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jamnmore
LIF Adult
Member since 6/16 989 total posts
Name:
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tips for day camp counselors?
20 years ago when I worked as a counselor at a sleep away camp for 10 weeks, I made $2000 for the entire summer. I was paid $50/week during the summer and received the rest as a completion bonus at the end of the summer. Yes, they provided my food and board. But I worked 5 days a week for 24 hours a day. I worked 1200 over the course of the summer. When you do the math, I was paid $1.67 per hour (24 hours x 5days x 10 weeks) plus food and board (a cot in a tent). If I was sick and needed to take any time off during the summer, let's say for an injury, I would not have gotten my completion bonus. And I can tell you that I received not one single tip for all the years that I worked as a counselor either at a sleep away or day camp.
When I worked at day camp, it was $25/week and $750 completion bonus. Again take time off and you do not get the completion bonus. I broke my ankle the first week of camp and went to work everyday so I could get my bonus.
Message edited 7/7/2017 11:17:02 AM.
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Posted 7/7/17 11:12 AM  |
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ANewDayHasCome
Love multiplies, not divides
Member since 11/12 14481 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: tips for day camp counselors?
Posted by LuckyStar
Posted by ANewDayHasCome
Posted by blu6385
I don't another ridiculous expectation.
Why everyone feels they need to tip for a job they are already getting paid for is beyond me!! (I don't believe in this for restaurant service. I tip them very well. )
Do you or your dh not get a bonus at work?
These counselors don't get paid well
They take care of and love your children all summer
That to me deserves a bonus.
I work in healthcare. For the state. So no, I don't get a bonus. However, I severely overpay and overgift anyone who cares for my daughter because my child's health, safety and happiness is exclusively in their hands for 8-10 hours a day. You can't put a price on that.
Right. That was my point. These people are caring for the most valuable things(people) in my life. Keeping them happy, safe, loved. That deserves a tip.
And to the healthcare point, ok so no bonus but again I show appreciation. Like when I had my babies, dh went out and brought in pizza and donuts for everyone who cared for me and my newborn.
Appreciation and showing it.
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| Posted 7/7/17 11:23 AM |
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MikesWife
Wanting...........
Member since 1/06 6887 total posts
Name:
Karen
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Re: tips for day camp counselors?
I definitely tip the counselors.
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| Posted 7/7/17 3:19 PM |
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mbg1007
LIF Adult
Member since 3/09 1247 total posts
Name:
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Re: tips for day camp counselors?
I always tip counselors, I consider it part of the cost of camp. Just like tipping in a restaurant is part of the cost of going out to dinner.
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| Posted 7/7/17 5:05 PM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
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Re: tips for day camp counselors?
Posted by nycgirl
We didn't last year (I never even thought about it)... but found out we "should".
BUT this is for our town camp, run by young kids who are underpaid. I think tips were $20-40 for 4 weeks.
I agree that places should just pay the kids a bit more.
How are they underpaid? Minimum wage is $10 per hour. So they are being paid less than that by the town for working at a day camp?
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| Posted 7/7/17 5:25 PM |
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Chai77
Brighter days ahead
Member since 4/07 7364 total posts
Name:
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Re: tips for day camp counselors?
YES camp counselors are paid less than minimum wage in my experience. I worked in an expensive Nassau county day camp where the tuition was many thousands of dollars and we were paid and treated TERRIBLY by the camp. I was ill one day bc a camper gave me strep, and they docked my already meager pay for the one day out. And then they berated me the next day in front of my campers for not going in the pool during their swim lessons because I was still sick (their swim instructors were in the pool-- we were not necessary and I was clearly quite sick).
You're right that I did expect a tip. Most parents did. I took good care of their children and received little compensation from the camp itself.
Teachers make a lot more $$ per hour than camp counselors, I'm very surprised so many people are against tipping counselors.
Message edited 7/7/2017 11:46:22 PM.
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| Posted 7/7/17 9:49 PM |
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Maybe-Baybe
My Sunshine
Member since 7/12 3415 total posts
Name:
My only Sunshine
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Re: tips for day camp counselors?
