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Summer Counseling Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Club SciKidz NOVA offers science and technology summer day camps for children ages 4-15 in Arlington, Chantilly, and Vienna. We are hiring Counselors for our Arlington location . Our day camps run ...

Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) LOCATION: Alexandria, VA SEMESTER: Summer 2026 Interested Applicants ONLY General Description: NCMEC's Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) manages and oversees corporate legal ...

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Summer Counseling information

See Virginia salary details

$35.7K

$59.2K

$78.8K

How much do summer counseling jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for summer counseling in Virginia is $59,176.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,600.00 and $64,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is summer counseling?

Summer counseling refers to guidance and support services provided to students during the summer months, typically by school counselors or mental health professionals. These services can include academic planning, college and career advice, mental health support, and social-emotional development. Summer counseling helps students stay on track with their goals, address any challenges they may face over the break, and prepare for the upcoming school year. It is often offered through schools, camps, or community organizations.

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

To thrive as a Summer Counselor, you need experience working with children or youth, a basic understanding of safety protocols, and often current first aid/CPR certification. Familiarity with camp management systems, activity planning tools, and emergency procedures is typically required. Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills help counselors connect with campers and foster a positive environment. These abilities are crucial for ensuring camper safety, delivering engaging programs, and building a supportive camp community.

What are the main challenges faced by summer counselors when working with diverse groups of campers?

One of the main challenges for summer counselors is managing the needs and dynamics of diverse groups of campers, which often include a wide range of personalities, backgrounds, and abilities. Counselors need to quickly build rapport, foster a sense of inclusion, and address conflicts or homesickness sensitively. Adapting activities to ensure everyone is engaged and safe while maintaining a positive, energetic atmosphere is key. Strong communication skills, flexibility, and teamwork are essential for overcoming these challenges and ensuring a rewarding camp experience for all participants.

What is the difference between Summer Counseling vs Summer Social Work?

AspectSummer CounselingSummer Social Work
Required CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's or master's in counseling, psychology, or related fieldUsually requires a bachelor's or master's in social work or related field
Work EnvironmentSchools, camps, community centers, mental health clinicsSchools, community agencies, healthcare settings, child welfare programs
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, mental health organizations, summer programsSocial service agencies, schools, healthcare providers
Common Search & ComparisonSummer Counseling vs Summer Social Work

Both roles involve supporting individuals during summer programs, but Summer Counseling focuses on mental health and emotional support, while Summer Social Work emphasizes social services and resource coordination. The credentials and work environments overlap significantly, making them closely related careers in the mental health and social services fields.

What are the most commonly searched types of Counseling jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Counseling jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Summer Counseling jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Summer Counseling job openings:

Infographic showing various Summer Counseling job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 68% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 30% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,176 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

Summer Camp Counselor - CMF

GIRL SCOUT COUNCIL OF THE NATIONS CAPITAL

Harrisonburg, VA โ€ข On-site

$370 - $1.0K/wk

Temporary

Re-posted 22 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.