Key Takeaways
- If you’re looking for a unique summer job, consider working at a summer camp. You’ll make a difference in the lives of campers, be a valuable mentor, build a great resume, have a unique work experience, and make lifelong memories.
- There’s a role for everyone! Whether you want to be a camp counselor, sports coach, outdoor adventure guide, nurse, office assistant, lifeguard, kitchen crew member, or activity instructor, you can find a position that fits your strengths and interests.
- Find the right fit for you by looking at sites like CampPage, reaching out to your local YMCA, or checking with your college’s summer programs.
Bonfires, bunk beds, lakes, and cabins—just a few of the things that might come to mind when you think of summer camp. Whether you grew up watching movies set at a summer camp, or you spent time there yourself, you understand the appeal of summer camp.
If you’re looking for a fun and adventure-filled summer job, you might want to consider working at a summer camp. In this guide, we’ll break down the different types of camps available, the roles you can take on, the benefits (beyond just s’mores and lake days), and how to get a summer camp job you’ll actually love.
Why Work at a Summer Camp?
Whether you are in high school or college, working at a summer camp can be a great addition to your college or job application. For those wanting to pursue careers in education, athletics, sports management, coaching, dance, theater, or business management, spending your summer at camp could be just the experience you’re looking for to build your skills and stand out to future colleges or employers. Not to mention—it’s a ton of fun!
Types of Summer Camps
Not every camp is tucked away in the woods for eight weeks straight (although that is definitely an option if you want!). Here are the most common types of summer camps you might find a job at:
- Traditional Overnight Camps: This is your typical “sleepaway” camp where kids stay overnight for a week or longer. You’ll stay on-site the entire time and assist with daily camp life.
- Day Camps: These types of camps are where students just come for the day and go home in the evening. The schedule is usually structured with activities like talent shows, sports, and arts and crafts. This is great if you prefer to stay close to home and want your evenings free.
- Specialty Camps: These camps are tailored to certain interests or skills. You’ll find camps based around academics, sports, music, faith, STEM, or even horseback riding. This is a great way to immerse yourself in something you love, while also helping campers do the same.
Jobs You Can Have at Summer Camp
If you’re considering working at a summer camp, there are plenty of jobs (other than camp counselors) that will fit your interests and skills. Here are some of the jobs you might have:
- Camp Counselor: This is the most classic camp job where you will be assigned a group of campers and it will be your job to be their mentor and guide throughout your time together. This role is for anyone who loves to be hands-on and is high-energy.
- Sports Coach: If you are a sports lover, you can apply to be a summer camp coach. Depending on the camp, you might assist with multiple sports or just one in particular. You can also coach water sports like canoeing, kayaking, or water skiing.
- Outdoor Adventure Staff: If nature is your thing, this could be a great way to spend your summer. Think leading hikes, supervising the ropes course, teaching outdoor survival skills, or guiding activities like backpacking, climbing, and fishing.
- Nurse: Every camp needs someone to keep campers safe and healthy. If you are already pursuing a career in nursing, this could be a great way to build your resume. Note: This is usually only available for college students to apply for.
- Office/Admin Staff: If you aren’t looking to be hands-on with students but still want to participate in camp life, you may consider working behind the scenes on office and admin work. You’ll typically make phone calls, organize supplies, and help make sure the logistics are working smoothly.
- Lifeguard: If the camp has a pool or lake, a lifeguard will be needed to watch over the activities and enforce water safety rules. Note: You will need a certification prior to applying.
- Food Service Team: Yes, camps need people to prep food and serve it during meal time. This could be a great summer job for anyone thinking about culinary school.
- Activity Instructor: Do you have a specific skill you’d love to teach? If so, a camp may hire you to run a specialized program during the summer.
