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

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Summer Day Camp Counselor information

See Riverside, IL salary details

$7

$15

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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:
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 Camp Substitute Counselor - Evanston

Steve & Kate's Camp

Evanston, IL • On-site

$15.50 - $18/hr

Other

Re-posted 27 days ago


Steve & Kate’s Camp rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 59 rated activity centers and activity clubs


Job description

Job Details

Location: 1574 Sherman Ave., Evanston, IL 60201
 
Camp Dates: 6/15/2026 (Mon) - 8/7/2026 (Fri) - (additionally, one weekend to set up, one weekend to breakdown, and an orientation date)
 
Camp Hours: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm (actual shifts will vary)
 
Hourly Wage: The hourly rate for this position is $15.50 - $18.00 per hour. The pay range listed here is what Steve & Kate's Camp in good faith anticipates offering for this job opening.  Actual compensation offers within this range will depend on experience and other relevant business or organizational factors.

At Steve & Kate's, we put radical trust in kids so that they learn to trust themselves. Campers choose minute-to-minute how to spend their time because making decisions today helps to build the self-confidence they’ll need to wrangle unknowns tomorrow. We value empowering our staff to be their whole authentic selves because everyone in our community needs to feel included!  Sound like something you can get behind? If so, we're looking for team members who are motivated babysitters, teachers, coaches, students, athletes, artists, and anyone ready to play hard and be goofy. As a Steve & Kate’s staff member, you’ll sharpen your inherent leadership skills, learn some new ones, and collaborate with interesting people, all while immersing yourself in creativity and play.

Job Responsibilities

Staff members will be responsible for facilitating activities, making connections, and monitoring safety and wellness.  Some staff members will create and/or oversee activity spaces in which campers will self-select activities, while other staff will work in rotating support roles throughout camp.  The best way to find out what your specific responsibilities would be is to speak with your local director, but activities include sewing, stop-motion animation, maker space, performing arts, arts and crafts, lounging, recreation, and so much more!

Additional Job Responsibilities

  • Actively supervising campers
  • Maintaining an organized and approachable activity space
  • Ensure compliance with Camp Policies
  • Reporting & Recording details of notable concerns or incidents, and of injuries to campers, other staff members, or self
  • Keeping track and being aware of camper allergies and dietary restrictions
  • adding daily updates and photos to campers’ profiles

How do you know if you’re the right candidate? 

  • Does the idea of guiding kids while they make decisions for themselves excite you?
  • Are you calm under pressure and able to calm those around you?
  • Are you comfortable leading groups of kids on your own while still collaborating with a team?
  • Do you have the stamina to keep up (literally) with 4-12 year old’s bursting with energy and creative potential? And, can you bench press a kindergartener (just kidding -- can you lift up to 40 pounds)?
  • Are you passionate about sharing your knowledge & learning something new (even if a third grade is doing the teaching)?

Job Requirements

  • At least 16 years of age 
  • Minimum of 2 months experience working with camp–age children, with 1 year preferred, in either a professional, personal or volunteer setting. 
  • First Aid & CPR certified prior to Day 1 of Camp (some locations may require additional certifications)
  • By applying and accepting an offer, you are giving Steve & Kate's permission to email or text you.
  • You may be asked to chaperone campers on an off-site Field Trip where locations demand.
Physical Requirements

This position requires the employee to comply with all applicable federal, state, local, Steve & Kate's Camp, Bright Horizons’, and client site requirements concerning immunizations, employment physical/screening, and health and safety training. If hired, you will work in person in a schooled-aged camp setting to provide supervision, care, program delivery, and services per Steve & Kate's Camp and Bright Horizons’ policies, procedures and guidance, in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations, and in a manner that will ensure the safety of children in Steve & Kate's Camp's care and the employee. 
Steve & Kate's Camp and Bright Horizons comply with all laws that require reasonable accommodations for qualifying disabilities and/or pregnancy-related limitations. The full set of physical requirements for this role are as follows:

  • Maintain and follow all safety and health rules of the location.
  • Organize and maintain clean and accessible activity spaces.
  • Assist in camp set-up and breakdown during move-in and out weekends.
  • Stand for long periods while supervising children and facilitating activities.
  • Participate in athletic games.
Benefits:
  • Where local regulations mandate, this position is eligible for sick time.
Deadline to Apply: This posting is anticipated to remain open until April 15, 2026. 

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