Are you a nursing student looking for a summer experience that combines learning and adventure? Working as a nursing student at a summer camp offers an exciting opportunity to apply your nursing knowledge in a unique setting. The camp environment fosters personal growth, teamwork, and unforgettable experiences that will shape your nursing journey.
Hands-On Learning Opportunities
As a nursing student at summer camp, you’ll have hands-on learning experiences that go beyond the classroom. From assessing and treating minor injuries to assisting with health screenings, you’ll gain practical skills and confidence in your nursing abilities.
Developing Leadership and Decision-Making Skills
Summer camp encourages leadership and initiative. As a nursing student, you have the chance to take on responsibilities, make important decisions, and collaborate with other staff members. These experiences nurture your leadership potential and strengthen your decision-making abilities.
Building Lasting Connections
Working at summer camp allows you to form close bonds with fellow nursing students and camp staff. The friendships you build become a support network that extends beyond the summer, providing encouragement and camaraderie throughout your nursing career.
Immersion in Nature’s Beauty
Escape the city and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the camp surroundings. The serene environment offers a peaceful backdrop for learning and personal reflection, allowing you to recharge and reconnect with your passion for nursing.
Creating Lifelong Memories
Being a nursing student at summer camp is an experience you’ll cherish forever. From campfires under the stars to thrilling adventures with campers, every moment becomes a treasured memory that will shape your nursing journey.
Summer camp is a beloved tradition for many families, and an exciting opportunity for young adults to gain valuable life skills and make lasting memories. But have you ever considered working at a summer camp as a way to spend your summer break? Not only is it a fun and rewarding experience, but it’s also a great way to gain relevant work experience, earn money, and make connections in your field of interest.
Counselor – This is the most popular and iconic summer camp job. Counselors are responsible for leading and overseeing a group of campers, ensuring their safety and well-being while they take part in camp activities. They also help to plan and lead activities, provide emotional support, and serve as positive role models. Apply for summer camp counselor jobs.
Lifeguard – If you are a certified lifeguard, this is a great summer job opportunity. Lifeguards are responsible for supervising the swimming areas and ensuring that campers are safe while they’re in the water. Apply to be a summer camp lifeguard.
Activity Specialist – If you have a special talent or interest, such as music, art, or sports, you may be able to work as an activity specialist at a summer camp. These professionals lead and teach campers in their area of expertise, helping them to develop new skills and interests. Apply to be an activity specialist at summer camp.
Kitchen Staff – Camps require skilled workers to feed their campers and staff. As a kitchen staff member, you will be responsible for preparing and serving meals, as well as cleaning the kitchen and dining area. Apply for kitchen and support staff positions.
Nurse – Summer camps often hire nurses to help take care of minor injuries and illnesses that may occur while the campers are at camp. They are also responsible for providing medication to campers as prescribed. Nurses are in high demand! Apply today to be a summer camp nurse.
Maintenance and Grounds – Summer camps have to maintain their facilities, equipment and take care of their landscapes. These jobs include tasks like painting, cleaning, repairing, and other general maintenance work. Apply for summer camp maintenance positions.
Administrative – Summer camps require staff members for handling their registration, billing and other administrative tasks. They also need staff to manage their website, social media and other digital platforms. Apply for year-round office positions at summer camps.
These are just a few examples of the many job positions available at summer camps. Whatever your skills and interests, there’s sure to be a job that’s a perfect fit for you.
Working at a summer camp is an exciting, challenging, and rewarding experience. You’ll get to spend your summer in the great outdoors, make new friends, and have fun while you’re working. So if you’re looking for a fun and meaningful way to spend your summer, consider applying for a job at a summer camp!
Keep in mind that while I’ve given you a general idea of the jobs, each camp could vary on the specific position they are hiring and the duties involve. And make sure to check the specific requirements and qualifications before applying.
The greatest summer camps in the world are in the U.S.A. But they’re not just the best place for children to spend their summers, but they are also the greatest places to work at during summer breaks! Sleep away summer camps provide thousands of seasonal summer jobs to high school graduates, college students, teachers with summers off, and more. Looking for an amazing summer experience, and want to get paid for it? Not to mention the boost to your resume. See our list of the best camps to work at for summer 2023 below.
