As a former camp director, I second the suggestion to check on policies before you tip. If there isn't a policy against it, I agree that a gift card is a good idea, especially something like a Target card, which they can use for all sorts of useful and indulgent things.

Even better than a tip is an email or letter to the camp director telling them how much your child enjoyed the staff member. I used to give end-of-the-summer bonuses to a few staff members who really went above and beyond their job descriptions and parent feedback went a long way. It also affected who got asked back for another summer and what they were paid. So if your child's summer was made even better thanks to a special staff member, let the camp know.

many camps have a policy against it so check first. My DD was a camp counselor for 2 summers and got one gift, lots of homemade cards, but no tips. None of her fellow counselors got them either. it was absolutely not expected.

We never tipped camp counselors when our kids were in camp.

Yeah, definitely, cash or gift cards.
They get paid so little ..and that will make them
Very happy

OP - it is with the County at Wakefield and Moore rec centre. Really good kids staffed there, I would definitely send him there again.

It's not expected. I worked as a camp counselor though and they're not paid well, so you could always give them each a nice card and $20. The camp might have a policy against cash tips though, in which case a starbucks card or even just a nice note saying how much your kid loved being there would be great.

What camp is it?

I am not American and this is my 3 year old's first week at summer camp. He just did 5 mornings at sport camp and loved it - three staff were just great and it's been a huge success.

My question is, do you tip the staff and how much? Tipping, and Summer camp is just not part of my culture so I honestly have NO idea what the protocol is.

thank you in advance!