Tipping for all-summer day camp

[Anonymous]

It's definitely a regional thing. My brother was a camp counselor in high school and would make literally hundreds in tips at the end of the summer. But it was also a very different set up. He was the main counselor for the same group of kids for the whole summer.

At my kids' camp here they switch groups/counselors all the time-it's a totally different culture. They don't have a counselor that is with them consistently the whole time.

[Anonymous]

I attended over night camps in the New England area as a kid and my parents never tipped the counselor. We have not tipped my DS counselors at any of his Day Camps in the DC area.

[Anonymous]

I was about to post with the same question; my DD has been in camp for four weeks and she has wonderful counselors who took the time to help her through some challenges. There was a collection taken for gifts but it was less than $5 per person. I wasn’t sure what is customary in terms of tipping.

[Anonymous]

I think it's reasonable to ask the camp director if tipping is permitted, and if it's permitted, if there's a recommended amount for tips. My kids' day camp in the DC area tells parents in emails that they recommend tipping counselors $40-$50 for the 7-week camp. I think about half of the parents tip and half don't and counselors are happy with any amount. I think most people who tip give less than the "recommended" amount.

[Anonymous]

The head counselor has gone out of her way to make sure my kid is having a great summer. ADHD/ASD/anxiety. The 2 of them are managing together and working out his issues on the spot as they arise.

She’s in college with no early education or sp Ed training. She has a patient and understanding personality. When my kid needs a break she gives it to him. If he’s taking a bit longer she tells him he has 2 more minutes. If he’s getting worked up, she comes up to him and intervenes.

She has created such a positive environment for my kid that what started out as 1 week 1/2 day has turned into 6 weeks full time. We are going away for a few weeks but he has asked to go back when we return.

I have already let the camp director know about the environment she has created. But I will be giving her something. She has gone far above and beyond for my son.

[Anonymous]

I live in the Chicago suburbs and tipping is the norm here. Both of my boys go to 8 week day camps. One son has a disability and requires a 1:1 counselor so I tip $100 for the summer. The other son is in a typical camp situation. I tip his head counselor $50. Swim instructors, specialty counselors, bus drivers, etc... -- I would tip $20-$25 for those who your child had a relationship with.
Camps around here are quite expensive. The tipping adds to the cost, but I realize that they don't pay these young adults much at all and they work hard, so I like to show my appreciation.
What I don't like however is something that happened today (last day of camp). The head counselor actually asked the kids if anyone had a card for him. I was appalled! My 7 year old instinctively knew this was not right and felt uncomfortable. He went to his backpack and got the card, but said the counselor didn't say thank you -- just collected the cards. I'm sure there were a few kids who may not have had one. Imagine their embarrassment.
Tipping is a nice thing, but the camp should make it clear to the counselors that they should never ask kids if they have a gift for them. The counselor spoke about manners all summer and then ended things by not using his.

[Anonymous]

No. Who are you OP, Princess Margaret, tipping the staff????

[Anonymous]

Don't do this. It is not expected by the camp staff and will be awkward. I say this as someone who was a day camp counselor in Great Falls for 5 summers in HS and college.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Don't do this. It is not expected by the camp staff and will be awkward. I say this as someone who was a day camp counselor in Great Falls for 5 summers in HS and college.

OP, just ask.

I say this as someone who has the exact opposite experience as a counselor in college.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No. Who are you OP, Princess Margaret, tipping the staff????

You are ridiculous- like most said, it’s very normal in some regions of the country, hence the question.

You’re a jerk.

[Anonymous]

I asked my camp the same thing! I’m from NY and we tipped generously. Was told by my camp in DMV no tipping or small gift card

[Anonymous]

I was surprised my first summer in the Philly area when the kids’ day camp sent home suggested tip ranges for all the counselors.

[Anonymous]

We never even see the counselors more than 2x on parents days. (School bus takes kids to/from camp)

[Anonymous]

Never occurred to me to tip. I don't even get to talk to counselors at most camps and certainly have no idea who my kids specific counselor is. Someone just opens my car door and that is about it.