And while you’re at it, be sure to check out our camps that are hiring people like you, right NOW!
Camp Robin Hood is a summer camp located in Freedom, New Hampshire that serves children ages 6-17. Working at Camp Robin Hood can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience for several reasons.
First and foremost, working at Camp Robin Hood allows individuals to make a positive impact on the lives of children. As a camp counselor or staff member, you will have the opportunity to be a role model and mentor for campers, helping them to develop new skills, confidence, and independence. You will also have the chance to create lasting memories and friendships with the children in your care.
In addition to the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others, working at Camp Robin Hood also offers personal and professional growth opportunities. You will develop and hone your leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills through your daily responsibilities and interactions with campers and fellow staff. You will have the opportunity to learn from and work with a diverse group of people from different backgrounds and experiences.
Working at Camp Robin Hood is an incredible experience. You will live and work in a beautiful, natural setting and participate in a wide range of activities and events, including sports, arts and crafts, adventure and wilderness programs, and more. You will also have the opportunity to form close bonds with your fellow staff members and create lasting friendships. Learn more about working at Camp Robin Hood for summer 2023…
One of the earliest single-family-owned camps in the US is Brant Lake Camp, which was established in 1916. Brant Lake has a thoughtful approach to caring for kids. BLC understands that when a boy gets older, his needs vary. We can learn about each child’s personality and identify their needs and talents thanks to this. Brant Lake is home to boys who enjoy a summer stepped in sports, tradition and fun.
Brant Lake is located on a pristine six-mile, crystal clear lake with their own private waterfront and beaches. The campus and facilities are among the finest anywhere, and the perfect place for a boy to enjoy the best summers of his life.
Being a counselor at Brant Lake is an incredibly challenging and rewarding experience unlike any other. Working with young children and adults, and making a difference in their lives will leave you feeling fulfilled and will make a profound and significant impact on your own life. More about summer jobs at Brant Lake Camp in New York…
Camp Birchmont gives children the opportunity to begin the transition from the security of home and family to the independence of creating a new “home away from home.” Camp Birchmont is a community which fosters a caring and engaging environment in a beautiful camp setting. Brichmont encourages campers to actively participate in camp life and broaden their horizons by making new friends and trying new experiences. At Birchmont, the highest values are placed on friendship, mutual respect and fun.
Cabin life at Birchmont teaches each child to be supportive, and supported in their time at camp. Campers learn the importance of cooperation, consideration and camaraderie, creating a natural sense of community spirit. All this takes place amidst a summer of fun and adventure on 300 beautiful acres.
As a staff member at Birchmont you will find the best camper to counselor ratio in camping. In fact, there is approximately one staff member to every three campers! Additionally Birchmont wants to make sure that you are well supported and to that end, they have a senior supervisory team who collectively have hundreds of years of Birchmont experience to guide you all summer long. Check out summer camp jobs at Camp Birchmont in New Hampshire…
Camp Weequahic is a co-ed summer camp located in Lakewood, Pennsylvania that serves children ages 6-16. Working at Camp Weequahic is an exciting, rewarding and fulfilling experience for many reasons.
Working at Camp Weequahic allows people to make an impact on the lives of kids. You will have the chance as a camp counselor or staff member to be a role model and mentor for campers, assisting them in developing new skills, confidence, and independence, forming long-lasting bonds and friendships with the children in your care.
Working at Camp Weequahic also provides chances for personal and professional development. Through your daily tasks and interactions with campers and coworkers, you will have the opportunity to build and improve your leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities. You will also be able to learn from and collaborate with a varied group of people from various backgrounds and experiences.
Working and playing at Camp Weequahic is an incredible experience! You will live and work in a pristine summer camp setting and take part in a huge range of activities, events and timeless Weequahic traditions. The friendships you make will last forever. Learn more about working at Camp Weequahic in summer 2023…
Camps Equinunk and Blue Ridge is a brother/sister summer camp with separate boys and girls campuses, located in Equinunk, Pennsylvania. EBR houses children ages 6-16 and offer a wide range of activities and events, including sports, arts and crafts, adventure and wilderness programs, and more.
At Camps Equinunk and Blue Ridge, campers and staff have the opportunity to make new friends, develop new skills, and build confidence and independence in a supportive and engaging environment. Counselors and staff on both campuses are dedicated to creating a positive and memorable experience for all campers and are committed to helping them have fun and thrive.