Posted by BargainMama
Posted by nycgirl
We didn't last year (I never even thought about it)... but found out we "should".
BUT this is for our town camp, run by young kids who are underpaid. I think tips were $20-40 for 4 weeks.
I agree that places should just pay the kids a bit more.
How are they underpaid? Minimum wage is $10 per hour. So they are being paid less than that by the town for working at a day camp?
Yes, they get a set salary. When I worked at a "prestigious" camp 10 years ago I calculated my salary divided by the number of hours that I worked and it came out to about $5 an hour.
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| Posted 7/7/17 10:20 PM |
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Maybe-Baybe
My Sunshine
Member since 7/12 3415 total posts
Name:
My only Sunshine
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Re: tips for day camp counselors?
As a former counselor, please tip if you can. They get paid very little (not your fault) and would really appreciate some acknowledgment for their hard work.
IMO, the camp should just up the tuition a smidge so they can pay the counselor appropriately.
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| Posted 7/7/17 10:25 PM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: tips for day camp counselors?
So OT a bit but....what is the point of the state setting a minimum wage if emoloyers can pay less than that?
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| Posted 7/7/17 11:58 PM |
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Re: tips for day camp counselors?
Posted by blu6385
Posted by LiveForMoments
Posted by blu6385
Came back to add aren't they getting paid minimum wage? I don't understand how much People expect to get paid when doing jobs that require no degree.
No, they don't make minimum wage, they make a summer wage and rely on tips. And they are college and high school kids typically, so yeah, no degree...just like the person who carries food to your table that you have no problem generously tipping...who's job also does not require a degree.
what exactly is summer wage? I have never heard of such a thing. Is this on the books?
Either way I still think camp is enough money without me having to tip on top of that. The owners should be paying them not me.
I don't know how the legally get around it but they don't pay have to pay minimum wage. The counselors work with the expectation of tip at the end of the summer.
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| Posted 7/8/17 5:23 AM |
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LSP2005
Bunny kisses are so cute!
Member since 5/05 19458 total posts
Name:
L
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Re: tips for day camp counselors?
I remember being a camp counselor and getting tips at the end of the summer. I remember how much I really appreciated it. So yes, I tip even if there are five counselor's. I tip according to title and if my kid talks about you all summer you will receive more.
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| Posted 7/8/17 7:41 AM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
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Re: tips for day camp counselors?
Posted by Chai77
YES camp counselors are paid less than minimum wage in my experience. I worked in an expensive Nassau county day camp where the tuition was many thousands of dollars and we were paid and treated TERRIBLY by the camp. I was ill one day bc a camper gave me strep, and they docked my already meager pay for the one day out. And then they berated me the next day in front of my campers for not going in the pool during their swim lessons because I was still sick (their swim instructors were in the pool-- we were not necessary and I was clearly quite sick).
You're right that I did expect a tip. Most parents did. I took good care of their children and received little compensation from the camp itself.
Teachers make a lot more $$ per hour than camp counselors, I'm very surprised so many people are against tipping counselors.
That's a shame. I'm sure it's because they have no back up's, and if the health department shows up to inspect, they are up shit's creek because they are understaffed.
Speaking of which, have any of you ever checked the violations on some of these camps on the health department's website?! Some of them are pretty scary!! and just about every single camp on long island has tons of violations! Even those super expensive ones.
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| Posted 7/8/17 9:39 AM |
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alli3131
Peanut is here!!!!!!
Member since 5/09 18388 total posts
Name:
Allison
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tips for day camp counselors?
So i looked up the "summer wage" thing. There are exemptions to the minimum wage for seasonal recreational business and there is also a youth exemption under federal laws. The state can have different laws but they employers must abide by the most stringent so the state laws may actual require more than the federal.
Federal law allows an employer to pay an employee under the age of 20 $4.25 and hour up to 90 days. if they work more than 90 days then they would be required to pay normal min wages.
So this is probably how camps pay less. BUT they must pay the 4.25 or if NYS has a higher threshold then the pay would be higher.
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| Posted 7/8/17 9:46 AM |
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ANewDayHasCome
Love multiplies, not divides
Member since 11/12 14481 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: tips for day camp counselors?