The Benefits of Working at a Summer Camp
There are plenty of summer jobs out there that you can have, but working at a summer camp is guaranteed to be rewarding and memorable. Here are five reasons to consider working at one:
- Make a Difference: Working as a camp counselor is so rewarding in many ways, but you’ll be amazed at the impact you can have on a child’s life in just a short time. Your campers will look up to you, so don’t take your role lightly.
- Be a Valuable Mentor: You get the incredible opportunity to walk alongside campers and give them a summer they’ll never forget. But you also get to teach them invaluable skills, to grow in their confidence, teamwork, and how to form lasting relationships.
- Build a Resume: Future employers often value many of the skills you build and develop when working at a summer camp: teamwork, creativity, communication, conflict resolution, public speaking, leadership, and decision making.
- Have a Unique Experience: This isn’t your typical 9-5 or part-time job. Not many people get to have their “office” at the lake with a beautiful nature backdrop behind them. No day looks the same at summer camp, so come prepared for new adventures and activities.
- Make Lifelong Memories: The friendships, laughs, late-night chats, special events, and camp traditions you’ll have all summer long will stick with you for life. Soak up every second of your time!
How To Get a Summer Camp Job
Now that you’re interested in working a summer camp job, where do you find one? Here are some tips to help you find and apply for a summer camp job:
Update Your Resume
Before you apply anywhere, make sure your resume is up to date. If you know you want to be outdoors all summer leading hikes, make sure you mention your love of nature and what makes you qualified for that type of job. If you’re applying for a camp counselor, identify the skills you have for working with kids and any opportunities you’ve had to do that.
Network
Did you go to a summer camp as a child? Or do you know friends, family members, coaches, or teachers who have attended or worked at one? If so, reach out to them and see if there are any opportunities available for you in the summer. You can also check with school clubs, local churches, or youth organizations.
Research Available Camps
While there are a number of camps you can work at, one internet search will probably bring up an overwhelming amount of options. You’ll first need to consider if you want to stay close to home, if you’d rather work days only, or if you’re ready for an adventure that takes place across the country. Here are a few places you can look for summer camp jobs:
- Great Camp Jobs: Simply apply to a job that sounds interesting to you and camp directors from all over will review your application and then reach out if you are a good fit.
- YMCA: Look into your local YMCA’s summer job opportunities. Many locations run day camps throughout the summer and are always looking for students to join their team.
- Your College: Many colleges, such as UCLA, host summer camp programs and hire students to help. Check out your college’s employment page and see if there are camp options for you to apply to.
- Camp Page: This site allows you to look up summer camp jobs by state. This makes it easy to choose something close to home, or find an adventure in a completely new place!
Prepping for Your Summer Camp Job
Once you’ve applied and accepted a summer camp job, it’s time to prepare! While not every camp is the same, most will require you to have your CPR and First Aid certifications. You’ll typically have ample time to complete these before your first day on the job, and some may even cover it for you during orientation. Camps will also typically conduct a background check, ask for references, and if you are applying for a specialty role (i.e., a lifeguard), you may need to complete additional certifications.
As far as packing goes, this will all depend on where you are spending your summer, but most camp staff will want to make sure they have the following items:
- Comfortable, durable clothing
- Weather-appropriate gear (i.e., raincoat, warm layers, swimsuit)
- Good walking shoes
- Water bottle
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Sunscreen and bug spray
- Personal toiletries
- Medications/vitamins
- Extras like a journal/camera/book
Making the Most of Your Summer Camp Job
Working at a summer camp is a job, but it’s also so much more than that. It’s an opportunity to have an unforgettable adventure, make a difference in the lives of kids, build lifelong friendships, and develop valuable skills to add to your resume. If you’re ready to move a lot, talk all day, and experience being “unplugged,” a camp job might be exactly what you’re looking for. Whether you’re leading a song around the campfire or helping a camper work through homesickness, just know that you’ll be creating memories that last forever.
Looking for the perfect summer camp job? Why not find your perfect college while you’re at it? Start your college search with College Raptor’s FREE College Match tool and start planning your next big adventure.
