How to Be a Summer Camp Counselor

Camp gives kids the opportunity to spend the summer being active, making new friends and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Being a counselor at a summer camp can be just as rewarding. Here are tips for being a summer camp counselor.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Find a camp. You should decide what kind of camp you want to work for. Some summer camps are "day camps," where campers only attend during daytime hours and are picked up by parents in the evening, while others are "sleepover" camps where campers stay on a campsite for a period of time and counselors are required to stay as well.

2. Consider the kind of campers with whom you'll be working. Summer camps are available for all kinds of children, from those with terminal illnesses or physical disabilities to those attending camp to stay fit and active while interacting with other children when school is not in session. Each group of campers will present its own set of challenges, and it is important to decide what type of campers you feel you are able to counsel.

3. Be approachable. Every camper you encounter, whether they have been coming to camp for years or are in their first summer, will view you as the new counselor and will want to be your friend. Give campers a chance to get to know you by playing "getting to know you" games as an activity or by allowing them to ask you anything they want (within reason). Letting the campers get to know a little bit about your personality and background develops trust and helps make summer camp a safe and happy place for them.

4. Accept new challenges. You may encounter activities as a new camp counselor that you have never tried before. So try them! Chances are that one or two of the campers in your charge hasn't learned that song or tried that new food yet either, and seeing you be brave enough to try it for the first time will enable them to do the same.

5. Smile. Though smiles can be harder to muster if the temperature has hit an all-time high or you didn't get enough sleep the night before, a smile on your face is the best way to make sure that all of your campers are having fun. Remember that you are there to help your campers have fun, so act like it.

6. Get dirty. Summer camp is a place to play in the woods, make arts and crafts projects and swim as much as you can. As a camp counselor, you simply can't be afraid to get a little dirt under your fingernails or mess up your hair. Leave the expensive jeans at home, skip the manicure and dive into activities alongside your campers.

7. Recognize the value. More than just ice cream sundaes, sack races and swimming, summer camp is a place to help kids learn new things, to let them grow and to give them a chance to truly just be a kid. The guidance and friendship you give them as their camp counselor will help shape their camp experience and may create a lasting impact on their lives. Being a summer camp counselor may not come with a big paycheck, but the ultimate reward can be invaluable.

Resources

• Get the perspective of a former camp counselor at scoutingaround.com.
• Find available summer camp jobs at greatcampjobs.com.
• Find camps accreditated by the American Camping Association at aca.org.

Who Can Help Sponsored

• Earn your degree from industry experts at University of Phoenix. Take the next step in your career.

[mrcorndawg]

on 7/18/2009 Here is a great resource for the new camp counselor:

http://blog.mrcorndawg.com/2009/07/resources-tips-for-the-new-camp-counselor/