Summer Camp Jobs

Students looking for a great seasonal job should consider working at a summer camp. Think about all the people needed to keep a summer camp open! Of course there are counselors but there are additional jobs available too.

Before you get too excited about your new summer job, make sure you will like working at a summer camp.  Attending camp as a camper is far different than being one of the responsible young adults charged with caring for someone else's children. Your little charges could drive you insane; are you prepared for that?

That is not to say that all children will drive the camp staff nuts, it's merely the fact that if you work at a summer camp you will be with children all the time, with no escaping! If you enjoyed babysitting then you will probably do just fine seeking employment at a summer camp.

The other issue to consider is whether or not you are the type of person who will function well living in a cabin for weeks on end.  No internet, very little phone access, no DVDs, no trips to the mall - just roughing it.  Obviously not all camp staff will need to stay on premises. If you live within commuting distance and work as something other than a counselor, you may be able to go home in the evening and have all the comforts of home.

Just do your research before you jump into something that you may not be well suited. If you land a job at the camp you attended as a kid, you'll already be familiar with the grounds and format of the camp. That is certainly not a necessity, just a nice place to start.

You may be able to find a job working in a summer camp if you wait until the last minute, but chances are all the "good jobs" will be taken. Early spring is the best time to start looking and applying. Many camps have websites with an online application processes.

Once you've worked at the camp for one season, providing you were a good worker, it's likely you can plan on being rehired the following year. Anticipate having a background check and drug screen; this is a requirement for many positions working with children. Camps have a responsibility to ensure the safety of the campers.

Camp counselors are in great demand. Counselors stay in the cabin with the campers, eat with them and get them to all the activities in a timely manner. Counselors are responsible for the welfare and whereabouts of their charges. Other available jobs include life guards kitchen help, maintenance, medical, administrative, greeters, bus drivers, and bus counselors.

If you're working for a fun, rewarding summer job, then summer camps should be the first place you look. But don't delay.  Starting planning for summer well in advance.

Summer Camp Jobs to Build Your Teaching Resume
The benefits of working at a summer camp if you are thinking about a teaching career.