Summer Day Camp Counselor-University: Competitive Pay & Growth Opportunity

If you’re seeking a role where you can make a true impact on young people while gaining valuable experience, the Summer Day Camp Counselor-University role stands out.

This full-time, seasonal opportunity offers competitive hourly pay ranging from $21.30 to $22.50 depending on experience, and is open to applicants aged 16 and older.

Counselors work flexible shifts, Monday through Friday, between 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM for 30-40 hours weekly, with excellent perks like a free YMCA membership and paid training for core certifications.

What to Expect: Daily Work Overview

As a Summer Day Camp Counselor, you’ll be co-leading groups of 10-15 kids, helping them develop and have fun through games, crafts, STEM, and more.

You’ll be responsible for ensuring every camper’s safety and experience, implementing activities that encourage participation and learning.

Following all policies, you’ll manage everything from health and discipline to communicating details effectively with parents and caregivers.

Counselors also help keep equipment safe and organized, attend team meetings, and sometimes lend a hand with other essential tasks as needed.

This role is ideal for adaptable candidates keen on teamwork, youth engagement, and a fast-paced but rewarding environment.

Job Perks: What You’ll Appreciate

Counselors gain free access to YMCA facilities and services, including mental health resources and up to 50% discounts on select programs.

Paid time off accrues rapidly, helping you maintain a healthy work-life balance even in the busy summer months.

The environment is supportive and inclusive, built on the YMCA core values: respect, responsibility, honesty, caring, and excellence.

You’ll also receive extensive paid onsite training, including First Aid and CPR certification, enabling professional development for future roles.

Things to Consider: Challenges in the Role

The work is active and can be physically demanding, requiring you to be on your feet, lift up to 20 pounds, and be alert to camper needs throughout the day.

Responsibility is high, as you are trusted with health, safety, and the positive development of multiple campers at once, requiring a strong sense of accountability.

Compliance with policies, training requirements, and sometimes providing proof of immunization or passing background checks is required.

Scheduling varies and may not fit everyone, since shifts can run across most of the day, but this also means you never face monotonous days.

Verdict: Should You Apply?

I highly recommend the Summer Day Camp Counselor-University role to students, recent graduates, or anyone seeking purposeful work with room for personal and professional growth.

The position combines a competitive pay range, hands-on leadership experience, strong benefits, and the satisfaction of serving youth and the community in a meaningful way.

If you enjoy teamwork, look for a positive workplace culture, and want to build skills that transfer into many future careers, this is a rare seasonal opportunity to consider.