Summer Counselor Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Description Looking for a fun summer job that you'll never forget. The City of Gaithersburg needs Senior Counselors for its 2026 Summer Camp Program operated through the City's Department of Parks, Recreation & Culture. Gaithersburg's Summer Camp Program consists of up to eight weeks of camp activities for children ages 5 to 14.

Camp Senior Counselors assist with implementing and organizing a variety of camp programming, supervise and plan activities for participants, and perform other fundamental assignments in support of the summer camp program. Must be at least 18 years of age Must have a high school diploma or equivalent Previous experience working with youth desirable but not necessary Starting hourly rate $17.70 per hour. Applicants must be available to work weekdays (Monday through Friday) from approximately June 22 through August 14, 2026, approximately 30 to 45 hours per week

Applicants must also be able to attend all required staff training sessions prior to the beginning of camp (June 11, 15, 16, 17, and 18, 2026, starting at 5 p.m.). Direct deposit of paychecks is a condition of employment for all City of Gaithersburg employees. Job Functions Camp Counselors will: Plan and lead, or assist with planning and leading, a variety of structured camp activities

Provide constant supervision for approximately 15 to 20 camp program participants. Plan, create, and carry out appropriate program activities; assist with program setup and breakdown. Ensure a positive, fun, and safe environment for summer camp participants.

Organize games and activities and perform other event/activity related tasks as assigned. Perform administrative support functions (i.e., photocopy, count fliers for distribution, affix labels). Key responsibilities are highlighted above; please click here to view the classification description for Summer Camp Staff positions

Qualifications What you will need to be considered: All applicants must enjoy working with children and be able to work directly with and plan activities for participants in a variety of settings; be responsible, dependable, adaptable, and punctual; have excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills and leadership qualities; be able to make quick and sound decisions; be able to understand, carry out, and provide written and oral directions; and have the ability to work independently and as part of a team. All applicants must possess a high level of maturity and be able to deal with children, parents, and other staff in a positive, courteous, tactful, and professional manner. Must be safety conscious and committed to providing a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for all participants.

CPR/AED and First Aid certification (may be obtained through the City upon hire) Moderate physical effort is required; must be able to lift/carry materials up to 50 pounds. Any acceptable equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to satisfactorily perform job duties and responsibilities is qualifying. Additional Information Interested applicants must submit the following to be considered: A complete online application (incomplete applications will not be processed) Submission of a current resume is highly encouraged (attach to the online application) Your online application should include your education history, relevant work experience (paid or volunteer), any pertinent skills or certifications/licenses you have, and/or provide additional information that might be relevant to the job you are applying for.

Review of applications will begin immediately, so prompt application is strongly encouraged. Positions will remain open until filled. Recruitment will close without notice when a sufficient number of qualified applications are received or all hiring decisions have been made.

Successful candidates will be subject to a background check and drug/alcohol screening. The City has established an alcohol-free, drug-free, and smoke-free workplace which applies to any person employed by, conducting business with, or applying for a position with the City. Each employee, as a condition of their employment, may be required to participate in pre-employment and reasonable suspicion testing.

Employees classified as safety sensitive are also subject to immediate post accident and random testing. For more information about the positions, contact the Summer Camp Team at summercamps@gaithersburgmd.gov or 301.258.6350. Questions regarding the online application process may be directed to the Department of Human Resources at hr@gaithersburgmd.gov or 301.258.6327

This recruitment will establish an eligibility list which will be used to fill the current vacancies and may be used to fill other openings in this classification which occur in the next 6 months.