ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Summer Day Camp Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Ferndale

Summer Day Camp Counselor

Ferndale, MI · On-site

$16/hr

The Ferndale Parks and Recreation Department is seeking positive, dynamic, and responsible individuals to join its state-licensed Summer Day Camp program as Camp Counselors. Counselors will oversee ...

City of Ferndale

Summer Day Camp Counselor

Ferndale, MI · On-site

$16/hr

The Ferndale Parks and Recreation Department is seeking positive, dynamic, and responsible individuals to join its state-licensed Summer Day Camp program as Camp Counselors. Counselors will oversee ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSummer Day Camp Jobs

Summer Day Camp information

See salary details

$7

$15

$22

How much do summer day camp jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer day camp in the United States is $15.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a summer day camp?

A summer day camp is a program designed for children and teenagers to participate in various recreational and educational activities during the summer months. Unlike overnight camps, day camps operate during daytime hours, allowing campers to return home each evening. Activities may include sports, arts and crafts, games, swimming, field trips, and educational workshops. These camps help children develop social skills, build confidence, and stay active while school is out. Summer day camps are often organized by community centers, schools, or private organizations.

What is the difference between Summer Day Camp vs Summer Camp Counselor?

AspectSummer Day CampSummer Camp Counselor
Required CredentialsVaries; often high school diploma or equivalentHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications like CPR often preferred
Work EnvironmentDaytime, outdoor or indoor camp settings, typically localSame as Summer Day Camp; direct supervision of children in outdoor or indoor activities
Employer & Industry UsageRecreational, educational, or community organizationsRecreational, educational, or community organizations
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both Summer Day Camp and Summer Camp Counselor roles involve working with children in outdoor or indoor settings during summer. While credentials are similar, counselors often require certifications like CPR. Both positions are common in recreational and community organizations, focusing on providing engaging activities for kids during summer months.

What are some common challenges faced by staff working at a summer day camp, and how can they be managed?

Staff at summer day camps often encounter challenges such as managing large groups of energetic children, addressing diverse needs, and ensuring safety in dynamic environments. Balancing supervision with engaging activity facilitation requires strong communication and adaptability. Building rapport with campers and collaborating closely with fellow staff members helps create a positive atmosphere and makes it easier to handle unexpected situations. Regular training sessions and clear protocols are essential for maintaining safety and providing support, especially when dealing with behavioral issues or emergencies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Summer Day Camp Counselor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Summer Day Camp Counselor, you need a background in child supervision, basic first aid skills, and experience in recreational or educational activities, often supported by a high school diploma or higher. Familiarity with safety protocols, activity planning software, and certifications like CPR/First Aid are typically required. Strong communication, leadership, patience, and teamwork skills help counselors manage groups and foster a positive environment. These competencies are crucial for ensuring camper safety, delivering engaging programs, and supporting a fun, inclusive camp experience.
More about Summer Day Camp jobs
What cities are hiring for Summer Day Camp jobs? Cities with the most Summer Day Camp job openings:
What states have the most Summer Day Camp jobs? States with the most job openings for Summer Day Camp jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Summer Day Camp jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Summer Day Camp jobs are:
Summer Day Camp jobs near you
Infographic showing various Summer Day Camp job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 52% Full Time, 37% Part Time, 6% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 89% Physical, 10% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,041 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

Summer Day Camp Counselor

YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

$17.90/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

South Side YMCA is hiring Summer Day Camp Counselors for Summer 2026!
At the Y, we create an exciting, safe camp environment for kids and staff to have an unforgettable summer. While campers are taking part in in unique experiences and adventures, our Summer Day Camp Counselors are developing leadership skills and confidence while making lasting friendships and memories.
Pay starts at $17.90 per hour, Monday-Friday schedule
The Summer Day Camp Counselor serves as a professional role model for our campers by leading through example and guiding campers through recreational activities that teach life skills, encourage healthy and safe behaviors and create a positive camper experience. The Summer Camp Counselor ensures that each youth has adequate supervision including ensuring that no youth is unsupervised at any time.
Our staff is the Y's greatest asset. Our teams provide valuable skills, knowledge, and passion that is essential to the contribution and positive impact in our communities, which is why we offer Y employees numerous perks and benefits, including:
  • Competitive salaries reflecting your skills and experience.
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees, plus wellness programs, mental health resources, and a family gym membership.
  • Generous PTO and paid holidays, with flexible work hours for work-life balance.
  • 403(b) plan with company contributions for eligible employees after 2 years of service.
  • Continuous learning opportunities through workshops and training programs.
  • Supportive work environment valuing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  • Discounts on programs, employee assistance programs, and company-sponsored events.

As a Summer Day Camp Counselor, you are responsible to:
  • Promote the YMCA, provide excellent customer service and create an outstanding camper experience for children, parents and families.
  • Lead recreational activities with campers, including but not limited to arts and crafts, sports, social recreation, nature hikes, archery, and other games and hobbies
  • Instruct campers using various teaching methods and modifies activities as needed to ensure that campers of all ages and experience levels are engaged
  • Teach socially acceptable behaviors to campers by serving as a role model and by using age-appropriate positive reinforcement and behavior management strategies
  • Communicate consistently with supervisors, team leaders, unit leaders and other team members to ensure everyone is kept abreast of camp activities and schedule
  • Supports camp activities as assigned by supervisor, including any specialty camp activities
  • Ensures the physical and emotional health and safety of campers by being safety conscious, following all established YMCA standards and critically evaluating situations for potential risks
  • Ensures compliance with established rules and regulations to ensure safety
  • Monitors campers and counselors and provides corrective coaching and intervention as necessary
  • Set-up facilities and/or equipment for activities and stores equipment appropriately after use and work to keep camp facilities clean at all times

What do you need to be a Summer Day Camp Counselor?
  • A commitment to and a passion for working with diverse youth
  • Enjoy being outdoors, are creative and not afraid to work and play hard
  • Your experience in camping, childcare, education, recreation, sports or related is a plus but not required
  • You will be 18 years of age or older by the start of camp
  • Excellent verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly and concisely present ideas and concepts and tailor communication to multiple audiences
  • Passion for working with diverse youth and ability to provide a high-quality of instruction using age-appropriate practices
  • Proven ability to establish constructive relationships and interact as a positive role model
  • Continuous learner who leverages opportunities for learning and applies new knowledge and skills
  • Meets physical qualifications required as outlined in job description
  • The YMCA will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities

Child Abuse Prevention - Supports the YMCA's commitment to child abuse prevention by:
  • Reporting any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members or guests to your supervisor
  • Following all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children
  • Reporting any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor
  • Completing all child abuse prevention training as required

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Apply