Island Lake Sports & Arts Center was formed in 1986 with the premise of personalized attention and accomplishment. We make a concerted effort to accommodate each staff member’s and camper’s unique interests and needs. Our objective is to ensure that the entire camp has a fun and memorable summer.
Island Lake is a family-friendly camp with a welcoming, loving, and nurturing atmosphere. Every member of our camp community is treated as family. The camp directors and leadership staff are always available, easy to speak with and kind.
At Island Lake Camp, you will have the chance to participate in a wide range of activities and events, including sports, arts and crafts, adventure and wilderness programs, and more. You will also have the opportunity to form close bonds with your fellow staff members and create lasting memories and friendships with the children in your care.
Summer camp is a beloved tradition for many families, and an exciting opportunity for young adults to gain valuable life skills and make lasting memories. But have you ever considered working at a summer camp as a way to spend your summer break? Not only is it a fun and rewarding experience, but it’s also a great way to gain relevant work experience, earn money, and make connections in your field of interest.
Counselor – This is the most popular and iconic summer camp job. Counselors are responsible for leading and overseeing a group of campers, ensuring their safety and well-being while they take part in camp activities. They also help to plan and lead activities, provide emotional support, and serve as positive role models. Apply to be a summer camp counselor.
Lifeguard – If you are a certified lifeguard, this is a great summer job opportunity. Lifeguards are responsible for supervising the swimming areas and ensuring that campers are safe while they’re in the water. Apply to be a lifeguard at summer camp.
Activity Specialist – If you have a special talent or interest, such as music, art, or sports, you may be able to work as an activity specialist at a summer camp. These professionals lead and teach campers in their area of expertise, helping them to develop new skills and interests. Apply to be a summer camp activity specialist.
Kitchen Staff – Camps require skilled workers to feed their campers and staff. As a kitchen staff member, you will be responsible for preparing and serving meals, as well as cleaning the kitchen and dining area. Apply for kitchen and support staff positions.
Nurse – Summer camps often hire nurses to help take care of minor injuries and illnesses that may occur while the campers are at camp. They are also responsible for providing medication to campers as prescribed. Apply for summer camp nurse jobs.
Maintenance and Grounds – Summer camps have to maintain their facilities, equipment and take care of their landscapes. These jobs include tasks like painting, cleaning, repairing, and other general maintenance work. Apply for maintenance and support staff positions.
Administrative – Summer camps require staff members for handling their registration, billing and other administrative tasks. They also need staff to manage their website, social media and other digital platforms. Apply for year-round camp positions.
These are just a few examples of the many job positions available at summer camps. Whatever your skills and interests, there’s sure to be a job that’s a perfect fit for you.
Working at a summer camp is an exciting, challenging, and rewarding experience. You’ll get to spend your summer in the great outdoors, make new friends, and have fun while you’re working. So if you’re looking for a fun and meaningful way to spend your summer, consider applying for a job at a summer camp!
Keep in mind that while I’ve given you a general idea of the jobs, each camp could vary on the specific position they are hiring and the duties involve. And make sure to check the specific requirements and qualifications before applying.
Summer camps are a staple of childhood for many kids, providing a fun and enriching environment for them to make new friends, learn new skills, and enjoy the great outdoors. One of the most popular activities at summer camps is water sports, which often includes activities such as waterskiing, wakeboarding, and tubing. As such, camps are always on the lookout for skilled and experienced waterski instructors and boat drivers to ensure the safety and enjoyment of campers while they are on the water.
Waterski instructors and boat drivers at summer camps are responsible for teaching campers the basics of waterskiing and wakeboarding, as well as providing more advanced instruction for those who are already skilled in these activities. They also play a key role in ensuring the safety of campers while they are on the water, including enforcing safety guidelines and monitoring for any signs of distress.
In addition to their instructional and safety responsibilities, waterski instructors and boat drivers at summer camps also play a key role in the overall enjoyment of campers. They should be able to create a fun and engaging atmosphere, as well as provide encouragement and support to campers as they learn and improve their skills.
