What does a Camp Counselor do?
Camp counselors plan, organize, implement, and lead age-appropriate activities for children. Activities generally include arts and crafts, sports, nature, songs, and an element of education. Aside from leading children through activities, camp counselors are also responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of campers. Camp counselors usually have a knack for creating an accepting, positive, and wholesome environment.
Camp counselors must have a high school diploma or general education degree (GED). In addition, most camp counselors must be CPR and AED certified, have completed some first aid training, and can pass a background check. Most people working as camp counselors do so seasonally, usually during the summer. The best camp counselors have a passion for working with children, strong communication skills, and are able to multi-task.
- Ensure a group of assigned campers is supervised and safe
- Utilize appropriate behavior management techniques
- Prepare and lead a variety of activities that are age-appropriate
- Model good behavior for campers as it relates to sportsmanship, manners, and respectfulness
- Identify teachable moments and capitalize on them
- Perform all responsibilities in a manner that guarantees the safety of campers
- Facilitate and encourage participation in camp activities
- Interact with parents in a professional and polite manner
- High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required
- 1 year of experience supervising and working with children, preferably as a camp counselor or teacher
- Certification in CPR and AED
- First aid skills and training
- Ability to pass a background check
- General mobility including, but not limited, to walking, kneeling, and standing
- Proven ability to maintain a safe environment for others in adherence with provided protocol and standards
- Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, and lead activities for large groups of children
- Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
How much does a Camp Counselor make?
Camp Counselor Career Path
Learn how to become a Camp Counselor, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Camp Counselor Insights
“If there are no groups there is no pay long hours its remote no signal no wifi”
City of Oviedo, FL“Might be good for someone who had another job and needed a part time schedule maybe.”
Greater Philadelphia YMCA“It was a fun and welcoming environment and I got to help a lot of kids.”
Geneva Park District“I met some great people through this job and have enjoyed every summer working here.”
Wisconsin Lions Camp“This position taught me so many valuable life lessons and helped me get a full time teaching position.”
Deerkill Day Camp“Pay is good for camp but not same as retail; can be tiring at times.”
Mohawk Country Day School“Pay was decent but could have been better for the hours that were worked at the camp.”
Decathlon“You will enjoy the work but at last you will know that your work life balance is going worse.”
Frequently asked questions about the roles and responsibilities of a Camp Counselor
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