Why Work at a Camp?

Does this describe you or someone you know?
You love the outdoors. You love hiking and biking and so on. When you channel surf, Mountain Dew commercials really grab your attention. And -- your good friend says you're great with kids.

If you relate to this, then there's the perfect place waiting for you and needing you: summer camp. Over half a million college students will find their way from their campus to camp this coming summer to fill openings at approximately 8,500 camps across the United States. One problem though -- there are more jobs to fill than there are people seeking them. So the American Camping Association, the group that sets the standards for the summer camp profession, is beginning its work now to connect interested college students to great summer jobs.

Now there's nothing's wrong with spending the summer behind a desk or a cash register, but consider this:

• live, play, and work in the great outdoors;
• go on active adventures;
• experience other parts of the country;
• make new friends from all over -- even from other countries;
• bank more money that you think -- with few expenses;
• become a child's hero.

All of this, plus you can put your education to work. Camp jobs offer invaluable skill-building, leadership, training, and enrichment opportunities found nowhere else. Regardless of your college major, camp experiences allow you to learn and develop skills that will enhance your job marketability. The benefits go far beyond a paycheck, too. Business executives often note that experience as a camp counselor translates into excellent management and personnel skills. College credit can sometimes be obtained from working at camp. Check with your college advisor to see if you qualify.

Camp jobs are everywhere and for everyone. No matter where you're from or what your ability level, if you love kids and enjoy the outdoors, you could fill a variety of camp jobs. And in most cases no experience is necessary.

• Counselors interact personally with campers and lead them through activities. At resident camps, counselors live with campers and at day camps they may travel with the campers on a bus to and from camp.
• Program Staff teach arts and crafts, archery, swimming, team and individual sports, horseback riding, boating, music, drama, dance, radio/TV, computers, rock climbing, nature studies, and more.
• Lifeguards work at the camp's swimming and boating areas. Consideration is given to students with proper certifications such as advanced lifesaving.
• Other jobs include food service directors and cooks, buildings and grounds, drivers, trip leaders, and office assistants.

Salaries for counselors or comparable positions generally range from $1,000 to $3,000 for the camp season and up to $4,000 for persons who are certified in lifeguard training and other skilled positions. Room and board is provided at most camps. Laundry services plus health and accident insurance may also be included.

But wait -- there's more. Experts agree that working at a summer camp packs powerful potential. "I'm impressed with how frequently and how much summer camp experiences have influenced young adults' lives," says Bruce Muchnick, Ed.D., a licensed psychologist who works extensively with day and resident camps. Summer camp is a special place where children and adults come together and form a unique community. In this setting, young adults working as counselors have the opportunity to:

• master real-life problem-solving skills;
• have a significant and positive influence in the lives of children;
• develop greater self-understanding;
• participate in experiences that enhance personal growth; and
• develop/expand a network of peer relations.

If you are considering a camp job, check to see if the camp is accredited by the American Camping Association. By definition, ACA-accredited camps comply with the association's standards, and their owners and directors subscribe to ACA's code of ethics. As a result, ACA-accredited camps provide written employment agreements and personnel policies. An employment agreement should give the job description, salary, pay dates, benefits, and terms of employment. Personnel policies spell out how the camp handles time off, absence from work, performance evaluations, and requirements for health examinations.

Find out all the ways ACA can help you find a great job at camp!