The 2026 application period will open 2/2/2026 and close 3/2/2026. Hiring decisions will be made after the application window closes and will be communicated by early April.
Each year, SRA hires the best and brightest to work as counselors in our Summer Day Camp, Sports Camp, Preschool Camp, and Not-So-Lazy Summer Afternoon Camp.
SRA Summer Camps runs for 5 weeks, Monday – Thursday, from June 22 through July 23, 2026. Morning work hours are 8:30am-12pm and full day work hours are 8:30am-2pm. Counselor orientation and move in day will LIKELY be Wednesday, June 17th. All counselors need to attend this important day.
Because we hire counselors to care for young children, it is essential that we know that our counselors will show up for work reliably and attend camp every day. Counselors MUST be available for at least 4 out of 5 weeks of camp (i.e., miss no more than 4 days of camp.)
HEAD COUNSELORS
We are currently accepting applications for Head Counselor positions for Summer 2026. Head Counselors lead a group of similarly-aged kids at camp each day. They are assisted by assistant counselors who are high school students, in playing games, reading books, doing crafts, and participating in camp-wide activities. Ideally, Head Counselors have experience working with school-age children and offer a balance of responsibility and silliness. Teachers, teaching aides, and college students are encouraged to apply.
Head Counselors are hired to work as morning or full-day counselors. (We will do everything we can to accommodate your preference.) All Head Counselors must successfully complete mandatory background checks. To apply, please email a letter of interest detailing your experience to SRA Executive Director at amy@SwarthmoreRecreation.org.
ASSISTANT COUNSELORS
Paid summer camp counselors are high schoolers who are ages 14 years and older as of June 15, 2026. All paid counselors must have working papers and successfully completed background checks as mandated by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Counselors previously employed by SRA must reapply to be considered for 2026 employment.
VOLUNTEER ASSISTANT COUNSELORS
Volunteer camp counselors are rising 8th or 9th graders ages 13 and above as of June 15, 2026. (Volunteers are given priority should they apply to work at SRA Summer camp in the future.)
In 2026, we will hire morning and full day assistant counselors. Applicants should indicate their preferences on the application. Please understand that these positions are extremely competitive, and the more flexible an applicant’s hours, the more likely that we can find a spot for the applicant.
Hiring decisions will be made by a committee consisting of SRA Camp Director, Camp Assistant Director, and SRA Board Members. Applicants will be notified of our hiring decisions in early April 2026. Preference is given to counselors who have worked or volunteered at camp in the past and to applicants who have proven themselves reliable as Sports Mentors.
- First year counselors: hourly rate of $10
- Returning counselors: hourly rate of $12-15, depending on experience
Updated 2026.01.31