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Summer Counselor Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

Summer camp...adventure, friends, and fun. The Y invites you to join us for an amazing summer that is so much more than a job. Position: Camp Counselor Salary: $14.00 The YMCA of Metropolitan ...

Summer Camp Bike Instructor

Washington, DC · On-site

$18.40 - $19.50/hr

Pedalheads Summer Camp Bike Instructor Get paid to laugh, enjoy the outdoors and inspire kids to believe in themselves with Pedalheads this Summer! We're looking for people to join our dynamic, high ...

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Summer Counselor information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$7

$16

$23

How much do summer counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer counselor in Silver Spring, MD is $16.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.89 and $18.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a summer counselor?

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.

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 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Counselor jobs in Silver Spring, MD?

The most popular types of Counselor jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Summer Counselor jobs?

Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Summer Counselor job openings:

Infographic showing various Summer Counselor job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, 50% Part Time, and 17% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,157 per year, or $16.4 per hour.

YMCA Silver Spring Camp Specialty 26

ymcametrowash

Silver Spring, MD • On-site

$17.75/hr

Full-time

Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

The YMCA of Metropolitan Washington is one of the largest charities in the DC area. The Y serves as an anchor in the community offering programs and services encompassing youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. 
FIND YOUR PLACE AT THE Y…  BE A CAMP SPECIALIST THIS SUMMER.
Summer camp…adventure, friends, and fun. The Y invites you to join us for an amazing summer that is so much more than a job.
Position: Camp Specialist              Pay Rate: $17.75

The YMCA of Metropolitan Washington is currently hiring Summer Camp Specialists. Working at the Y, you will create exciting and impactful experiences for children, build connections with your peers and Y professionals, expand your leadership skills, and have fun! This is a seasonal position for the months of June through August 2026. 

Some of the exciting things you will do as a Camp Specialist:

  • Plan and instructs classes in a highly specialized area or provide specialized service
  • Create a place for campers to have fun, learn, explore, and make new friends.
  • Provide leadership, enthusiasm, and heart to the camp program 
  • Oversee several groups of campers with assistance from counselors and junior counselors
  • Oversee the Counselor in Training Program
  • Implement the daily camp program in accordance with the overall camp program and curriculum schedule
  • Deliver the daily and weekly program plan ensuring that they fit the campers needs and interests
  • Mentor campers to help them adjust to camp life and to each other
  • Responsible for the safety of the campers
  • Support a safe and healthy environment for all campers
  • Interact with the campers at all times, participating in activities alongside the campers
  • Assist with and participate in all camp-wide activities and special events
  • Support the program goals of the Y
  • Participate in staff trainings and meetings as required

What you need to be a Camp Specialist:

  • Be able to work from the week before camp begins for training to the end of the final week of the season
  • Must be skilled and/or certified in teaching crafts, songs, stories, games, sports, aquatics and other related camp activities
  • High school graduate
  • 18 years of age
  • Willing to participate in and obtain CPR and First Aid Certification
  • Clear the local jurisdiction requirements for criminal background and/or fingerprinting
  • Meet the county/state licensing requirements
  • Prior supervisory experience in a day camp setting and two season’s experience as a counselor
  • Skilled in teaching a variety of crafts, songs, stories, games, sports, aquatics and related camp activities
  • Able to effectively communicate with children and parents
  • Ability to lead a class or provide an individual service
  • Ability to educate and motivate participants
  • Understand and be committed to working with diverse population and to Y character development 

Physical requirements:

  • Must be able to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time
  • Must be physically active to play games and sports with the children
  • Must be able to pick-up at least 35 pounds
  • Must have visual acuity to observe all children
  • Documentation of physical examination and TB skin test

We offer the following benefits: 

  • Competitive compensation
  • Free Y membership
  • 403(b) savings plan
  • Exciting and collaborative work environment
  • Ability to work with creative, talented and diverse individuals!

The YMCA of Metropolitan Washington is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to a workplace culture where all employees are treated with fairness and respect.

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