Overnight Summer Camp Counselor - Camp Marston

YMCA of San Diego County • Julian, CA

3d • $96 - $101 • Onsite

About The Position

The Overnight Camp Counselor is responsible for the constant supervision, safety, and positive development of a group of 8–12 campers ages 7–17. The counselor supervises campers in their sleeping quarters, teaches and leads engaging activities, enforces safety protocols and camp policies, and serves as a positive, approachable role model. Because this is a residential position, the counselor must live on-site for the full camp session and remain available and responsive to immediate camper needs, emergencies, and unforeseen situations. The counselor helps maintain a welcoming, genuine, and nurturing environment for campers and guests and contributes to a supportive staff team.

The position pays $573.12–$623.10 per week, with a stated daily equivalent of approximately $95.52–$101.18. It is exempt from overtime under the organized-camp counselor provision described in the posting. Free on-site meals are included, and on-site housing is provided with a weekly housing cost deducted from pay. The schedule is six days per week. Mandatory staff training is May 27, 2027, and the summer camp session runs June 6 through August 7, 2027.

Requirements

• High school diploma/GED, or training that ensures the ability to read and write at the level necessary for successful job performance.
• At least six months of experience working with children ages 7–17 in a day camp, resident camp, overnight camp, or similar setting.
• Visual and auditory ability and physical capacity to identify, assess, and respond effectively to critical incidents and emergencies.
• Ability to observe participant activities, enforce safety regulations, and apply camp policies and procedures to mitigate risk.
• Physical ability to lead and participate in group activities and to stand, walk, hike, and/or climb for extended periods, often outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Ability to plan, organize, and prepare materials and spaces for daily activities so sessions start on time and run smoothly.
• Excellent verbal communication skills and a warm, approachable demeanor when interacting with children, parents/guardians, and community members.
• Ability to serve as a positive, mature, and enthusiastic role model, demonstrating integrity, responsibility, and good sportsmanship.
• Ability to work cooperatively within a staff team, take direction, and contribute positively to camp culture.
• Ability to live on-site for the full program season and maintain professional standards in shared staff and camper areas at all times.
• Staff must be fingerprinted before reporting to work, with subsequent arrest notifications.
• CPR and First Aid certification from the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or American Safety & Health Institute is required within 30 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Assume full, 24-hour responsibility for a cabin group of 8–12 children ages 7–17, including evenings, overnights, mealtimes, transitions, and activity periods; respond quickly to camper needs, emergencies, and unforeseen situations.
• Participate enthusiastically in camp activities, encourage camper participation, and adapt instruction to diverse skill levels and needs.
• Plan and prepare assigned activities in advance, ensuring materials are ready, areas are safe, and sessions meet established learning or recreational goals.
• Use effective teaching and leadership techniques to provide quality instruction and lead engaging, age-appropriate activities.
• Enforce camp safety rules and operating procedures and implement emergency procedures when necessary.
• Use sound judgment and conservative decision-making to prioritize campers’ physical and emotional safety; manage behavior proactively and constructively and mediate conflicts.
• Serve as a positive, enthusiastic role model by demonstrating maturity, good sportsmanship, and responsible behavior.
• Help maintain clean facilities, care for and inventory equipment and supplies, and steward the natural environment.
• Participate in general camp chores, which may include cleaning assigned cabins and bathrooms, assisting with evening programs and special events, and contributing to larger projects as requested by the Program Director.
• Work cooperatively with camp counselors, directors, and support staff and contribute to a positive staff culture.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Free on-site meals.
• On-site housing is provided; a weekly housing cost is deducted from the paycheck.
• Employee perks are referenced through the YMCA of San Diego County employee benefits link, but specific additional benefits are not listed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED