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Summer Camp Jobs in Yakima, WA (NOW HIRING)

Day Camp Counselor

Yakima, WA · On-site

$17.25/hr

Under the direction and supervision of the Children's Ministry and Outreach Coordinator, Summer Day ... Camp Counselors will be responsible for creating and maintaining a fun, educational, healthy & safe ...

Day Camp Counselor

Yakima, WA · On-site

$13 - $17.25/hr

Under the direction and supervision of the Children's Ministry and Outreach Coordinator, Summer Day ... Camp Counselors will be responsible for creating and maintaining a fun, educational, healthy & safe ...

Summer Camp information

See Yakima, WA salary details

$7

$15

$22

How much do summer camp jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer camp in Yakima, WA is $15.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.51 and $17.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Are Jobs at a Summer Camp?

Summer camp jobs focus on providing activities and a safe environment for children and teenagers at summer camps. The duties and responsibilities of summer camp employees depend on their position. A summer camp counselor works closely with campers during activities. They usually stay with a group of campers in a cabin, tent, or another sleepaway facility. A camp nurse provides medical care when necessary, and a food service manager prepares and serves meals. A camp director oversees the entire summer camp operation and may work with marketing teams and administrative support workers. Camps may also have maintenance and groundskeeping staff. The qualifications that you need to work in a summer camp vary by position.

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 need experience working with children, basic first aid/CPR certification, and strong leadership abilities. Familiarity with scheduling tools, activity planning apps, and safety protocols is commonly required. Creativity, patience, and effective communication are standout soft skills for engaging campers and resolving conflicts. These skills ensure a safe, fun, and supportive camp environment where children can learn and grow.

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

Summer camp counselors often encounter challenges such as managing diverse groups of children, handling homesickness, and addressing conflicts between campers. Effective communication, patience, and adaptability are crucial in creating a supportive environment. Counselors typically receive training on conflict resolution and child safety, and they work closely with experienced supervisors and fellow staff members for guidance. Building strong rapport with campers and fostering teamwork among staff are essential strategies for overcoming these challenges and ensuring a positive camp experience.

What are summer camp jobs?

Summer camp jobs are temporary positions offered at camps during the summer months, typically aimed at providing activities, supervision, and mentorship for children and teenagers. Common roles include camp counselors, activity leaders, lifeguards, and support staff such as cooks or maintenance workers. These jobs often require strong communication and leadership skills, and they can be a great opportunity for young adults or college students to gain experience working with youth in a fun, outdoor environment. Many camps provide room and board along with a stipend or hourly wage. Applicants usually need to undergo background checks and participate in training before camp begins.

What is the difference between Summer Camp vs Camp Counselor?

AspectSummer CampCamp Counselor
Required CredentialsVaries; often no formal certification neededCPR/First Aid certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, recreational settings with groups of childrenSupervising and engaging children in activities at camp
Employer & Industry UsageCamp organizations, summer programsSummer camps, youth programs
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles at summer campsJob responsibilities and qualifications for camp staff

Summer Camps and Camp Counselors are closely related roles within youth outdoor programs. While summer camps refer to the overall program or facility, camp counselors are the staff members responsible for supervising children and organizing activities. The main differences lie in scope and responsibilities, with camp counselors being the direct staff working with campers during the program.

What are the most commonly searched types of Camp jobs in Yakima, WA? The most popular types of Camp jobs in Yakima, WA are:
What job categories do people searching Summer Camp jobs in Yakima, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Summer Camp jobs in Yakima, WA are:
What cities near Yakima, WA are hiring for Summer Camp jobs? Cities near Yakima, WA with the most Summer Camp job openings:
Infographic showing various Summer Camp job openings in Yakima, WA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,118 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

Day Camp Counselor

The Salvation Army

Yakima, WA • On-site

$17.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Join a team where you can offer compassion, dignity, and sustainable opportunities for people in need in your local community!

