How to Tip Your Child's Camp Counselors

For the average parent, the only time more awkward than the very first morning of day camp (getting up extra-early in order to be ready on time, introducing yourself to the bus counselor, prying your anxious kid off your lower leg) is the very last day. That's when the question arises: Am I supposed to tip my kid's counselor? His assistant counselor? His bus counselor and bus driver? It can drive a mom or dad crazy, so be sure to read the handy tips below.

Instructions

    • 1

      Remember, counselors don't earn very much. If there's one profession that makes waiting tables seem like a sweet deal, it's being a camp counselor. Even at high-end day camps, experienced counselors rarely make more than $2,000 for the entire summer, and that includes orientation days andcvisiting days.

    • 2

      Read the camp's literature. To avoid that end-of-season awkwardness, many camps inform parents upfront that it's proper to tip counselors, and some will even suggest dollar amounts (say, $50 for a head counselor and $25 for an assistant). If the camp doesn't provide this information, try asking other parents, preferably ones who've sent their kids to the camp before.

    • 3

      Reward good performance. If you suspect your kid's counselor hasn't been pulling his weight, there's no need to reward him for his non-commitment with a hefty tip. However, if your daughter comes home every day raving about what a cool person Erica is, be sure to give Erica at least $50 (and more if you can afford it).

    • 4

      Don't forget the bus staff. No matter how long it takes to get from your front door of your house to the camp-10 minutes, 30 minutes, a full hour-in that time your child is under the direct supervision of the bus counselor. You don't have to tip these folks as much as the counselors, but $10 or $20 each is only fair.

    • 5

      Stiff at your child's peril. Inevitably, there are some parents who feel they've paid good money to send their kids to a fancy day camp, and refuse to shell out any more dough for tips. However, stiffed counselors have a way of getting the word out, so this stingy behavior won't do your kid any favors if he returns to camp the following year.

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