Posted by BargainMama
Posted by Chai77
YES camp counselors are paid less than minimum wage in my experience. I worked in an expensive Nassau county day camp where the tuition was many thousands of dollars and we were paid and treated TERRIBLY by the camp. I was ill one day bc a camper gave me strep, and they docked my already meager pay for the one day out. And then they berated me the next day in front of my campers for not going in the pool during their swim lessons because I was still sick (their swim instructors were in the pool-- we were not necessary and I was clearly quite sick).
You're right that I did expect a tip. Most parents did. I took good care of their children and received little compensation from the camp itself.
Teachers make a lot more $$ per hour than camp counselors, I'm very surprised so many people are against tipping counselors.
That's a shame. I'm sure it's because they have no back up's, and if the health department shows up to inspect, they are up shit's creek because they are understaffed.
Speaking of which, have any of you ever checked the violations on some of these camps on the health department's website?! Some of them are pretty scary!! and just about every single camp on long island has tons of violations! Even those super expensive ones.
Can you share the link
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| Posted 7/8/17 12:29 PM |
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BabyLove08
Love her!
Member since 2/08 3673 total posts
Name:
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tips for day camp counselors?
Absolutely and if they take exceptional care of my child than I tip them real well!
Message edited 7/9/2017 9:30:30 PM.
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| Posted 7/9/17 9:30 PM |
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Christine2
LIF Adult
Member since 2/09 1217 total posts
Name:
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Re: tips for day camp counselors?
I spend a small fortune on summer camp and I DEFINITELY tip the counselors. For all reasons mentioned, they get paid peanuts for the summer. It is not their fault, and the camps SHOULD pay them more (where does all that money I spend go to??).
The sad truth is that the camp is looking to make a profit and can legally pay below minimum wage. HS and college students are desperate for a summer job. I need camp to earn a living (plus my kids love it). So, yes, I tip the counselors. I do the suggested amount, but I'm sure others pay less.
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| Posted 7/10/17 11:44 PM |
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summerBaby10
let's be nice
Member since 9/07 10208 total posts
Name:
Wifey
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Re: tips for day camp counselors?
So I asked some other parents & no one has seen a suggested amount list. One of my kids has 4 counselors & my other kid has 2 counselors. How does $15-$20 per counselor sound ?
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| Posted 7/11/17 9:41 AM |
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LuckyStar
LIF Adult
Member since 7/14 7274 total posts
Name:
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Re: tips for day camp counselors?
Posted by summerBaby10
So I asked some other parents & no one has seen a suggested amount list. One of my kids has 4 counselors & my other kid has 2 counselors. How does $15-$20 per counselor sound ?
I would give more, personally. Probably $50 each.
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| Posted 7/11/17 1:46 PM |
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Re: tips for day camp counselors?
Posted by summerBaby10
So I asked some other parents & no one has seen a suggested amount list. One of my kids has 4 counselors & my other kid has 2 counselors. How does $15-$20 per counselor sound ?
Ay my son's camp, they don't put it in writing anymore but the office staff has suggested amounts that they give over the phone.
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| Posted 7/11/17 8:36 PM |
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PennyCat
Just call me mommy :)
Member since 7/08 19084 total posts
Name:
Jib
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Re: tips for day camp counselors?
Posted by jamnmore
When I worked at day camp, it was $25/week and $750 completion bonus. Again take time off and you do not get the completion bonus. I broke my ankle the first week of camp and went to work everyday so I could get my bonus.
When I was 16. I worked for a camp that paid very little as well but offered a $800 attendance bonus for being there EVERY SINGLE DAY. I was there everyday but one of those days, one of my campers (a 2.5yr old) was sitting on my lap and she peed. It got all over me. I didn't have a change of clothes and obviously wanted to shower anyway. There were only 2 hours left in the day. My mom came and picked me up.
Before I left that day, I was told that if I went home, I'd lose my attendance bonus. I was literally standing there soaked in pee. What the heck was I supposed to do???
The camp was run by a real animal. My dad showed up and raised all sorts of hell about her violating health codes for her employees.