The Salvation Army is an inspiring place to work. With offices in every major US city and over 120 countries around the globe, it’s a place where people can invest in people on every level. In the Northwest region of the US, we serve people with food to shelter opportunities and almost everything in between. We are committed to being an efficient and effective network of local offices that make up a huge western region team. In other words, we’re committed to being big and small at the same time. That makes us a seriously great place to work. As one of the most impactful social service organizations in the world, we hire people who constantly seek new ways to keep us moving forward. We welcome you on finding your place to offer opportunities for people in need!

POSITION TITLE:                 Day Camp Counselor

STATUS:                                 NON-EXEMPT/TEMPORARY

DIRECT SUPERVISOR:        Children’s Ministry and Outreach Coordinator

 

This is a temporary role that lasts for the duration of the school summer break. Exact employment dates will vary annually depending on local school district calendars. Employment dates for the 2026 Day Camp program are June 22nd – July 30th, 2026.

MISSION STATEMENT:

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

SCOPE OF POSITION:

Under the direction and supervision of the Children’s Ministry and Outreach Coordinator, Summer Day Camp Counselors will be responsible for creating and maintaining a fun, educational, healthy & safe environment for children in the program. Counselors will provide leadership and care for a group of assigned campers.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • An understanding and acceptance of the Salvation Army’s mission, philosophy, and practices.
  • Applicants must be in compliance with the child protection policies of The Salvation Army.
  • Experience working with children.
  • Ability to work independently or with other staff members.
  • Has the ability to assist with events, programs, and activities.
  • Ability to keep calm in demanding situations.
  • First aid card and CPR certification is a plus.
  • Demonstrate leadership ability.
  • Love and appreciation of children.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Attend and participate in all Day Programing and spiritual activities.
  • Must be at least 16 years of age.
  • Assist as assigned to check participants in and out for the day.
  • Maintain standard of cleanliness in each classroom/ activity area.
  • Assist with the clean-up at the end of each day and at the end of the summer.
  • Assist with other duties as needed.
  • Assist with VBS at the end of the summer.
  • A plus if you can Drive campers to and from activities taking place off church grounds. (Must be 21 or older)

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Ability to sit, walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel and twist on an intermittent or continuous basis.
  • Ability to grasp, push, and pull objects.
  • Ability to use hand to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls.
  • Ability to understand written information.
  • Ability to understand and speak English. (*Bilingual is a plus)
  • Ability to lift 20 lbs.

Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation.  A qualified person with a disability may request a modification or adjustment to the job or work environment in order to meet the physical requirements of the position.  The Salvation Army will attempt to satisfy requests as long as the accommodation needed is reasonable and no undue hardship would result.

A generous benefits package is included with full-time positions:  paid holidays, vacation time, sick time, and medical, vision, and dental insurance.

Health Insurance:  Low bi-weekly premiums for employee-only coverage, Kaiser HMO for those residing in a Kaiser service area, Anthem EPO/PPO is available for those residing outside a Kaiser service area.  Voluntary +1 and +family coverage at additional cost.  Delta Dental DHMO and DPPO dental insurance are offered. 

Life and Voluntary Options.  An employer-paid life insurance policy covers employees.  Voluntary supplemental life, short-term and long-term disability plans are available.

Retirement Plans:  Employer-funded Money Purchase Pension Plan (Defined Contribution Plan) 50% vested at five years eligible service time. Plus, an employee-funded voluntary 403(b) option.

Parental Leave:  The benefit is 40 hours of Paid Leave for qualifying events.

Sick Leave:  12 days of Sick Leave annually accruing from day one, eligible for use after three months’ service time. 

Paid Vacation:

  • Two weeks annually, accruing from day one, for non-exempt positions.
  • Four weeks annually, accruing from day one, for exempt positions.
  • Accrued vacation is eligible for use after six months’ service time.

Paid Holidays:  13 designated holidays + 1 floating holiday per year

The Salvation Army is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled.