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Summer Counselor Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

YMCA of Orange County

Cabin Counselor

Wrightwood, CA · On-site

$17.81 - $20.45/hr

During each camp session, the Counselor is assigned and responsible for a small group of male ... First Aid and CPR Certification (will be able to obtain during summer camp staff training)

YES USA

Night Security for Summer Camp

Irvine, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $17/hr

Night Security for Summer Camp (Seasonal Summer Position) YES USA's Summer Program hosted at ... Job Overview YES USA is hiring a dependable and responsible Night-Time Counselor. This position is ...

BHH Respite Services

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Summer Respite Specialist - Flexible Hours | Orange County

Orange, CA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Why This Summer Job Is Different Weekly Pay! No waiting two weeks to see your money - your paycheck ... Hands-on experience that sets you apart in healthcare, counseling, education, and social work. What ...

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BHH Respite Services

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Summer Youth Support Specialist (Part-Time)

Orange, CA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Those seeking meaningful experience before graduate school or a healthcare, counseling, education ... Summer Youth Support Specialist Job Type: Part-Time / Seasonal Summer Position Pay: $20-$23 per ...

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All JobsSummer Counselor JobsSummer Counselor Jobs in Riverside, CA

Summer Counselor information

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How much do summer counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer counselor in Riverside, CA is $16.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.04 and $18.32 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 Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Counselor jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Summer Counselor jobs in Riverside, CA? For Summer Counselor jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Summer Counselor jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Summer Counselor jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Summer Counselor jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Summer Counselor job openings:
Summer Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Summer Counselor job openings in Riverside, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 37% Full Time, 46% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 12% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,471 per year, or $16.6 per hour.
Summer Instructor, Galileo X Mission Viejo

Summer Instructor, Galileo X Mission Viejo

Galileo Learning

Mission Viejo, CA • On-site

$18.40 - $23.50/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Company Description
Galileo is a nationally recognized summer day camp that's all about empowering young innovators to change the world! With over 90 diverse communities served and hundreds of thousands of kids inspired since 2002, we are a leader in the Innovation Education Movement.
Here, innovation, purpose and personal development converge, creating an environment where your talents shine, and your impact is celebrated. We invest, test and continually iterate to sustain a culture that values Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. In fact, we were named one of the Best and Brightest Companies to work for in the Nation in 2023 and 2024. We have also been on the Best Places to Work in the Bay Area list more than 12 times, were named one of Forbes' Best Small Companies in 2017, and a Top 100 Real Impact Company in 2019.
Join us for a joy-filled summer in a mission-driven environment!
Job Description
As a Summer Instructor, you'll lead hands-on design and outdoor activities, creating an inspiring, safe environment where campers explore creativity through Galileo's curriculum. With training and team support, you'll deliver memorable learning experiences and engage fully in camp traditions. This is a seasonal role; Summer Instructors work full-time Monday - Friday (5 days per week).
Core Responsibilities
Lead Design Challenges and Outdoor Activities:
  • Facilitate Galileo's innovative, project-based curriculum, integrating science, technology, engineering, and math for groups of up to 28 campers
  • Create an inviting and safe learning space; prepare and manage materials for daily projects.
  • Teach up to three unique rotations: Innovator's Studio, Idea Lab, and Outdoor Adventure, adapting for various age groups and abilities.
  • For 5th-8th grade groups, guide campers in using tools like saws, drills, and glue guns, ensuring safe, hands-on experiences.
  • Ensure a positive, supportive environment, manage camper behavior through restorative practices, and provide individual support based on campers' diverse needs.

Engage Fully in All Camp Activities:
  • Work with teammates to plan, set up, and lead daily camp activities.
  • Supervise campers to ensure safety during all camp events, including ceremonies, snack, and lunch.
  • Contribute to the camp experience with active participation in songs, skits, and chants.
  • Bring your unique skills and energy to create a joyful camp experience.

Provide Exceptional Customer Service:
  • Greet campers and families warmly, ensuring a positive, safe environment.
  • Assist with check-in/check-out, manage daily attendance, and communicate with families as needed.
  • Foster a fun, energetic atmosphere throughout the day, creating a smooth transition for campers at drop-off and pick-up.

Build Your Skills with Ongoing Training and Support:
  • Complete paid online training on innovation education, Galileo policies, and best practices before camp starts.
  • Attend two in-person setup and training days to prepare your camp and meet your team.
  • Continue to refine your instructional skills through feedback and training from camp leadership.

PAY & PERKS
  • Your exact pay will be determined based on a variety of factors, including work-site location and tenure:
    • Pay ranges from $18.40 to $23.50 per hour, determined based on camp location and years worked with Galileo Camps.
    • All staff receive a training pay rate for hours worked prior to the start of camp, which includes all online training and set up day; the training pay rate is the local minimum wage rate.
  • One free week of camp for your own child!
  • 15% Friends and Family Discount
  • Priority scholarship nominations
  • Membership in the Galileo Alumni Community of over 20,000 inspiring changemakers!

SCHEDULE
  • All camps operate Monday - Friday. Shifts vary by position and location and can start as early as 7:00 a.m. and end as late as 6:30 p.m.
  • Staff must complete online training and attend two pre-camp set-up days before camp opens. Set-up days may be scheduled on weekends.

Camp set-up dates, start dates, and duration vary by location - find your location on our Camp Finder page to view site-specific dates.
Qualifications
  • 1+ years of instructional or classroom support experience in K-8 education, or a combination of relevant education and work experience
  • Experience teaching, caring for, supervising, coaching, and/or mentoring kids required
  • College coursework in Education or Child Development preferred, but not required
  • Ability to balance multiple tasks while working with a sense of urgency and enthusiasm.
  • Bilingual in English and Spanish is a plus, but not required
  • This role requires the ability to access and use web-based tools via a personal smart device
  • Ability to complete all pre-camp tasks, including background checks, state-mandated certifications, electronic onboarding paperwork and online training prior to the start of camp
  • Availability to work up to 8-hour shifts daily, Monday - Friday, for the duration of camp.
    • For consistency and camper safety, we prioritize applicants who are able to commit to working for the full duration of camp (4-8 continuous weeks, depending on the camp location).
    • Applicants with less than 4 continuous weeks of availability will not be considered for this role.
  • Must be at least 18 years of age by May 1st, 2026

At Galileo Camps, we value divergent thinkers who bring many different experiences and viewpoints to the table! We also strongly encourage members of underrepresented groups and people of diverse backgrounds to apply. Additionally, research shows that while men apply to jobs when they meet an average of 60% of the requirements, women and other underrepresented people tend to apply only when they match all criteria. If you think you have what it takes to be successful in this role, we encourage you to apply.
Additional Information
Please note that our job descriptions are a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible responsibilities, tasks, and duties.
We comply with the ADA and provide reasonable accommodations that allow qualified applicants/employees to perform the essential functions of the job. To request an accommodation, contact our Human Resources team.
During the onboarding process, in accordance with applicable local and state requirements, you may be required to complete a Tuberculosis (TB) screening, background check(s), and state-mandated training(s). More details will be provided during your onboarding process.
This employer participates in E-Verify.
Physical Demands
  • Some lifting and carrying up to 60 lbs.
  • Typing, writing, reading
  • Seeing, hearing and speaking, both nearby and at a distance
  • Use hand and fingers to help with classroom supplies and operate equipment
  • Frequent standing sitting, walking and kneeling

Equal Opportunity Employer
Galileo Learning is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type and provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

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