Tipping and Gratuities

The short version: don't tip the counselors. Here's why, and what to do instead if you want to say thank you.

Can I tip my camper's counselor?

No — it's our long-standing policy that staff don't accept individual gratuities. This isn't us being precious about it; it's in keeping with ACA (American Camp Association) guidelines, and it keeps things fair — for our staff and for your camper. No counselor should end up with a better summer bonus because their bunk had a generous family, and no camper should ever wonder if a little extra cash bought them a little extra attention. Every kid at CYJ gets the same care, the same attention, and the same shot at a great summer — full stop.

I still want to show appreciation — what can I do?

We hear this a lot, and we've got you covered. During registration, you'll see an option for our Counselor Celebration Fund. We ask each family to contribute a minimum of $75 per camper — though if you're able to be more generous, we hope you will be.

Here's a way to think about it: if you'd tip 15% at a restaurant for one good meal, what's fair for the college students who feed, comfort, coach, and care for your child every single day for weeks straight? Fifteen percent of a $6,100 session would be over $900 — we're only asking for $75. These counselors pour themselves into your camper's summer, often for a wage that doesn't come close to reflecting what they actually do.

Truth be told, not every family contributes — and we get it, tipping culture isn't universal. But that's exactly why so many of our families choose to give more than $75: they know the fund works best when generous families help cover the gap left by those who skip it entirely. If you're able to go above the minimum, your counselors feel it, and so does the whole staff team.

If you'd rather not decide right now, that's fine too — you can always add to the fund later in the summer, once you've heard all about how amazing your camper's counselors turned out to be.

The fund goes toward staff activities, swag, and gratuities — a small but heartfelt way to thank the incredible counselors who pour themselves into caring for your child all summer long.

Is the contribution automatic?

No — it's something you actively opt into during registration, not something added by default. Look for the Counselor Celebration Fund option when you register.