Summer Camp Counselor Jobs
Summer Camp Counselor jobs are open across residential camps, day camps, and nonprofit youth programs, at every level from first-time counselor to senior lead and program director, with specializations in outdoor education, special needs support, and arts and athletics instruction. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Showing 5 of 286+ Summer Camp Counselor jobs
Our Leader of the pack supervises our canine guests in an action-packed, fast-paced, play environment, focusing on each dog’s personality, fun and group safety. If you are focused on delivering 5-star service to our human and furry guests and looking out for their health, well-being, comfort, and overall happiness then this is the job for you!!
We are an employee-owned and operated (ESOP) company. We currently have over 80 locations in twenty-six states coast-to-coast and have been in business for thirty years.
If you are looking for a company in which you can learn and grow, our countrywide, well-established pet care facility may be the perfect place for you!
Responsibilities:
- Actively oversees dog pack in social play environment, is functional pack leader.
- Observes behavior and manages safety for all.
- Ability to create play groups based on dog personalities and play styles.
- Set up and close yard based on resort policies. (Sanitize, clean, scoop, breakdown pools, etc)
- Actively encourages beneficial interaction between pets and continually monitors pet activity. This includes actively playing with guests.
- Cleans/sanitizes all items at end of day and/or during day.
- Supports philosophy of Best Friends Pet Care while working with a team to collaborate constructively.
- Treats clients, guests and coworkers in a professional, courteous manner; greets all clients/guests encountered while performing work duties.
- Reports items in low supply to management.
- Follows all safe handling and day camp procedures.
Day range:
- We ask that you are available for day, evening, weekends and holidays.
Education:
- High School Graduate or Equivalent
Experience:
- Minimum of 1-year dog handling experience.
Physical:
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Must be able to lift 40 pounds.
- Must be able to be on feet for full shift.
- Must be able to stand, walk frequently.
- Must be able to bend, stoop and squat.
- Must be able to follow specific instructions.
- Must be able to multitask.
- Must be able to work on computer system and complete written reports
- Must be able to handle dogs of all sizes on leashes.
- Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment with time deadlines for completion.
- Must be able to perform all tasks unsupervised as well as with team members.
- Must be able to work in an environment with exposure to disinfectant/sanitation chemicals, animal dander and excretions.
Personal:
- Must possess a love of animals.
- Must be comfortable with animals jumping on you.
- Must be comfortable with and able to work around pet dander, bodily fluids, pet hair, etc.
- Displays a professional manner at all times.
- Must have dominant dog behavior skills.
- Must be willing to learn and open to corrective criticism.
Our Leader of the pack supervises our canine guests in an action-packed, fast-paced, play environment, focusing on each dog’s personality, fun and group safety. If you are focused on delivering 5-star service to our human and furry guests and looking out for their health, well-being, comfort, and overall happiness then this is the job for you!!
We are an employee-owned and operated (ESOP) company. We currently have over 80 locations in twenty-six states coast-to-coast and have been in business for thirty years.
If you are looking for a company in which you can learn and grow, our countrywide, well-established pet care facility may be the perfect place for you!
Responsibilities:
- Actively oversees dog pack in social play environment, is functional pack leader.
- Observes behavior and manages safety for all.
- Ability to create play groups based on dog personalities and play styles.
- Set up and close yard based on resort policies. (Sanitize, clean, scoop, breakdown pools, etc)
- Actively encourages beneficial interaction between pets and continually monitors pet activity. This includes actively playing with guests.
- Cleans/sanitizes all items at end of day and/or during day.
- Supports philosophy of Best Friends Pet Care while working with a team to collaborate constructively.
- Treats clients, guests and coworkers in a professional, courteous manner; greets all clients/guests encountered while performing work duties.
- Reports items in low supply to management.
- Follows all safe handling and day camp procedures.
Day range:
- We ask that you are available for day, evening, weekends and holidays.
Education:
- High School Graduate or Equivalent
Experience:
- Minimum of 1-year dog handling experience.
Physical:
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Must be able to lift 40 pounds.
- Must be able to be on feet for full shift.
- Must be able to stand, walk frequently.
- Must be able to bend, stoop and squat.
- Must be able to follow specific instructions.
- Must be able to multitask.
- Must be able to work on computer system and complete written reports
- Must be able to handle dogs of all sizes on leashes.
- Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment with time deadlines for completion.
- Must be able to perform all tasks unsupervised as well as with team members.