Summer camps have been a staple of childhood for many kids, providing a fun and enriching environment for them to make new friends, learn new skills, and enjoy the great outdoors. But in recent years, the role of nurses at summer camps has become increasingly important as the COVID-19 pandemic has forced camps to adapt and implement new health and safety measures.
With the advent of COVID-19, summer camps have had to make significant changes to their operations in order to keep campers and staff safe. This includes implementing social distancing measures, requiring masks, increasing hand hygiene, and conducting daily health screenings. All of these measures require a high level of organization and attention to detail, which is where nurses come in.
Nurses at summer camps are responsible for monitoring the health and wellbeing of campers and staff, as well as managing and administering any necessary medical treatments. They also play a key role in implementing and enforcing health and safety protocols, such as conducting daily health screenings and monitoring for symptoms of COVID-19.
In addition to their traditional responsibilities, nurses at summer camps are now also responsible for helping campers and staff understand and adhere to new health and safety guidelines, such as wearing masks and practicing social distancing. This requires strong communication and education skills, as well as a compassionate and understanding approach.
Overall, the role of nurses at summer camps has become even more important in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. From monitoring the health and wellbeing of campers and staff to enforcing health and safety protocols, nurses are essential to the smooth and safe operation of summer camps. As such, camps are in desperate need of skilled and experienced nurses, nursing students, and certified/licensed practitioners to ensure the health and safety of all campers and staff.
Sleepaway camp is a raucous, active place throughout the summer. Water skiers rush across the lake on any given day at camp, volleys bounce off the tennis courts, and guitar-strumming counselors lead campers in rounds of songs. It’s a big shift from everyone’s more sedentary habits at home, but the advantages of overnight camp’s full schedule of activities go beyond exercise and sing-alongs. Every summer, there is also a tremendous transition among campers, many of whom get a significant psychological boost.
Summer camp is one area that can help eliminate the roots of a child’s anxiety and despair that might be prevalent at home when children’s mental health issues continue to rise. A psychologist offers the following ways summer camp might help your child’s mental health.
Human Connection
Camp is the most highly social setting available, especially when contrasted to the numerous virtual experiences our children get at home. Being able to be out of the house all the time, living with other people, and feeling so much more connected to not just individuals your age, but also to the counselors and the camp family — the parents and dads of camp — having that in person, intensive social environment is significant.
It’s also an opportunity for genuine encounters, rather than ones that take place through text, when youngsters might be more cruel or distant, whether on purpose or not. Youngsters don’t always know how to communicate to one other face to face. During camp, social indicators like body language and eye contact help children understand what it’s like to be truly connected and foster more compassionate dialogue.
A Break From Social Media
Being at camp entails a vacation from social media and the associated fear of missing out (FOMO). A youngster can be much more aware of being left out of things on platforms like Life360, which can be quite distressing. And apps like Instagram place disproportionate emphasis on beauty and appearance.
While camp photographers do chronicle their stay at camp, such photographs are exclusively available to parents at home. There’s no peer pressure from within a social media platforms, so they get a big break from it all.
Break The Ties to Phones
Not only do students receive a vacation from social media, but they also get a respite from the continual pressures of reacting to peers on their phones. “There’s a lot of strain, especially on teens. I see that a lot in senior and upper camp; there might be a lot of pressure at home to always be on their phones, to not miss Snap[chat], to not ignore liking someone’s Instagram photo, to not ignore text messages.” According to a camp psychologist.
This may come as a surprise, but your children benefit from being apart from you as well.
We have a tendency to micromanage our children’s relationships, friendships, and hobbies, as well as their academic performance, and we know it. Our children deserve and, more importantly, benefit from a respite from the pressures of helicopter parenting.
For kids to not feel like we’re watching them and protecting them, we’re empowering them and teaching them how to manage all of these things. This, in turn, encourages independence and more mature thinking — and teaches children that there are other role models in the world besides their parents.
There’s no denying that great staff can turn a camp from mediocre to outstanding, which is why camps are making a concerted effort to hire extraordinary staff members every summer. Working at a summer camp entails being accountable for the physical and mental well-being of children, which is a job that no parent or camp professional takes lightly.
Jobs at a sleep away camp are highly sought-after positions, not only because you will have more fun than at any other summer job while also establishing lifelong friends, but also because it looks fantastic on your CV/resume. There’s no better job than camp for anyone expecting to work in education or coaching, or for anyone whose résumé could use some padding in the areas of leadership, team management, communication skills, and organization.
