1

Teen Summer Camp Counselor Jobs in Ridgefield, WA

Description Summer Camp Lead Teacher About Friendly House Friendly House creates a thriving community by connecting people of all ages and backgrounds through quality educational, recreational, and ...

Summer Camp Lead Teacher About Friendly House Friendly House creates a thriving community by connecting people of all ages and backgrounds through quality educational, recreational, and life ...

Job Type Temporary Description Summer Camp Lead Teacher About Friendly House Friendly House creates a thriving community by connecting people of all ages and backgrounds through quality educational ...

2026 Summer Camp Staff

Portland, OR

$14.75 - $19.25/hr

Hood, Oregon Coast, and more We're hiring summer camp staff to join our team at 4 amazing resident camps! Roles include program instructors, wranglers, lifeguards, kitchen staff, medics, and more

Ability to work effectively with children and teens in a group setting * Strong communication ... Previous camp counselor or youth coaching experience * CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness ...

Ability to work effectively with children and teens in a group setting * Strong communication ... Previous camp counselor or youth coaching experience * CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness ...

STEAM Camp Facilitator

Portland, OR · On-site

$14.75 - $19.25/hr

Girls Inc. of the Pacific Northwest (GIPNW) is seeking Summer Camp Facilitators for our Eureka! STEM program, in Portland, OR. Girls Inc. is a non-profit organization whose gender-specific and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Teen Summer Camp Counselor information

See Ridgefield, WA salary details

$8

$16

$23

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

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for teen summer camp counselor in Ridgefield, WA is $16.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $18.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Teen Summer Camp Counselor Do?

As a teen summer camp counselor, your responsibilities are to supervise teen campers during a summer camp experience. Your specific duties in this position may vary depending on the theme of the camp. You interact with campers during the program, ensure safety and participation, and help with personal development during camp. You may also organize and direct activities that meet the interests and goals of campers that you supervise.

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

To thrive as a Teen Summer Camp Counselor, you need a background in youth development, leadership, and basic first aid, often supplemented by CPR certification or prior camp experience. Familiarity with camp management systems, activity planning tools, and safety protocols is also valuable. Strong communication, patience, and problem-solving skills are essential for effectively guiding and supporting teenagers in dynamic group environments. These skills ensure a safe, engaging, and positive camp experience for all participants.

What are some common challenges Teen Summer Camp Counselors face, and how can they effectively handle them?

Teen Summer Camp Counselors often encounter challenges such as managing group dynamics, addressing homesickness, and ensuring camper safety during activities. Effective counselors use strong communication and conflict-resolution skills to foster a positive group environment and support campers emotionally. Staying organized and working closely with co-counselors and supervisors helps ensure a smooth daily schedule and quick response to any issues that arise. Proactive planning and being approachable are key to building trust with teens and creating a memorable camp experience.

What are Teen Summer Camp Counselors?

Teen Summer Camp Counselors are responsible for supervising and mentoring campers, typically ranging from children to young teens, during summer camp sessions. They help create a safe, fun, and inclusive environment by leading activities, resolving conflicts, and ensuring campers follow camp rules. Counselors also serve as role models, provide guidance, and assist with daily routines such as meals and group events. Their main goal is to ensure campers have a positive, memorable experience while developing social skills and confidence.

How do I become a summer camp counselor?

To become a summer camp counselor, applicants typically need to be at least 16 or 18 years old, depending on the camp, and often require a background check and CPR certification. Relevant skills include leadership, communication, and the ability to work with children, with many camps providing training before the summer season.

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

AspectTeen Summer Camp CounselorCamp Activity Specialist
CredentialsHigh school diploma; CPR/First Aid certifications often preferredRelevant certifications depending on activity (e.g., lifeguard, sports coach)
Work EnvironmentOutdoor camp settings working with teensSpecific activity areas, often outdoors or indoor recreation spaces
Employer & IndustrySummer camps, youth programs

While both roles involve working with youth in camp settings, Teen Summer Camp Counselors focus on supervising and mentoring teens, whereas Camp Activity Specialists lead specific activities or sports. The roles often overlap in certifications and outdoor environments, but their primary responsibilities differ.

What cities near Ridgefield, WA are hiring for Teen Summer Camp Counselor jobs? Cities near Ridgefield, WA with the most Teen Summer Camp Counselor job openings:
Infographic showing various Teen Summer Camp Counselor job openings in Ridgefield, WA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Full Time, 37% Part Time, and 38% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,060 per year, or $16.9 per hour.
Summer Camp Counselor at The Hangout PDX!

Summer Camp Counselor at The Hangout PDX!

Portland Preschool of the Arts & The Hangout PDX

Portland, OR • On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Be Seen First

After you apply to this job, you can share why you’re interested to jump to the top of the candidate list.


Job description

Job description

Looking for five amazing humans to be Summer Camp Counselors at The Hangout PDX Art Program! (K–5)

We’re a hands-on art program looking for enthusiastic, creative, and reliable Summer Camp Counselors to join us in providing a fun, engaging experience for elementary-aged children (Kindergarten through 5th grade). This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working with kids, stays calm under pressure, and is excited to actively participate in art projects, play, and daily camp life.

Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM 
Dates: June 12th through August 22nd (with a scheduled break from June 29th–July 3rd)
Pay: $18.00–$22.00 per hour, depending on experience

What You’ll Do:

  • assist with creative, age-appropriate art activities
  • Supervise and actively engage with campers throughout the day
  • Foster a safe, positive, and inclusive environment
  • Help manage transitions, behavior, and group dynamics with patience and consistency
  • Maintain and clean shared spaces daily—art projects and working with kids can get a little “icky,” so being comfortable with hands-on cleanup is a must
  • Contribute to a magical camp experience for our campers and their families!

What We’re Looking For:

  • A “cool cucumber” attitude—calm, patient, and flexible in a busy camp setting
  • A genuine love for working with children and a willingness to stay active and engaged with them
  • Comfort with daily cleaning tasks and maintaining a tidy, safe environment
  • Current Central Background Registry (CBR) number
  • Current CPR and First Aid certification
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills (We are here to have fun) 
  • Must have prior experience working with kids

Additional Information:

  • This seasonal position may lead to an employment opportunity with our K-5 After-school Arts program for up to three of our summer hires, based on performance and program needs
  • All staff must attend an all-employee meeting on Friday, June 12th to review expectations, policies, and procedures
  • Monthly staff meetings are scheduled for July 6th and August 3rd from 3:00–4:30 PM

If you’re creative, dependable, and ready to make a positive impact through art and play, we’d love to hear from you! Apply today at Hangout@thehangoutpdx.com. 

Holding in person interviews May 15th, May 16th, &  May 17th, 2026

Company Description

We are a small community based ART program that offers families a safe place for their children after they are done with their school day most of the year and during the summer we look for camp counselor's to join our team.