Different Jobs at Summer Camps
When conjuring up the idea of a summer camp job, you likely imagine the stereotypical camp counselor – brightly-colored staff shirt, whistle, tie-dye bandana, impressive tan-lines, and the biggest smile you’ve ever seen. Trust us, you’re probably not too far off from what most people envision, but did you know that there are many different types of camps and that the theme/philosophy/overall structure of roles will vary depending on the camp? In general, the role of a counselor will be pretty consistent across the board, but there are many other positions and roles for those interested in working at a summer camp!
Each camp is a unique universe, offering a variety of roles that go beyond the traditional counselor. Whether you love the idea of leading a group of campers or prefer supporting the magic from behind the scenes, there’s a perfect fit for everyone. From arts and crafts guidance to coordinating thrilling adventure activities, these roles are all about creating fun, fostering learning, and helping campers grow.
So, are you ready for an unforgettable summer adventure, full of laughter, learning, and life-changing experiences? Let’s dive into the diverse and exciting opportunities that summer camps offer!
We can, and will, talk at length about what it means to be a camp counselor, but here is a quick rundown of just a few of the things that are typical to this role. At its very core, in the role of a counselor, you will be tasked with the oversight and care of a group of children and your day-to-day will involve being with them as they play, laugh, learn, struggle, and grow. Supervision of your campers will include ensuring both their physical and emotional safety. In addition to the responsibilities that come with leading a cabin, most counselors will also take on the responsibilities of teaching activities and clinics. Some camps will have you choose one specialty that you will run all summer and others will train you to lead several different clinics, so make sure that when you choose a camp, you know which of these styles you would prefer. Most camps offer some kind of evening programming, which you will also be participating in, whether as a chaperone, mentor, audience member, actor in a skit, or participant! Your days will be scheduled and packed from sun-up to sun-down, and you will most likely spend your nights in your cabin with your campers, so if you have a strong need for alone time, being a camp counselor may not be for you. On the flip-side, if you have a need to contribute, mentor, support, or give back, being a counselor may be a great way for you to fill that need.
If you enjoy the idea of nourishing others while working with a small but close-knit team, a job in a camp kitchen might be right up your alley! With responsibilities like food prep, presentation, service, cleanup, and inventory, some experience working in a kitchen might be helpful, but is not always required. Camps vary greatly in the quality of food prepared, as well as the demands, compensation, and opportunities of the kitchen staff. A camp may keep kitchen staff completely separate from all other parts of camp life, or kitchen staff may be invited to be part of the evening campfires or any other part of the camp as time allows. In a camp kitchen, you will be spending more of your time working with other adults and may have some more time to yourself and with peers than a counselor might have. That said, you will also most likely spend long hours on your feet doing repetitive tasks and operating under some intense deadlines. If you are interested in working in a camp kitchen, find a camp that offers food you are interested in preparing and offering to the community. Depending on the camp, you could be preparing something more akin to cafeteria-style offerings, or you could be working with a menu structured around nutrition, or you might end up making family-style home-cooked meals! Find a camp that works for your skills and interests to ensure that you get the most from your summer.
Many intermediate leadership positions exist at summer camps. These roles are often filled by experienced camp counselors with significant communication, organization, and operational skills. These are the people who schedule activities, run training sessions, plan programming, lead the counselors, and lend support and expertise wherever it is needed. Some camps hire program-specific leaders who take on the responsibility, care, and development of one activity or program, like Equestrian, High Ropes, or Waterfront. Depending on the camp and the role, these may either be seasonal jobs or year-round roles.
Every camp has at least one. The camp director provides the overarching vision and direction for the camp and is accountable for everything at camp. If the camp is a non-profit, the Director likely reports to a board of directors, and if privately owned, it may be the owner or someone hired by the owner/corporation to run the camp. If you are passionate about camp and wish to make a life of it, you may someday choose to seek a position as a camp director.
One of the many types of camp jobs may fall into the category of a support role. A lot goes into making a camp run smoothly. Each camp will come with its own host of responsibilities that require staff in areas like maintenance, program development, administrative work, finance, HR, registration, parent communication, and more. If there is something you are passionate about or have experience in, you may find a camp where you can use your skills while still getting to work in a unique, fun, and outdoorsy camp environment. There are often many roles that operate in a more ‘behind the scenes’ way that may offer you more time to work on solo projects or within a small team as opposed to working directly with the campers all day. If you prefer more task-based work and like to help with the operational side of things, consider looking for a camp job in a support role!
Camp nurses provide a vital service within the summer camp world. They are responsible for administering medication to campers and staff, monitoring known conditions, and providing both routine and emergency care to sick or injured campers or staff. Most camp nurse jobs will be a mix of routine and on-call work, with the nurse needing to be available at any hour of the day. Make sure you check each camp to learn their individual requirements for this role.
One final thing to keep in mind is that in addition to the many different positions and roles at summer camps, there are also many different TYPES of summer camps. Whether your personal and professional interests lie in athletics, emotional development, wilderness trips, working with special needs children, robotics, theater, or play, there will be a camp for you, so make sure that your search for the perfect summer job takes this into account.
Want to learn more? We make it our mission to gather all the necessary information to help you find your perfect camp job.
Camp Counselor
Counselors are the soul of the camp. They’re the ones right there with the campers, guiding them through activities, resolving conflicts, and making sure everyone’s safe and having the time of their lives. If you’re looking for a role that’s hands-on with the kids and full of energy, this is it.
