Bunk Counselor Jobs at Summer Camps Across the USA
Bunk counselor jobs at summer camps are the cornerstone of the residential camp experience. As a bunk counselor, you live with a group of campers in their cabin, mentor them through daily life at camp, support their growth and well-being, and create the friendships and memories that define summer for so many kids. Whether you’re at a traditional sleepaway camp in the woods of New England or a large co-ed residential camp in the West, bunk counselors are the heart of the operation.
A typical bunk counselor wakes campers up, supports morning routines, walks groups to activities, runs evening cabin time, and ensures campers feel safe, included, and inspired throughout the summer. Many overnight camps pair bunk counseling with an activity specialty during the day, so you’ll teach a program area (sports, arts, waterfront) while also serving as a cabin’s primary caretaker at night. It’s a demanding role — and one of the most meaningful summer jobs you can take.
What does a bunk counselor at summer camp do?A bunk counselor lives in a cabin with a group of campers and mentors them through every part of the day — wake-up, meals, activities, free time, and bedtime. You’ll be the primary point of contact for camper care and one of the most trusted adults in their summer camp experience.
What’s the typical age range for bunk counselors?Most sleepaway camps hire bunk counselors aged 18 or older, with many in their early to mid 20s. International staff and college students make up a big portion of bunk counselor teams at residential camps across the USA.
Do bunk counselors also teach activities?Yes, very often. Most overnight camps hire “specialist-counselors” who teach a program area during the day (sports, arts, waterfront) and also live in a cabin as a bunk counselor. This dual role is one of the most common structures at co-ed camps.
What does the pay look like for bunk counselor jobs?Pay is competitive and commensurate with experience and any additional certifications or specialties. Sleepaway camps include room, board, and laundry on top of salary, which adds meaningful value to the overall summer camp package.
Can international students apply for bunk counselor jobs?Yes — bunk counselor is one of the most common J-1 visa roles at summer camps. Programs like Camp America, CCUSA, Camp Leaders, and InterExchange place thousands of international counselors at residential camps every summer.
Browse Summer Camp Bunk Counselor Jobs for 2026
| Job Type | Setting |
|---|
| Full-Time Seasonal | Overnight Camp |
Start Date: June 1, 2026
End Date: August 31, 2026
Do you have a passion for tennis and working with kids? Are you interested in spending your summer in beautiful Vermont, working with our campers and sharing that passion? Camp Lochearn for Girls is a residential summer camp located in Post Mills, Vermont (20 minutes from Dartmouth College) and we are currently hiring activity instructors & cabin counselors for the summer of 2026.
Camp Lochearn is looking for Tennis Instructors to join us in assisting the planning and delivery of our tennis program in ways that are safe, fun, and appropriate to the campers’ ages and abilities. In this position, you will be living in a cabin of girls providing support and guidance, and teaching one or more activities in which you have an interest. Help us foster and grow passions for athletics and personal fitness in our amazing campers and help build a respect for the sports through imparting your knowledge on eager campers.
If you are interested in a position at Camp Lochearn please click on the link below to fill out our staff interest form. Competitive salary based on experience and background.
*Candidates should be 18 years or older and available to work at Camp between 6/14 and 8/18.
| Job Type | Setting |
|---|
| Full-Time Seasonal | Overnight Camp |
Start Date: June 1, 2026
End Date: August 31, 2026
Do you have a passion for the water and working with kids? Are you interested in spending your summer in beautiful Vermont, working with our campers and sharing that passion? Camp Lochearn for Girls is a residential summer camp located in Post Mills, Vermont (20 minutes from Dartmouth College) and we are currently hiring activity instructors & cabin counselors for the summer of 2026.
Our swimming instructors and lifeguards work with girls ages 7-15 to help share a love of the water and ensure safety on the waterfront. Located on beautiful Lake Fairlee, Camp Lochearn offers Swimming (beginner and competitive), Water Zumba, Canoeing/Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Diving, Sailing, and more. Training/Certification will be provided to our lifeguard counselors during Orientation. Competitive salary based on experience and background.
*Candidates should be 18 years or older and available to work at Camp between 6/14 and 8/18.
| Job Type | Setting |
|---|
| Full-Time Seasonal | Overnight Camp |
Start Date: June 1, 2026
End Date: August 31, 2026
Do you have a passion for sailing and working with kids? Are you interested in spending your
summer in beautiful Vermont, working with our campers and sharing that passion? Camp
Lochearn for Girls is a residential summer camp located in Post Mills, Vermont (20 minutes from
Dartmouth College) and we are currently hiring activity instructors & cabin counselors for the
summer of 2026.
Camp Lochearn is looking for an experienced Sailing Instructor to join us in assisting the
planning and delivery of our sailing program in ways that are safe, fun, and appropriate to the
campers’ ages and abilities. In this position, you will be living in a cabin of girls providing
support and guidance, and teaching one or more activities in which you have an interest. Help us
foster and grow passions for athletics and personal fitness in our amazing campers and help build
a respect for the sports through imparting your knowledge on eager campers.
Competitive salary based on experience and background.
*Candidates should be 18 years or older and available to work at Camp between 6/14 and
8/18.
| Job Type | Setting |
|---|
| Full-Time Seasonal | Overnight Camp |
Start Date: June 1, 2026
End Date: August 31, 2026
Come be a part of our camp family! We are looking for responsible, fun and caring staff to become wonderful role models for our campers, 7-15 years old. Our counselors/activity specialists live in the cabin with approx. 10 campers as well as 2-3 co-counselors. Our Staff Orientation helps to prepare everyone for camp life – the who, what, where, when and how, as well as tips and tricks to a successful camp summer!
Our Activity Specialists lead and participate in a wide range of activities in our four core areas: Waterfront, Adventure, Arts, and Athletics.
| Job Type | Setting |
|---|
| Full-Time Seasonal | Overnight Camp |
Start Date: June 1, 2026
End Date: August 31, 2026
Our Head Counselors (“HCs”) are the second-in-command in our 12 groups of campers – helping to run all aspects of a group’s day; joining in with activities, interacting with the campers, participating in activities, and accompanying the group on off-ground trips. This role is suited to staff who are going to bring lots of energy, enthusiasm and positivity, and who aspire to taking a leading role when called upon during the summer. These roles are ideal for someone with a passion for working closely with children, or who may be aspiring towards a career in education, childcare or social work.
