Contact the American Camping Association. In addition to their website the ACA can send you their Summer Camp Employment Booklet free of charge. It lists hundreds of camps from all over the country. Call 765-342-8456 ext. 331 for your copy.
Ask your friends. A good friend will tell you the real story about the camp he or she worked at. So, ask around. Some camps offer referral bonuses to former staff who bring a friend.
Your college Career Center. Budget cuts have forced some career centers to focus on full time, after graduation type positions. But, at a minimum they will have a file of camp brochures and job announcements. Some are very proactive in finding Summer Camps for their students. Many have job fairs exclusively for or including Summer Camps. Watch your campus newspaper where you’ll find interview schedules and Help Wanted ads.
Finally we have discussed the ifs and hows what about the whys?
Why would you take a job that pays less than many and demands more than most? The rewards are numerous but revolve around the children and your fellow counselors rather than salary and benefits. You will make life long friends, have lots of laughs, be so tired you could sleep standing up, and at least once ask yourself "what am I doing here?" But, in a few short weeks you have the opportunity to influence the lives of your campers in ways more profound than you can ever know. You will certainly learn about time management and team leadership. Dr. David Brown, Owner and Director of Plantation Farm Camp in California, points out that "anyone who can get 8 little boys to brush their teeth without major problems can easily handle most jobs in corporate America. At camp, you will be held responsible for the well being of children. Such responsibility forces you to self evaluate and grow and looks great on a resume." All in all your summer at camp could be the hardest job you'll ever love.