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| Posted 7/11/17 8:53 PM |
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ANewDayHasCome
Love multiplies, not divides
Member since 11/12 14481 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: tips for day camp counselors?
Posted by PennyCat
Posted by jamnmore
When I worked at day camp, it was $25/week and $750 completion bonus. Again take time off and you do not get the completion bonus. I broke my ankle the first week of camp and went to work everyday so I could get my bonus.
When I was 16. I worked for a camp that paid very little as well but offered a $800 attendance bonus for being there EVERY SINGLE DAY. I was there everyday but one of those days, one of my campers (a 2.5yr old) was sitting on my lap and she peed. It got all over me. I didn't have a change of clothes and obviously wanted to shower anyway. There were only 2 hours left in the day. My mom came and picked me up.
Before I left that day, I was told that if I went home, I'd lose my attendance bonus. I was literally standing there soaked in pee. What the heck was I supposed to do???
The camp was run by a real animal. My dad showed up and raised all sorts of hell about her violating health codes for her employees.
Omg. Owner sounds like a real a-hole. I hope you got the $800 bonus.
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| Posted 7/11/17 9:11 PM |
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PennyCat
Just call me mommy :)
Member since 7/08 19084 total posts
Name:
Jib
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Re: tips for day camp counselors?
Posted by ANewDayHasCome
Posted by PennyCat
Posted by jamnmore
When I worked at day camp, it was $25/week and $750 completion bonus. Again take time off and you do not get the completion bonus. I broke my ankle the first week of camp and went to work everyday so I could get my bonus.
When I was 16. I worked for a camp that paid very little as well but offered a $800 attendance bonus for being there EVERY SINGLE DAY. I was there everyday but one of those days, one of my campers (a 2.5yr old) was sitting on my lap and she peed. It got all over me. I didn't have a change of clothes and obviously wanted to shower anyway. There were only 2 hours left in the day. My mom came and picked me up.
Before I left that day, I was told that if I went home, I'd lose my attendance bonus. I was literally standing there soaked in pee. What the heck was I supposed to do???
The camp was run by a real animal. My dad showed up and raised all sorts of hell about her violating health codes for her employees.
Omg. Owner sounds like a real a-hole. I hope you got the $800 bonus.
Ah yes I should mention, I DID but the owner told me it was only because my dad apparently threatened her  (thanks, dad!) but she didn't give me $100 that she owed me for something else. Ya know. Just to seal the deal that she wasn't actually being a decent human being.
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| Posted 7/11/17 10:53 PM |
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ali120206
2 Boys
Member since 7/06 17792 total posts
Name:
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Re: tips for day camp counselors?
Posted by summerBaby10
So I asked some other parents & no one has seen a suggested amount list. One of my kids has 4 counselors & my other kid has 2 counselors. How does $15-$20 per counselor sound ?
That sounds fine - especially since it's just a month.
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| Posted 7/12/17 8:54 AM |
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OnlyU12
LIF Toddler
Member since 8/13 431 total posts
Name:
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Re: tips for day camp counselors?
Posted by LuckyStar
Posted by ANewDayHasCome
Posted by blu6385
I don't another ridiculous expectation.
Why everyone feels they need to tip for a job they are already getting paid for is beyond me!! (I don't believe in this for restaurant service. I tip them very well. )
Do you or your dh not get a bonus at work?
These counselors don't get paid well
They take care of and love your children all summer
That to me deserves a bonus.
I work in healthcare. For the state. So no, I don't get a bonus. However, I severely overpay and overgift anyone who cares for my daughter because my child's health, safety and happiness is exclusively in their hands for 8-10 hours a day. You can't put a price on that.
This!! I
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| Posted 7/13/17 10:58 PM |
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MissJones
I need a nap!
Member since 5/05 22136 total posts
Name:
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tips for day camp counselors?
Ds went for 3 weeks, 3 days each week. I have 20 to the counselors add 10 to the cit kids. Obviously, if he went longer , I would have given more. I didn't see any suggestions so I asked another parent and went on that.
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| Posted 7/14/17 2:25 PM |
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