Counselor jobs at summer camps are the heart of the camp experience. From traditional sleepaway camps in the woods of New England to large co-ed residential camps in the West, counselors are the trusted mentors who guide campers through every moment of the day. Whether you’re a college student looking for meaningful summer work, an international applicant joining a J-1 program, or a returning camp veteran, counselor roles offer unmatched personal growth, community, and impact.
As a counselor at an overnight camp, you’ll live in a cabin with campers, support their daily routines, lead or assist with activities, mentor through challenges, and create the friendships and traditions that make camp unforgettable. Many residential camps hire counselors who also teach activity specialties — sports, arts, waterfront — so you’ll wear multiple hats throughout the summer. It’s hard, joyful, demanding work that changes the lives of campers and counselors alike.
What does a counselor at summer camp do?
A counselor lives with campers, supports their daily routines, leads or assists with activities, and mentors through every part of the day. You’ll be the most trusted adult presence in your campers’ summer camp experience at the sleepaway camp.
What’s the typical age range for counselors at sleepaway camps?
Most camps hire counselors aged 18 and up, with many in their late teens and early 20s. College students, recent grads, and international staff make up the majority of counselor teams at residential camps across the country.
Can international applicants work as counselors at summer camps?
Yes — counselor is the most common J-1 visa role at summer camps. Programs like Camp America, CCUSA, Camp Leaders, and InterExchange place thousands of international counselors at sleepaway camps every summer.
What does the pay look like for counselor jobs at summer camps?
Pay is competitive and commensurate with experience and any specialty credentials. Overnight camps include room, board, and laundry on top of salary, which adds significant value to the overall summer camp package beyond the base figure.
Do counselors get time off during the summer?
Yes. Most sleepaway camps give counselors at least one full day off per week plus shorter breaks throughout the day. Camps with longer sessions often build in mid-summer breaks of 24–48 hours so staff can recharge.
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.
Our Waterfront program is a core element of the Birchmont experience, with our campers taking part in activities both on and in our beautiful, private lake twice a day. Our waterfront team is led by two Directors with over 80 years of combined experience in leadership at Birchmont – and under their guidance our team of 18 lifeguards deliver a varied and engaging program of instructional swim and watersports, including waterskiing, wakeboarding, sailing, tubing, kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding. All of our lifeguards will be supported through their New Hampshire Boat License test, and will have opportunities to lead and instruct across our activity areas. Experience and confidence with open-water swimming, lifeguarding and at least one of our extended activity areas is preferred. When not at the waterfront, our lifeguards also serve as General Counselors with their assigned group.
