For hundreds of thousands of students across the country it is time for search for summer camp jobs to begin. Smart summer job seekers know that getting those applications in early means more chance of getting the camp job you want, and less to worry about later when finals loom. Of course, the biggest advantage of securing your summer plans early is not having to listen to Dad's "When I was your age I had my summers planned ten years in advance." speech over Spring Break.
A traditional source of employment for many is summer camp. As American as apple pie and growing in popularity. According to the American Camping Association (ACA) camp enrollment is increasing by 10% annually. Consequently, jobs abound at camps across the nation and even abroad. So who should work at a camp and what do camp directors look for in their staff?
The basic questions for any prospective counselor to ask are:
Do I love working with children?
There is just no getting away from kids at Summer Camp. A Camp Director will first want to see your enthusiasm for being around her precious campers. Remember that means 24 hours a day at a Resident (sleep-away) Camp.
Do I have experience working with children and in what setting?
While it is not essential to have extensive experience with children the Camp Director will expect you to have done some baby-sitting, coaching, volunteer work, or somehow come into contact with children. The more experience you have the more appealing your application will be.
Do I love to be out of doors?
There are few if any indoor camps. Even academic and specialty camps generally include an outdoor element such as hiking or camping. Most camps will give you an idea of what to expect in the application. Applicants to
Kennolyn Camp in Soquel, CA are asked if they can "lead a hike of up to 4 miles; spend 24 hours, including sleeping under the stars, in the forest in close contact with trees and dust; be around horses or animals; live in a rustic cabin, with screen windows and bunk beds?" While applicants to
Roughing It Day Camp in Orinda, CA are asked "Can you walk around Lafayette Reservoir (4 miles) and spend all day (6 hours) outdoors, in the sun, and in close contact to trees, weeds, and pollen? Ann Woods, Director of Roughing It Day Camp, says "it's important for us and the applicant to know that this is rustic living and a demanding environment."
What kind of camp do I want to work at?
The first decision here is Resident Camp or Day Camp. The fundamental difference from the applicant’s point of view is living on or off the camp. Ann Woods points out that "Day Camp staff need to be able to find their own housing while resident camp staff receive room and board as part of their pay package. Day Camp staff are usually paid more than resident staff, but if they have to pay for housing, meals, and transportation, they may net less because of their out-of-pocket expenses."
The next step is to identify the camp’s philosophy or core values. This is very important as camps differ enormously. Some are noncompetitive while others instill a sense of competition throughout the program. Specialty camps are very different to traditional, recreational camps. Camp Directors are used to parents asking about their philosophy and will be happy to explain it to you. It is in their best interest to ensure a good match. Make sure you agree with the basic values of the camp. Most are tried and tested and will not be changed to suit you.
Am I willing to give a lot more of myself to this job than almost any other I could pick?
If a camp hires you it is because they believe in you, in your ability to work hard and be a role model and leader to your campers. Camp jobs are popular and quite competitive. A camp director might overlook a lack of experience if you can convince her that you want to give everything you’ve got for the summer. No one likes to work around someone who is doing the minimum to get by and in a camp setting where everyone relies on each other, a slacker will find himself very unpopular.
Having decided you want to work at a camp how can you find the perfect place for you? Here are some tips:
Summer Camp Job Search Tips
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Summer Jobs Listings
Sites which focus on summer job opportunities.
Summer Camp
Listings
Jobs at summer camps in the United States and abroad.
