For many young adults Going to summer camp has a lasting effect on them. I run Swift Nature Camp since 1996 and here are a few helpful hints for folks applying to work at camp.
So you want to work at a Summer camp this year. jobs include counselors, sport and nature instructors, lifeguards, kitchen staff, and the other positions needed to keep camps open. Generally, speaking if you have experience with children, teaching or babysitting you will have a leg up on other applicants but often no experience is needed. Summer camps tend to be very flexible with the age of hires some are open to high school others college students and above.
Being a Summer Camp Counseloroffers some of the most rewarding jobs open to young adults. Although it may seem like never ending fun, it is hard work. Luckily, camp positions often require little or no experience but applicants must be full of compassion for children. Counselors are nearly always on duty, organizing activities, keeping campers safe, and acting as supervisors and mentors. Free time is very limited. At our camp some counselors do double duty as lifeguards or instructors as well as live in cabins with kids.
Camps also have other summer jobs these include sports and nature instructors. Sports instructors are often college athletes, and science and nature camps often offer assistant instructor positions to science majors with an interest in education.
Manu of our staff return year after year. As early as September we are sending contracts out to staff. We would like to have all our staff hired by May 1st. Often, last minute changes makes this impossible, if its late in the cycle don’t give up. Due to distance nearly all of our interview are done over the phone.
Word of mouth is a very important way of finding a job at a summer camp. At Swift Nature Camp we finacially encourage counselors to recommend their friends. For most the internet is the easiest way to find a job.. You can look at individual website like this Summer Camp. Or there are websites that group camps together and give a little information about each camp. This makes it easier for you to search out the best camp position for you.
Swift Nature Camp does hire folks from outside the USA. However we only use an employment agency such as Camp America to get our applicants. Very few camps will hire a Non-U.S. citizens desiring to work in the U.S. at a summer camp without a staffing agencies. So use an agency to get that position.
One of the nice things about summer camp employment is that Most Summer Camps do not require a resume, you just need to complete the application online. The only down side to this is you might fill out our application and another 10 that are somewhat similar.
Sure camp is all about FUN, yet it is a very serious job. Be professional during the interview. At Swift Nature Camp we look fo fun, safe, responsible, interesting counselors. Your goal is to let your enthusiasm, your honesty and your ability to be responsabile shine through.
Choose appropriate jobs to apply for – jobs that fit your skills and experiences. For example, if you aren’t a certified lifeguard, don’t apply for lifeguard jobs. Summer camps will provide some on-the-job training, but they expect you to meet basic qualifications. First Aid, CPR, Wilderness First Responder, and lifeguard certifications all make you more competitive, even if you are not applying for a lifeguard job.
Some camps have an age requirement at Swift Nature Camp you have to be 18. Other camps are more open and will hire folks who are still in H.S. Be sure to read the job description not to waste your time or the directors.
We as Directors of Swift Nature Camp, first look for special instructors in areas we need to fill, archery, rifelry or paddling leaders. After filling these positions we look for personable college students. Being a mentor to children requires being friendly and understanding. Next, or maybe first we look for responsible people that will keep our campers safe. Being a camp counselor requires giving of yourself 99% of the time. Camp hours are long, with few hours off all day. Camp is not a job it is a community of life.
You will probably have to apply at several summer camps. We do not always give interviews, but don’t get discouraged. If you are qualified, submit a strong application, and convey your interest in working at a summer camp during your interview, a great summer job and a memorable experience will be yours.
Swift Nature Camp hires 20 young folks each summer as camp counselors. If you want to be a mentor this summer to a child please fill out an application at our website.
About the authors: Jeff and Lonnie Lorenz are the directors of Swift Nature Camp, a non-competitive, traditional coed overnight Summer Camp located in Northern Wisconsin. To learn more about be Camp Counselor Jobs see our website
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