At its very core, in the role of a counselor, you will be tasked with the oversight and care of a group of children and your day-to-day will involve being with them as they play, laugh, learn, struggle, and grow. Supervision of your campers will include ensuring both their physical and emotional safety. In addition to the responsibilities that come with leading a cabin, most counselors will also take on the responsibilities of teaching activities and clinics. Some camps will have you choose one specialty that you will run all summer and others will train you to lead several different clinics, so make sure that when you choose a camp, you know which of these styles you would prefer. Most camps offer some kind of evening programming, which you will also be participating in, whether as a chaperone, mentor, audience member, actor in a skit, or participant! Your days will be scheduled and packed from sun-up to sun-down, and you will most likely spend your nights in your cabin with your campers, so if you have a strong need for alone time, being a camp counselor may not be for you. On the flip-side, if you have a need to contribute, mentor, support, or give back, being a counselor may be a great way for you to fill that need.
Camp Coordination and Leadership Roles
Many intermediate leadership positions exist at summer camps. These roles are often filled by experienced camp counselors with significant communication, organization, and operational skills. These are the people who schedule activities, run training sessions, plan programming, lead the counselors, and lend support and expertise wherever it is needed. Some camps hire program-specific leaders who take on the responsibility, care, and development of one activity or program, like Equestrian, High Ropes, or Waterfront. Depending on the camp and the role, these may either be seasonal jobs or year-round roles.
Recreation and Activities Coordinators
These are the masterminds behind the fun. Coordinators plan and oversee all the exciting activities – from sports and games to creative arts. They ensure everything’s not just enjoyable, but also safe and suitable for campers of all ages.
Arts & Crafts Leaders
Got a flair for creativity? Arts & Crafts Leaders are the creative sparks, helping campers explore their artistic sides. Whether it’s woodworking, painting, or any crafty endeavor, they guide campers in learning and enjoying various art forms.
Special Activities Directors
For camps with specialized programs like swimming, horseback riding, or archery, these directors are key. They’re experts in their field, ensuring that campers not only have fun but also learn the right techniques and stay safe.
Camp Director
Every camp has at least one. The camp director provides the overarching vision and direction for the camp and is accountable for everything at camp. If the camp is a non-profit, the Director likely reports to a board of directors, and if privately owned, it may be the owner or someone hired by the owner/corporation to run the camp. If you are passionate about camp and wish to make a life of it, you may someday choose to seek a position as a camp director.
Camp Kitchen Staff
If you enjoy the idea of nourishing others while working with a small but close-knit team, a job in a camp kitchen might be right up your alley! With responsibilities like food prep, presentation, service, cleanup, and inventory, some experience working in a kitchen might be helpful, but is not always required. Camps vary greatly in the quality of food prepared, as well as the demands, compensation, and opportunities of the kitchen staff. A camp may keep kitchen staff completely separate from all other parts of camp life, or kitchen staff may be invited to be part of the evening campfires or any other part of the camp as time allows. In a camp kitchen, you will be spending more of your time working with other adults and may have some more time to yourself and with peers than a counselor might have. That said, you will also most likely spend long hours on your feet doing repetitive tasks and operating under some intense deadlines. If you are interested in working in a camp kitchen, find a camp that offers food you are interested in preparing and offering to the community. Depending on the camp, you could be preparing something more akin to cafeteria-style offerings, or you could be working with a menu structured around nutrition, or you might end up making family-style home-cooked meals! Find a camp that works for your skills and interests to ensure that you get the most from your summer.
Support Roles
One of the many types of camp jobs may fall into the category of a support role. A lot goes into making a camp run smoothly. Each camp will come with its own host of responsibilities that require staff in areas like maintenance, program development, administrative work, finance, HR, registration, parent communication, and more. If there is something you are passionate about or have experience in, you may find a camp where you can use your skills while still getting to work in a unique, fun, and outdoorsy camp environment. There are often many roles that operate in a more ‘behind the scenes’ way that may offer you more time to work on solo projects or within a small team as opposed to working directly with the campers all day. If you prefer more task-based work and like to help with the operational side of things, consider looking for a camp job in a support role!
Camp Nurse
Camp nurses provide a vital service within the summer camp world. They are responsible for administering medication to campers and staff, monitoring known conditions, and providing both routine and emergency care to sick or injured campers or staff. Most camp nurse jobs will be a mix of routine and on-call work, with the nurse needing to be available at any hour of the day. Make sure you check each camp to learn their individual requirements for this role.
Camp Administration
The backbone of the camp, the administration team handles everything from budgets and event planning to camper and parent relations. They ensure the camp runs like a well-oiled machine, looking after the business side of things.
Lifeguards
Vital for camps with swimming activities, lifeguards keep an eye on water safety. They’re trained in CPR and first aid, ensuring a safe swimming environment for everyone.
Groundskeepers
The unsung heroes who keep the campgrounds beautiful and safe. From mowing lawns to clearing trails, they work tirelessly to ensure the camp is a welcoming, safe space for all activities.
Specialty Camps
One final thing to keep in mind is that in addition to the many different positions and roles at summer camps, there are also many different TYPES of summer camps. Whether your personal and professional interests lie in athletics, emotional development, wilderness trips, working with special needs children, robotics, theater, or play, there will be a camp for you, so make sure that your search for the perfect summer job takes this into account.
Want to learn more? We make it our mission to gather all the necessary information to help you find your perfect camp job.