- Must be able to work in an environment with exposure to disinfectant/sanitation chemicals, animal dander and excretions.
Personal:
- Must possess a love of animals.
- Must be comfortable with animals jumping on you.
- Must be comfortable with and able to work around pet dander, bodily fluids, pet hair, etc.
- Displays a professional manner at all times.
- Must have dominant dog behavior skills.
- Must be willing to learn and open to corrective criticism.
See All 286+ Summer Camp Counselor Jobs
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Find Summer Camp Counselor JobsSummer Camp Counselor Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Steve & Kate's Camp37
- Girl Scouts of the USA20
- YMCA18
- Life Time11
- River Crossing YMCA6
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in summer camp counselor jobs.
- Current CPR and First Aid certification from a recognized provider
- Experience working directly with children or youth in a structured setting
- Ability to live on-site and maintain supervision responsibilities around the clock
- Strong communication and conflict resolution skills for camper and staff interactions
- Completion of or enrollment in an education, recreation, or social work degree program
- Proficiency in one or more specialty areas such as archery, swimming, or visual arts
Tips for Your Summer Camp Counselor Job Search
Highlight certifications on your resume
Employers prioritize CPR, First Aid, and lifeguard certifications. List them prominently near the top of your resume so hiring managers spot them immediately. If yours are expired, renew them before you apply, as many camps won't consider candidates without current credentials.
Tailor your application to each camp's specialty
A wilderness adventure camp and a performing arts camp want very different counselors. Read each job description carefully and mirror its language. If they emphasize trauma-informed care, use that phrase when describing your relevant experience with youth populations.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists summer camp counselor openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Prepare specific behavior-based interview stories
Interviewers ask how you've handled homesick campers, conflicts between kids, or emergencies. Prepare two or three concrete situations from past experience with youth, sports, tutoring, or babysitting. Vague answers about 'loving kids' won't distinguish you from other candidates.
Get a background check on file early
Most camps require a state or federal background check before your start date. Starting the process yourself before an offer speeds up onboarding significantly. Ask the hiring manager which screening service they use so your paperwork matches their requirements exactly.
Follow up after your interview with a specific note
Send a follow-up email within 24 hours that references a specific activity or program you discussed. Mentioning something concrete, like the ropes course you're excited to co-facilitate, signals genuine enthusiasm and helps the hiring team remember you over other applicants.
Summer Camp Counselor Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most summer camp counselors?
The companies hiring the most summer camp counselors right now include Steve & Kate's Camp, Girl Scouts of the USA, and YMCA, with the largest share of openings in California, Texas, and North Carolina, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Openings at larger camp networks tend to post earlier in the season, so checking listings frequently gives you the best selection.
How many summer camp counselor jobs are remote?
About 2% of summer camp counselor openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting that most counselor roles require on-site, in-person presence with campers. Administrative roles, curriculum coordinators, and virtual tutoring programs within camp organizations are the sub-areas most likely to offer any remote flexibility.
How do you become a summer camp counselor?
Start by earning CPR and First Aid certification, since nearly every camp requires it before your first day. Build direct experience with children through volunteering, coaching, tutoring, or babysitting. Then apply to entry-level counselor roles that match your specialty, whether that is outdoor adventure, arts, athletics, or special needs support. Many camps hire candidates with strong youth experience even without a college degree.
Can you get hired as a summer camp counselor with little or no experience?
Yes, many camps hire first-time counselors if you can demonstrate responsibility and genuine enthusiasm for working with kids. Volunteering with youth organizations, coaching a sport, or leading after-school programs all count as relevant experience even if none were formal camp jobs. Smaller day camps and community programs are often more open to candidates early in their careers than large residential programs.
What does the summer camp counselor interview process look like?
Most camps conduct a phone or video screening first, followed by an in-person or virtual interview with a program director. You'll typically be asked behavior-based questions about how you've handled conflict, emergencies, or homesick children. Some camps require a reference check or background screening before extending an offer. The full process usually moves quickly because camps operate on tight seasonal timelines.
Where can I find and apply to summer camp counselor jobs?
You can find and apply to summer camp counselor jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from camps across the United States. Search for roles that match your specialty, location preference, and availability, then apply directly to each listing that fits. Checking back regularly helps you catch new postings as camps open up positions throughout the hiring season.
See All 286+ Summer Camp Counselor Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Summer Camp Counselor Jobs