Summer Camp Counselor - Seasonal (Part or Full Time)

TURN YOUR SUMMER INTO SOMETHING EXTRAORDINARY – BECOME A SEASONAL CAMP COUNSELOR WITH KIDS IN THE GAME!

Empower Staff, Inspire Campers, and Build a Summer That Matters.

Kids in the Game provides unforgettable day camp experiences for hundreds of New York children across Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and now Westchester & Jersey City! When you join the Kids in the Game summer camp leadership cohort, you’ll be part of a dynamic team of Camp Directors, Assistant Directors, and 275+ coaches running outstanding programming at our 13 summer day camps.

THE KIDS IN THE GAME SUMMER CAMP EXPERIENCE

Kids in the Game camps are where sports, creativity, and community come together to shape confident, compassionate, and connected kids. Every summer, our camps across New York City, Westchester & Jersey City bring together diverse groups of children to explore new sports, build friendships, develop positive social skills, and learn how to be part of a team. Our camps offer kids a uniquely designed blend of sports and games, arts and crafts, STEM enrichment, field trips, swim activities, theme weeks, and all-camp special events to make every week the highlight of a child's summer.
Our team of camp leaders, specialists, and counselors create an environment where every child feels seen, supported, and inspired to try something new. We believe camp is more than a summer activity — it’s a place where kids discover who they are and who they can become.
As a Certified B Corporation, we're also on a mission to positively impact the lives of all of our stakeholders - campers, families, staff, community members, and our partners. We’re looking for Camp Counselors who want to be positive role models, build emotional intelligence, boost confidence, create inclusive communities, and help bring high-quality camp experiences to kids across NYC, Westchester and Jersey City..

Your Leadership Can Change the Game — Join Kids in the Game This Summer.

Camp Counselor ROLE & KEY TASKS
As a Camp Counselor, you will report to your Division Leader and Camp Leadership Team and work closely with fellow counselors and specialists to supervise campers and deliver engaging daily programming. This role is rooted in youth development, teamwork, and hands-on engagement. Camp Counselors lead activities, support camper social-emotional growth, manage group dynamics, and model positive behavior throughout the camp day. You are a consistent presence for campers—helping them feel included, confident, and excited to come to camp each morning.
Camp Counselors are expected to be active participants in camp life, jumping into games, supporting transitions, collaborating with staff, and contributing to a positive camp culture grounded in Kids in the Game’s mission and values.
The sites and addresses are:
~ You must be able to arrive by 7:45am daily via public transportation or personal transportation (car) and stay on-site until 4:15pm daily (and until 5:30pm twice per week to support after care activities).
The Camp Counselor’s responsibilities include:
Positivity: As a Camp Counselor, you bring energy, enthusiasm, and optimism to each day, regardless of weather, schedule changes, or unexpected challenges. You encourage campers through praise, motivation, and growth-focused language, helping them build confidence and resilience. By showing up with a positive attitude and a willingness to engage, you help create a fun, upbeat camp culture where campers and staff feel excited, supported, and proud to participate.
Camp Counselors demonstrate patience, understanding, and compassion when working with campers of different ages, backgrounds, and needs. By supporting campers’ emotional development and social learning alongside physical activity and play, you help create an environment where children feel safe, understood, and valued.
Commitment: Camp Counselors show up prepared, punctual, and reliable for all scheduled shifts, trainings, and responsibilities. You fully commit to required pre-summer training sessions, both virtual and on-site, and maintain consistency in behavior expectations, camper supervision, and group management throughout the season.
Ambition: Camp Counselors seek opportunities to grow as leaders, mentors, and youth development professionals. You are open to feedback, coaching, and guidance from Camp Directors and Leadership, and you take initiative in planning activities, solving problems, and supporting team needs. Inclusivity: Camp Counselors create a welcoming environment where all campers feel safe, respected, and included. By modeling inclusive language, behavior, and teamwork, you help foster a camp community where every child feels they belong.
Camper Supervision & Youth Development
Provide active supervision of campers at all times, including during activities, transitions, meals, field trips, swimming days, and aftercare
Help campers navigate conflict, homesickness, frustration, and peer interactions with care and empathy
Support sports, games, and physical activities appropriate for campers ages Pre-K through middle school
Work collaboratively with fellow counselors, specialists, Division Leaders, and Camp Directors
Support specialists and leadership during special events, theme days, and all-camp programming
Follow all Department of Health regulations and camp safety protocols
Maintain proper supervision ratios and safety standards at all times
Respond calmly and effectively to behavioral, medical, or environmental incidents

SEASONAL WORK EXPECTATIONS & SUMMER SCHEDULE

Pre-Summer Work Expectations & Schedule:
Part-time participation in virtual and in-person trainings during May and June
Virtual trainings (starting early June)
Three on-site training days the week before camp begins
In-person field day training
~ Training attendance is mandatory and paid upon completion

Summer Camp Schedule
Hours: Monday–Friday, approximately 7:45 AM – 4:15 PM
Support at least two days per week of aftercare (until approximately 5:30 PM)
Work Environment: Full-time, in-person at assigned camp location
Our ideal Camp Counselor candidate:
Is amazing with children and passionate about youth development
Has experience working with children in camp, school, sports, or recreational settings (preferred)
Is able to pass required background checks and provide medical clearance
CPR, First Aid, and AED certification preferred (or willingness to obtain)
Physical Requirements & Active Coaching Expectations
At Kids in the Game, our coaches are active, engaged, and present with kids—on the playground, in the gym, and out in the community. The physical requirements below reflect the essential functions of our coaching roles and the dynamic environments in which our programs take place. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities in performing these essential functions.
Physical activity levels may vary by coaching placement (recess, PE, after school, or summer camp), but all roles involve active supervision, movement, and hands-on engagement with children.
Active supervision & physical requirements include:

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time, including during outdoor activities, playground supervision, gym classes, or park-based programming.
• Ability to walk to and from nearby program locations or parks, sometimes several blocks, while supervising children.
• Ability to bend, kneel, crouch, and reach to engage with children at their level, assist with activities, or provide support as needed.
• Ability to climb stairs in school buildings or community facilities.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25–40 pounds, including sports equipment, activity supplies, or personal belongings (weight may vary by role).
• Ability to participate in active games and movement-based activities, including running, jumping, throwing, and demonstrating basic sports skills.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, or light rain, depending on program needs.
• Ability to maintain visual and auditory awareness to supervise children effectively and ensure safety in active environments.

WHY WORK WITH KIDS IN THE GAME

At Kids in the Game, you can expect to be welcomed into an engaging and spirited environment that emphasizes the importance of teamwork, open communication, and collaboration. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:
We have developed partnerships with organizations that allow us to target our hiring practices to include chronically discriminated against or low-income groups, and improve their access to high-quality employment opportunities.

SEASONAL COMPENSATION STRUCTURE

This is a part-time, seasonal position based in New York City. Camp Counselors must be available to participate in pre-summer trainings (virtual and on-site) to complete pre-summer work expectations. Camp Counselors must be available to work full summer camp hours from late June to the end of August. Pre Summer Compensation - $375

• $150 for virtual trainings
• $150 for all 3 on-site training days
• $75 for an in-person field day in June
• Training attendance is mandatory; You must complete all virtual and in-person training.

Total salary range based on 8 weeks of summer camp:

• $8 week camp salary range (without the training stipend)
• $Total salary range based on 7 weeks of summer camp:
• $7 week camp salary range (without the training stipend)
• $