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Summer Counselor Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

Summer Counselor information

See Decatur, IL salary details

$7

$15

$21

How much do summer counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer counselor in Decatur, IL is $15.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.08 and $17.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is 21 too old to be a camp counselor?

Summer counselors are typically adults of various ages, and being 21 is generally considered appropriate for the role. Many camps value maturity and life experience, so age is rarely a barrier as long as the candidate meets the camp's requirements and can work well with children. Age limits are uncommon, and hiring decisions often focus on skills, background checks, and certifications like CPR or first aid.

What is the difference between Summer Counselor vs Camp Counselor?

AspectSummer CounselorCamp Counselor
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require CPR/First Aid certificationHigh school diploma; CPR/First Aid often preferred
Work EnvironmentSummer camps, outdoor settings, recreational facilitiesSummer camps, outdoor activities, recreational centers
Employer & IndustrySummer camp organizations, youth programsSummer camps, youth recreation programs
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both Summer Counselors and Camp Counselors work in summer camp environments, supervising children and organizing activities. The terms are often used interchangeably, but 'Summer Counselor' may imply a broader role, while 'Camp Counselor' specifically refers to camp settings. Both roles typically require similar certifications and work in outdoor, recreational environments during summer months.

What are some common challenges Summer Counselors face when working with campers, and how can they effectively address them?

Summer Counselors often encounter challenges such as managing group dynamics, addressing homesickness, and handling behavioral issues among campers. Effectively addressing these challenges requires strong communication, patience, and adaptability. Counselors can build trust by establishing clear expectations, fostering an inclusive environment, and engaging campers in activities that promote teamwork. Collaboration with co-counselors and camp leadership is also key to finding solutions and ensuring all campers have a positive experience.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Jobs that can pay $2,000 a day typically include high-level roles such as specialized surgeons, corporate executives, successful entrepreneurs, or certain freelance consultants with significant experience. These positions often require advanced skills, certifications, or extensive industry expertise, and may involve long hours or high responsibility levels.

What are summer counselors?

Summer counselors are individuals who supervise, guide, and mentor children or teenagers at summer camps or recreational programs. Their responsibilities typically include organizing activities, ensuring the safety of campers, providing emotional support, and fostering a positive camp environment. Summer counselors often serve as role models, helping children build social skills, confidence, and independence throughout the summer.

How to be a summer counselor?

To become a summer counselor, typically you need to be at least 16 or 18 years old, depending on the program, and have good communication and leadership skills. Many programs require a background check and CPR or first aid certification. Applying involves submitting an application, attending an interview, and demonstrating enthusiasm for working with children or teens in a camp or recreational setting.

How much do YMCA summer counselors make?

YMCA summer counselors typically earn between $10 and $15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the specific YMCA branch. They often work part-time during the summer months and may need CPR or first aid certifications.

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 generally need experience working with children or youth, basic first aid/CPR certification, and a high school diploma or higher. Familiarity with camp management software and activity planning tools is often beneficial. Strong leadership, patience, and effective communication skills help counselors build trust and create a positive camp environment. These competencies are crucial to ensure camper safety, foster engagement, and facilitate memorable camp experiences.
What are the most commonly searched types of Counselor jobs in Decatur, IL? The most popular types of Counselor jobs in Decatur, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Summer Counselor jobs in Decatur, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Summer Counselor jobs in Decatur, IL are:
What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Summer Counselor jobs? Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Summer Counselor job openings:
Infographic showing various Summer Counselor job openings in Decatur, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 40% Full Time, 44% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 11% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,049 per year, or $15.4 per hour.
Military & Family Life Counselor- Summer Assignments

Military & Family Life Counselor- Summer Assignments

Magellan Health, Inc.

