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Summer Program Counselor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

True Friends

Summer Camp Counselor

Sites, CA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.75/hr

Summer Camp Counselor - Multiple Locations amp ... Programs Join us in our mission to provide life-changing experiences that enhance independence and ...

PCC SACC

After School Counselor

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$24.50 - $26/hr

About the Role The After School Counselor provides supervision, guidance, and support to children ... Potential extension for Summer Program (Seasonal): Monday-Friday, approx. 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM This is ...

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Summer Program Counselor information

What is a summer program counselor?

Summer program counselors are individuals who supervise, mentor, and guide children or teenagers during summer camps or educational programs. Their responsibilities include planning and leading activities, ensuring the safety and well-being of participants, and fostering a positive and inclusive environment. They often serve as role models and help campers develop social, teamwork, and life skills throughout the program.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a summer program counselor?

To thrive as a Summer Program Counselor, you need experience working with children, a basic understanding of youth development, and often a high school diploma or higher. Familiarity with scheduling software, first aid certification, and recreational equipment is typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help counselors effectively engage participants and handle challenges. These skills and qualities are crucial for creating a safe, positive, and enriching environment where children can learn and grow.

What are common challenges faced by summer program counselors, and how can they be managed?

Summer Program Counselors often face challenges such as maintaining group engagement, managing diverse personalities, and balancing safety with fun activities. To effectively manage these, counselors should establish clear expectations, use creative problem-solving, and communicate openly with both participants and fellow staff. Relying on structured schedules and collaborating with co-counselors also helps ensure a positive, well-organized environment where everyone feels included and supported.

How to get a job as a summer program counselor?

To become a summer program counselor, applicants typically need to be at least 16 years old, have strong communication and leadership skills, and often complete background checks and certifications such as CPR or first aid. Relevant experience working with children or in educational settings can improve chances, and applying early through program websites or local community centers is recommended.

What are the most commonly searched types of Program Counselor jobs in California?

The most popular types of Program Counselor jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Summer Program Counselor jobs?

Cities in California with the most Summer Program Counselor job openings:

Summer Program Counselor jobs near you

PATHS Program Counselor

San Diego, CA

University of Rochester
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

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Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

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Learn more about University of Rochesterexternal

$17.50 - $22.79/hr

Per diem

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

187 Edinburgh St, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14608

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type:

Time as Reported / Per Diem

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

As Scheduled

Department:

210632 Psychology-MHFC

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:

UR URG 102 H

Compensation Range:

$17.50 - $22.79

The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Responsibilities:

PATHS Therapeutic After School Program Summer 2026, Mt. Hope Family Center
This program is a clinical intervention designed to build social skills and emotion identity and development with children ages 6-11 from the city of Rochester, some of whom have histories of complex trauma and/or behavioral challenges. Counselors work directly with the children developing and implementing the Promoting Alternative THinking Strategies (PATHS) skills curriculum and problem solving any needs that may arise.
Summer 2026, our program will run beginning with training on Tuesday June 23rd, Wednesday June 24th, and Thursday June 25th from 10am-5pm. Program will run on Tuesday, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10am-2pm and 1pm-5pm depending on your group assignment with additional time commitments before and after scheduled program times (sometimes as early as 8:30 am and as late as 6:30 pm). Program will run June 30th-August 13th.
Counselors must be able to commit to all days of training and program.
Program staff must have flexibility within these time frames. There may also be some remote work required to complete lesson plans on non-program days.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Work collaboratively with co-counselors to plan and implement classroom lesson utilizing the PATHS Curriculum for classroom of 6 assigned children. Includes managing behaviors, using behavior management and reward system to encourage development of positive social emotional habits and coping skills, as well as working collaboratively with program supervisor to support any crisis intervention events and to monitor any clinical concerns for program children.
  • Participate in group and individual supervision meetings with direct supervisor to problem solve classroom management, behavioral and co-counseling challenges.
  • Bus monitoring to support safe and efficient transportation of children to and from program, includes communicating with assistant program coordinator around transportation changes as well as Mt. Hope Family Center bus drivers to ensure adherence to bus rules and regulations (seat belt wearing, appropriate volume etc.)
  • Group lesson planning and preparation-must meet one time per week face to face with co-counselors in order to plan weekly lessons and classroom structure including preparation of any activity materials needed
  • Other duties as assigned.


MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

  • Highschool Diploma or GED
  • Or equivalent combination of education and experience


BACKGROUND CLEARANCE

  • Position will require OCFS and UR Compliance Office Background Clearance for work with minors

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

  • Preferred (but not required) valid NYS drivers license

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University's Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create - and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status,or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.

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