science Factory Camp is part of the Bright Horizons family, sharing a commitment to creating meaningful, confidence building experiences for children. Campers ages 6-12 explore science, art, and movement through hands on projects that encourage curiosity, experimentation, and imagination. Each week features a new theme such as space, animals, or the ocean, with activities that blend science concepts and creative thinking. With intentionally low screen time, campers learn through trial and error, embrace the mess, and build confidence as they create, explore, and discover.


Physical Requirements:
This position requires the employee to comply with all applicable federal, state, local, 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 day camp setting to provide supervision, care, curriculum delivery and services per Bright Horizons' policies, procedures and guidance, in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations, and in a manner that will ensure safety of children in Bright Horizons care and the employee. This will include the following physical demands:

  • Frequently lift, carry, or hold items weighing up to 40 pounds; occasionally lift, carry, or hold weight more than 40 pounds

  • Supervise and interact daily with children both indoors and outdoors (for extended periods in varied weather conditions).

  • Demonstrate full range of motion to lift, reach, squat, climb, sit, and otherwise fully participate in activities

  • Respond immediately and appropriately to multiple or unexpected situations or emergencies

  • Maintain mental and physical alertness and an appropriate level of energy to perform essential job requirements

  • Ability, with or without accommodation, to hear, understand, and respond to spoken communication, emergency signals, and alarms

  • Ability to communicate clearly with managers, coworkers, children, and families

The full set of physical requirements for this role can be reviewed at https://careers.brighthorizons.com/job-descriptions. Bright Horizons complies with all laws that require reasonable accommodation for qualifying disabilities and/or pregnancy-related limitations.

This position requires in-person work in the Rochester, MN area.


Compensation:
The hourly rate for this position is between $16.00 - $20.00 per hour. The pay range listed here is what Bright Horizons in good faith anticipates offering for this job opening. Actual compensation offers within this range will depend on a variety of factors including experience, education and training, certifications, geography, and other relevant business or organizational factors.

Benefits:
Bright Horizons offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

  • 401(k) retirement plan

  • Spring Health Employee Assistance Program

  • Money-saving discounts and financial planning tools

  • Learn more at https://careers.brighthorizons.com/us/en/health-and-wellness

Also, depending on hire date and subject to applicable eligibility requirements and accrual schedules, new employees in this role are eligible for 1 hour of sick time per 30 hours worked.

Deadline to Apply:
Bright Horizons is accepting applications for this role on an ongoing basis.

Compensation: $16.00-$20.00

Life at Bright Horizons:

At Bright Horizons, you're more than your job title -you're the difference. Whether you're nurturing a child's first steps or supporting the systems behind the scenes, your work creates real impact. We're a community that celebrates individuality, invests in your growth, and supports your whole self. Because when you thrive, so do the children, families, and clients we serve. Join us and help build a brighter future - for yourself and for others.

Bright Horizons provides equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and does not discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law. Bright Horizons complies with the laws and regulations described in the following federal government resources: Know Your Rights, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)and Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA).

If you require assistance or a reasonable accommodation in completing these application materials or any aspect of the application and hiring process, please contact the recruitment helpdesk at 855-877-6866 or bhrecruit@brighthorizons.com. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.


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