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Summer Day Camp Counselor Jobs in Riverside, IL (NOW HIRING)

Bensenville Park

Camp Counselor

Bensenville, IL · On-site

$15/hr

Counselors are expected to lead any of the camp activities named during a typical camp day. Depending on qualifications and experience counselors may be in one of these camps: Adventure Camp, Sports ...

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All JobsSummer Day Camp Counselor JobsSummer Day Camp Counselor Jobs in Riverside, IL

Summer Day Camp Counselor information

See Riverside, IL salary details

$7

$15

$22

How much do summer day camp counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer day camp counselor in Riverside, IL is $15.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.56 and $17.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 development, basic first aid/CPR certification, and experience working with children in recreational or educational settings. Familiarity with activity planning tools, safety protocols, and communication platforms is often required. Strong leadership, patience, creativity, and effective communication are essential soft skills to engage campers and foster a positive environment. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring camper safety, creating memorable experiences, and maintaining a well-organized camp atmosphere.

What are some common challenges faced by summer day camp counselors, and how can they be addressed?

Summer Day Camp Counselors often encounter challenges such as managing large groups of energetic children, handling unexpected behavioral issues, and adapting activities to varied interests and abilities. To address these challenges, counselors benefit from strong organizational skills, clear communication, and flexibility in their approach. Building rapport with campers and maintaining a positive, inclusive atmosphere can also help minimize conflicts and ensure a rewarding camp experience for everyone.

What is a summer day camp counselor?

Summer Day Camp Counselors are individuals responsible for supervising, engaging, and ensuring the safety of children at day camps during the summer months. They organize activities, lead games, provide guidance, and help campers develop social and personal skills. Counselors are also trained to handle emergencies, resolve conflicts, and create a fun and positive environment for all campers. This role typically requires strong communication skills, patience, and enthusiasm for working with children.

How are summer day camp counselors paid?

Summer day camp counselors are typically paid an hourly wage or a fixed weekly salary, often based on experience and qualifications. Payments are usually processed through direct deposit or checks, and some positions may include additional stipends for training or certifications such as CPR. Pay rates can vary depending on the camp and location, and counselors often work part-time during the summer season.

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

AspectSummer Day Camp CounselorSummer Camp Activity Specialist
Required CredentialsCPR/First Aid, background check, sometimes age or experience requirementsCPR/First Aid, specialized training in activities, background check
Work EnvironmentOutdoor and indoor camp settings, supervising childrenLeading specific activities or programs, often outdoors or in activity-specific spaces
Employer & Industry UsageSummer camps, youth programs, recreational organizationsSummer camps, recreational centers, youth activity programs
Common Search & Comparison IntentRoles involving child supervision and engagementRoles focused on leading specific activities or classes

While both roles involve working with children at summer camps, Summer Day Camp Counselors primarily supervise and ensure safety, whereas Summer Camp Activity Specialists focus on leading specific activities or programs. Both require CPR/First Aid and background checks, but specialists often have additional training in their activity area.

Can I be a summer day camp counselor with no experience?

Summer day camp counselor positions often do not require prior experience, as training is typically provided on the job. Employers look for qualities such as enthusiasm, responsibility, and the ability to work with children, and some roles may require a background check or basic certifications like CPR. Having relevant skills or experience in childcare or leadership can be helpful but is not always mandatory for entry-level positions.

How to get a job as a summer day camp counselor?

To become a summer day camp counselor, applicants typically need to be at least 16 years old, complete a background check, and obtain CPR or first aid certification. Relevant experience working with children, strong communication skills, and a positive attitude are also important for securing a position. Applying early and demonstrating enthusiasm for working with kids can improve chances of hiring.
What are popular job titles related to Summer Day Camp Counselor jobs in Riverside, IL? For Summer Day Camp Counselor jobs in Riverside, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Summer Day Camp Counselor jobs in Riverside, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Summer Day Camp Counselor jobs in Riverside, IL are:
What cities near Riverside, IL are hiring for Summer Day Camp Counselor jobs? Cities near Riverside, IL with the most Summer Day Camp Counselor job openings:
Summer Day Camp Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Summer Day Camp Counselor job openings in Riverside, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 27% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 16% Temporary, and 10% Summer. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,220 per year, or $16 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 15 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.

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