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ALBEMARLE, N.C. -- Minimum wage is set to rise in North Carolina next month but the effects are already being felt at summer camps around the state. The wage hike’s strain on some already tight budgets could mean fewer counselors to look after the children.

“It is harder when there are less counselors to get things done,” said Toni Watson, a college student and third-year counselor at the Stanly County Family YMCA. “It's a lot easier when there are more of us to help with the kids.”

In the past year and a half, minimum wage in North Carolina has increased by $1.10, from $6.15 in January 2007 to $7.25 in July 2009. Following that increase, North Carolina will have the 13th highest minimum wage standard in the country.

Some camps have already cut field trips to save money.

“We just find fun activities for them to do to keep them involved and hopefully they have a good summer,” Watson said.

And now they must try to get by with fewer counselors.

The state requires one adult for every 25 elementary-age children, however many YMCAs keep it more personal with smaller ratios like 1-to-12. The Stanly County Family YMCA is one of a number of facilities providing more camp scholarships to students in need so they can make sure each counselor meets that 1-to-12 ratio.