12 Benefits of a Summer Camp Job

By Lorena Roberts on October 27, 2017

Working at a summer camp is probably one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had. After I graduated from high school, I knew I needed a full-time job. I was saving up for the semester ahead and also knew I needed to have some good experiences before leaving home.

Now that it’s four years later, I can say that the seven weeks I spent as a summer camp counselor benefited me in more ways than one. If you’re struggling with whether or not to work at a summer camp, here are some reasons for the “pro” column.

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1. Avoid laziness

When you start giving your resume to employers later on down the line, they’ll see that you didn’t spend your summers sitting on your butt playing video games. They’ll appreciate your drive and commitment to working a job when you may not necessarily have needed to. If you’re ready to commit your summer to some kiddos, then absolutely do it! Employers will see it as a quality trait later on.

2. Experience flexibility

Typically, summer camp jobs have a bit more flexibility than typical office jobs. Summer camps jobs mean there are a lot more counselors than just you (hopefully). This means you’ll have a bit more flexibility when asking for time off, taking lunch, etc.

3. Be a role model

As a camp counselor, you’ll have the opportunity to serve as a role model for children. They’ll look up to you for an entire summer. You’ll feel like a celebrity when kids are calling your name from across the playground all summer.

4. Make bank

Food and lodging are usually covered by the camp when you’re hired. You won’t have anywhere to spend your paycheck because you’ll be watching kiddos all day every day. You’ll be able to stock up your savings while wasting your worries away in nature. Pretty good deal, eh?

5. Experience other parts of the country

Camp counselors are needed all over the country. If you’re looking for this kind of summer job, there’s a good chance you could travel to another part of the country. Not only will you meet people from all over, you’ll get to see parts of the country you may not have been able to otherwise.

6. Let loose/act silly

Camp counselors lead chants and make kids laugh. You literally get paid to act like a lunatic so kiddos will have fun. There’s a level of stress that comes with the responsibility, but there’s also an outlet for you to let loose that your friends in office internships won’t get.

7. Build skills simultaneously

While you’re taking care of 15-20 kids, you’re also communicating with co-workers, brainstorming, and problem-solving. There are so many parts of being a camp counselor that will improve your workplace skills.

8. Learn about yourself

Kids are unpredictable. There’s no way to tell what your day is going to look like. You’ll learn where your strengths are and where you need to improve when you have on-the-fly situations you have to handle.

9. Create life-long friendships

Spending the entire summer with people means you’ll create relationships that could last a long time. Other camp counselors can become friends for life — so take advantage of the opportunity to meet people and value the friendships you make.

10. Make a difference

Being a camp counselor is one of the best ways to make a difference in the lives of children. If you’re looking for rewarding work, I can guarantee you’ll find it with a job as a camp counselor.

11. Take care of others

You’ll lose your selfish side after being a camp counselor for a summer. You’ll spend every waking moment of your summer taking care of kiddos who look up to you. When your summer is over, you’ll have to break your habit of getting up to do refills or counting how many people are in your group.

12. Spend your summer being active

Being a camp counselor will definitely keep you off of your butt. You could use this opportunity to get yourself back in shape (because the college years are tough). Running after kids is tough work — you’ll get your daily cardio for sure.

When you decide to start looking for camp counselor positions, you’re signing up for a summer of fun. The benefits that will come out of this experience are endless. My camp counselors stayed in a cabin with us. They were our “mom” at night and our “big sister” during the day. I could go to my camp counselor about anything. Sometimes I was scared. Sometimes I was homesick. Sometimes I just needed a good laugh.

Being a camp counselor is not only rewarding but also beneficial. If you’re looking for a summer job, look into becoming a summer camp counselor. You won’t regret it.

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