Here are our five most helpful tips for getting a great summer camp job.
1. Research, research, research.
When applying for summer camp jobs, take the time to select a camp that you’re enthusiastic about; this will make the application process and your summer much easier. For example, if you know you want to coach , you should look for a camp that puts a priority on sports programs. Remember that most summer camps have a variety of roles available, so be sure to express your preferences to the staffing manager.
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, reach out to your top contender with an unique introductory email. A personalized email as opposed to a scripted email will help you stand out right away and will demonstrate to the staffing director that you are personable, excited, and communicative; all of which are attributes that camps look for in staff. In your email, explain briefly why you’re eager to join this particular program. This is an easy approach to demonstrate that you have spent the time and effort to get to know them.
2. Authentically Sell Yourself
You must demonstrate how you will provide value to the camp when submitting your application or participating in a live interview. Concentrate not only on why you believe you would contribute value to the camp, but also on specific examples of times you have exhibited your abilities. When you say, “I’m a great organizer,” the hiring manager is expected to believe you; however, when you outline your skills through accomplishments such as, “I successfully led a small team by creating and meeting deadlines, delegating tasks, and managing a budget,” you demonstrate what you are capable of offering.
Camps value retention, so if you have the capacity and desire to return for multiple summers, let them know! “I am working towards my degree in communications, so if this is a good fit, I would love to return for the next three summers,” displays confidence and vision while also providing a useful competitive edge.
When it comes to camps, many candidates make the mistake of focusing solely on what the camp can provide them. “This will be a great experience for me,” “I haven’t spent so much time outside in forever, I can’t wait to disconnect,” or “I always wanted to go to camp as a kid” may be TRUE – but your enthusiasm for a job does not demonstrate your ability to do the job well or help them understand the value you can bring to the team. Your best chance is to illustrate how you and the camp would collaborate to provide value to the campers.
Summer camps place a premium on relevant experience. While many people believe that working at a camp will be a fun and simple summer, the reality is that you will rarely have to work longer hours or do nearly as much multitasking. Consider moments when you acted as a leader, followed an idea through to completion, and went out of your way to make childcare a priority in your life. As a general rule, remember that camp is all about the campers.
3. Stand Out From The Crowd
Once you’ve established that you’ve covered the fundamentals, it’s time to let your individuality shine! When you have to command the attention of groups of children, your creativity will get you far, and in most cases, the hiring manager is looking for someone who can not only perform the responsibilities of the job, but also someone who can exemplify the values of the camp while fitting into an established community.
Summer camp is a place where kids feel safe being silly and free to be themselves, and a lot of that is because they look up to their counselors. When you show confidence in yourself and a willingness to be silly, play, and talk freely, you make it easy for the recruiting director to recognize the attributes that the campers would see in you.
4. Be Professional
Remember! This is still a job interview. Don’t overlook the standards of professionalism simply because camp is a “fun job.” Prompt communication, meeting deadlines, and using good spelling and language all should be focused on.
Before applying to summer programs, be sure to tidy up your online presence. Make sure you’re okay with potential employers seeing everything on your social media pages. It’s always a smart bet to set your profiles to private because, in the childcare industry, both parents and children will most likely try to look you up. It’s not that you have anything to conceal or are embarrassed about; it’s simply a more professional appearance.
It’s always a good idea to send a quick ‘thank you’ email after an interview. This serves to remind the staffing director of your qualifications while also providing a respectful and professional courtesy.
5. Practice Makes Perfect!
When you are given the opportunity to participate in an interview, you should prepare a few topics to discuss. Remember, if you go into the interview thrilled about the chance but know nothing about the camp’s mission, culture, or programs, you’re unlikely to stand out as a winning applicant. Simply enough, you must be knowledgable about the camp for which you are interviewing.
Another reason to practice, even if only for a few minutes in front of a mirror, is to become aware of your speech’s pitch and tempo. When we are nervous or eager, we tend to speed up and start talking at a mile a minute. Slow down, take a deep breath, and find strategies to soothe your nerves! Speedy talking often leads to rambling, but if you can resist the need to fill the space with chatter, you’ll help to develop trust with the interviewer by exhibiting confidence and allowing them to speak and ask questions as well.
