Summer Camp Counselor

The Pingry School, a prestigious K-12 coeducational, independent day school with a rich history dating back to its founding by Dr. John F. Pingry in 1861, stands at the forefront of academic excellence in the United States. With campuses located in Basking Ridge, Pottersville, and Short Hills, New Jersey, Pingry is celebrated for its academic programs, a student-written Honor Code that underpins our community values, and a comprehensive commitment to arts, athletics, community, and civic engagement. Our mission is to inspire in our students a lifelong passion for learning, personal development, and social responsibility, preparing them to be global citizens and luminaries of the 21st century. Rooted in relationships and guided by our foundational philosophy, Pingry is a vibrant community of more than 1,100 students hailing from over 90 towns across New Jersey and New York. At Pingry, we are united by a love of learning and a commitment to preparing students to navigate the complexities of the 21st century with confidence and integrity. For more information, we invite you to visit our website at pingry.org or connect with The Pingry School on Facebook, X, and Instagram to discover why we love school.

About Pingry Summer: Where Excellence Meets Adventure:

Pingry Summer is more than just a camp; it is a vibrant “third semester” where the excellence of The Pingry School’s academic and athletic traditions meets the high-energy spirit of summer exploration. Spanning three picturesque campuses in Basking Ridge, Short Hills, and Pottersville, Pingry Summer offers a diverse portfolio of over 100 programs from signature day camps and elite athletics to transformative arts and academic enrichment.

As an employer, we are committed to fostering a culture of belonging, honor, and intellectual curiosity. We believe the best summers are built by a team that is as dedicated to camper safety and compliance as it is to fun and friendship. Joining Pingry Summer means becoming part of a prestigious educational legacy while working in a dynamic, supportive environment where every staff member, from counselor to coordinator, plays a vital role in creating unforgettable experiences for our community.

Position Description: Summer Counselor Employment: Seasonal June 8, 2026 - August 21, 2026 (Minimum 5-week commitment) Location: Basking Ridge, NJ Compensation: $15.92 – $22.00 per hour (Final compensation will be determined based on experience and education.)

• Schedule: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM. Required Training Week of June 15th

The Candidate Profile We are looking for the "Energy-Drivers" of our camp. The ideal Summer Counselor is someone who thrives in a high-activity environment and possesses a "safety-first" mindset. You are someone who can lead a group of children with infectious enthusiasm while simultaneously maintaining the professional "radar" needed to spot a safety risk or a child in need of support. You are a team player who understands that the best camp days are built on seamless transitions, clear communication with leadership, and a genuine joy for working with youth.

Position Summary Counselors are the primary guardians of the camper experience, responsible for creating a safe, engaging, and well-supervised environment. This role is a balance of active leadership and administrative discipline. You will lead activities and support daily transitions while upholding the child-safety standards and participating in an active bystander culture that defines Pingry Summer.

Core Responsibilities Supervision & Safety Excellence

• Maintain constant, active supervision of campers, ensuring physical and emotional safety during activities, lunch, and transitions.

Strictly follow all camp policies and safety training, including the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) and mandated reporting requirements.

• Maintain professional boundaries with campers, staff, and families at all times.

Activity Leadership & Transitions

• Lead or support scheduled activities with high energy, ensuring all campers are included and engaged.
• Execute arrival, dismissal, and mid-day transitions (moving between fields, gyms, or dining areas) with precision to ensure no child is left unaccounted for.

Utilize positive behavior supports to manage group dynamics and involve camp leadership when needed. Professional Communication Promptly communicate all safety concerns, behavioral incidents, or injuries to the Camp Director. Work collaboratively with co-counselors to ensure a consistent experience for the camp group.

Qualifications & Skills:

Youth Experience: Previous experience working with children in a camp, school, or youth-sports setting is highly preferred. Reliability: A proven track record of punctuality and the ability to commit to at least 5-weeks of the seasonal schedule. Interpersonal Strength: Strong verbal communication skills and the ability to remain calm and respectful under the pressure of a fast-paced camp day.

Sound Judgment: The ability to make quick, safe decisions in a dynamic environment and the humility to ask for help when a situation exceeds your training. Required Clearances & Onboarding You will be required to work with the Summer Employment Operations Manager to complete all digital onboarding via ADP.

Successful completion of background checks, fingerprinting (if applicable), and NJ Sexual Misconduct/Child Abuse Disclosure releases. Minors (under 18) must provide valid A300 working papers with all required signatures. Qualified candidates are invited to apply online at https://www.pingry.org/careers.

Final compensation will be determined based on experience and education. Pingry offers a comprehensive benefits package to full-time employees, including, but not limited to, medical, dental, and vision coverage; retirement plans with employer matching; life and disability insurance; tuition remission for employees' children; and access to wellness and professional development resources.

A full list of benefits is available at www.pingry.org/careers. The Pingry School aspires to be an anti-racist community and is committed to the principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Pingry is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. The Pingry School's employment policy is that individuals will receive equal opportunity in all matters pertaining to recruitment, employment, salary, promotion, and assignment, regardless of race, religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy status, genetic information, marital status, amnesty or status as a covered veteran, or other basis proscribed by federal, state, and local law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need.