Monticello, IL • On-site

Part-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

This position would provide MFLC coverage at Summer Camps supporting the Military & Family Life Counselor program at Monticello, IL. Candidates must be local to Monticello. This position requires candidates to be licensed at the independent level in any state as an Mental Health Counselor, Therapist, or Social Worker.
The Assignment Ready Counselor (ARC) will provide coverage in short-term, surge and on demand situations resulting from the Military needs such as a post-deployment event or to cover an existing assignment for counselors who are absent. The Summer ARC counselor position covers assignments during the May 15th through September 15th time period, coinciding with the school summer break. With minimal guidance and oversight, provides the full breadth of Adult or Child and Youth Behavioral (CYB) counseling services to military service members and their families at military installations. These services may include non- medical counseling, training/health and wellness presentations, consultation with parents, personnel at child daycare centers and schools, and consultation to installation command regarding behavioral health issues affecting military personnel and their family members. ARC CYB counselors may be assigned to DoDEA schools and community schools and will need to have experience working in a school setting to qualify for ARC role in backing up a school position. CYB counselors may also be assigned to youth programs, summer camps, and on demand assignments. ARC adult counselors may be assigned to support MFLC services in a variety of military community and readiness centers, as well as on-demand and surge assignments. The counselors work closely with the installation and military branch Points of Contact (POC) to assure that the program is provided within scope and meets the needs of the installation.
  • Provides non-medical, short term, solution focused, counseling directly to adults, children, and youth of service members. Services include assessment, brief counseling and consultation, action planning, referral to resources (assuring linkage as appropriate), and follow-up as indicated.
  • CYB counselors will also have a focus on supporting the staff and personnel of CDCs, DoDEA and community schools, youth programs and summer camps as well as providing parent training and guidance.
  • Provides training and health and wellness presentations, participate in health fairs and other base/installation activities.
  • Enters counselor activity data daily through smart phone or web application assure that reporting is accurate from assigned installation while maintaining confidentiality and anonymity of service / family member.

The job duties listed above are representative and not intended to be all-inclusive of what may be expected of an employee assigned to this job. A leader may assign additional or other duties which would align with the intent of this job, without revision to the job description.
Other Job Requirements
Responsibilities
Master's Degree from an accredited graduate program in a mental health related field, or social work.
With short notice, willing to accept assignments of undefined periods to include weekends.
Can cover, on a full-time basis, assignments of varying length from a weekend to two weeks.
Quickly builds rapport with service personnel clients, family members, students, parents and co-workers.
Adaptable to new working conditions, varying location rules, etc.; adjusts working style to align with each work environment.
Able to work effectively with minimal instruction and guidance.
Listens carefully to instructions provided.
With minimal notice, participates in regular in-services/training, Quality Improvement committees or other contract activities as assigned.
Requires ability to quickly engage and communicate with military members, spouses or children as assigned, in order to accomplish job functions, and to respond quickly to emergent situations in any physical location on a military installation and/or within a school setting, which includes the need to traverse short and/or long distances within the base to both indoor and outdoor locations, to maneuver through rugged, outdoor or uneven locations (e.g., steep inclines, stairs, grass), and work in outdoor weather and other military base conditions. Due to the nature of working on military installations or related worksites, counselors may need to comply with various site-specific requirements to work at designated locations. For example, for some assignments, counselors will need to have certain current immunizations or vaccinations and provide record of receipt.
Ability to prove US Citizenship and must be fluent in English.
Advanced knowledge of brief therapy and solution-focused counseling methods.
Prior military service/military family member and/or strong familiarity with military culture desired.
For CYB positions must meet the Magellan MFLC CYB criteria for experience with children and youth and specialty in child and adolescent development/psychology.
Creates a presence on the installation in which the service and family members feel comfortable approaching the counselor and recognize the program to be confidential; for CYB counselors -- creates a presence in child and youth settings, is available to children, youth, and staff. When working with children, counselor must abide by line of site protocol.
Establishes and maintains working relationships with community resources and provides appropriate linkages.
Partners with POC to provide Adult and CYB services in a manner that addresses the needs of the installation/facility. Develops an excellent working relationship with the installation/facility POC.
Manages duty to warn and restricted reporting situations according to DoD protocol and staffs the cases with Regional Supervisor/Regional Director.
Communicates with Regional Supervisors and participate in regular individual and group supervision, sharing information regarding trends and issues on the installations and in facilities to which they are assigned for substitute or on call services.
Responds to critical incidents and special requests as directed by the POC and approved by the OSD program manager.
General Job Information
Title
Military & Family Life Counselor- Summer Assignments
Grade
MFLC ARC
Work Experience - Required
Clinical
Work Experience - Preferred
Education - Required
Master's - Behavioral Health, Master's - Social Work
Education - Preferred
License and Certifications - Required
Current licensure required for this position that meets State, Commonwealth or customer-specific requirements - Care MgmtCare Mgmt, DL - Driver License, Valid In State - OtherOther, LPC - Licensed Professional Counselor - Care MgmtCare Mgmt, Must be an independently licensed behavioral health clinician - Care MgmtCare Mgmt
License and Certifications - Preferred
This is a Service Contract Act (SCA) covered position. The pay rate and health and welfare allowance are specified in the applicable wage determination agreement.
Magellan Health, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Tobacco-free workplace. EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled.
Every employee must understand, comply with and attest to the security responsibilities and security controls unique to their position; and comply with all applicable legal, regulatory, and contractual requirements and internal policies and procedures.