People also have a ‘phone voice’ that is a few pitches higher than their normal speaking voice. Try entering a camp interview with your typical conversational voice. This simple technique may may put you at ease, making the interview feel more like a casual and friendly chat.
Make sure you have a few smart questions prepared in addition to a quick practice session. I’ve never been to an interview where the question “What questions do you have for us?” was not asked. You might get some of your questions answered during the interview, so be sure you have more than just the fundamentals written down. Having questions prepared will demonstrate that you are taking this opportunity seriously and are committed to make the best decision possible.
Ok, are you ready for the best summer of your life?
Photo courtesy of Molly Green for The Johns Hopkins News-Letter. Green recounts her experiences as a summer camp counselor and the joy of mentoring young campers.
June 6 was the day my summer truly began. At 6:30 I woke up, put on my bathing suit and sweats and drove to my favorite place: work. My coworkers and I greeted each other in the parking lot, blinking away the mist of the early morning as we started our trek down the hill to the beach.
Coming down the hill, we could see the bin, a big metal box that sits on the sand for the entire summer, filled with camp supplies. When the bin appears, everyone knows that it’s summertime.
To explain: I have the best summer job in the world. The last two summers, I’ve had the privilege of working at California Junior Lifeguards, a summer camp that most kids from Southern California attend at some point during their childhood. The camp helps kids feel comfortable in the water, teaching them ocean safety and the importance of an active, outdoor lifestyle.
That first day of summer, my coworkers and I set up camp for the first time — raising tarps, hammering boundary flags into the sand, stacking surfboards and sand toys — and 30 minutes later, we had built a magical place that would soon be flooded with hundreds of children.
Each morning we would schedule the perfect day as we anxiously awaited the arrival of our campers. Our activities often included runs, games, buoy swims and surf clinics. Sometimes we would take our campers on special excursions to play kickball at a nearby park or to Shell Beach, a marine-protected cove where we could go snorkeling and explore the wildlife.
Although I loved playing games like Nation Ball or Tanks, my favorite parts of being a counselor were the opportunities that I had to connect with my kids — whether that be eating lunch with them and talking about their hobbies, helping to resolve conflict between campers or watching them succeed at something that they previously had been scared to do.
This last thing is something that I got to experience a lot this summer, and it will always be my favorite part of working with kids. While many kids were excited to go in the ocean, each week there was at least one camper who was scared to do the buoy swim.
I’ll admit, the swim is a daunting one — the buoy is placed far past the impact zone where the waves crash, and for someone who has never swum that far before, it can be very scary. We never force the kids to participate, but we always encourage them to do so. I had so many kids face their fears and complete the swim this summer, and it’s always so inspirational to see this happen.
Often the kids ask me to swim to the buoy with them, and some hold onto my arm the entire way there. When we get to the buoy, though, I always make them let go to touch the buoy on their own because even if they swim next to me the whole time, I want them to remember that they accomplished this — nobody else did it for them.
Each day this summer, I woke up excited to go to work for that very reason. Each day I had the opportunity to help my campers achieve their goals, whether those goals be large or small. I helped them gain confidence in themselves and their abilities, I comforted them when they were scared and I congratulated them when they succeeded. There’s no other way I’d rather spend my days.
As we cleaned up camp for the last time, my coworkers and I said goodbye to each other — some of us for the last time. One of my coworkers said she might get a different job next summer, then shook her head.
“I’ve spent the last 13 summers here — as a camper, as an intern and now as a counselor,“ she said. “There’s nowhere else I can even picture spending my summer.”
When she said that, I realized for the first time how much of an impact I was making on my campers. Many of them would attend Junior Lifeguards every year of their childhood, and some, like my coworkers and me, would work here through high school and college.
As she was leaving, one of my two-week campers ran to hug me.
“I have a present for you,” she said and handed me two bracelets that she had made me. “Thank you for being the best counselor ever! These were the best two weeks of my whole summer.”
I almost cried then and there, overwhelmed with gratitude for the opportunity I had to impact my campers’ lives. With my second summer at camp coming to a close, I realized just how lucky I was to be there.
Molly Green is a sophomore from Orange County, Calif. studying Writing Seminars.
