Activity Specialist Jobs at Summer Camps Across the USA
Activity specialist jobs at summer camps are some of the most versatile and rewarding seasonal roles in the industry. As an activity specialist, you’re the expert behind one of camp’s signature programs — whether that’s sports, arts, theater, climbing, sailing, archery, dance, or anything in between. Sleepaway camps, day camps, and specialty residential camps all rely on activity specialists to deliver high-quality, age-appropriate programming that keeps campers engaged and inspired all summer long.
A typical activity specialist plans daily lessons, leads group sessions across multiple age groups, supports cabin counselors during free time, and mentors junior staff in their area of expertise. Many co-ed camps offer specialist roles alongside cabin counselor responsibilities, while larger overnight camps hire dedicated specialists who focus solely on their program area. If you’re passionate about your craft and love sharing it with kids, this is a perfect way to spend the summer.
What does an activity specialist do at a summer camp?
An activity specialist plans and leads daily sessions in their specific program area — sports, arts, waterfront, ropes, music, or other specialty. You’ll teach skills, ensure safety, manage equipment, and create memorable experiences across multiple age groups throughout the summer camp season.
Do I need certifications to be an activity specialist at a sleepaway camp?
Certifications depend on your activity area. Waterfront specialists need lifeguard and water safety certs; climbing and ropes specialists need facilitator training; archery specialists usually need USA Archery or similar credentials. Most camps will help you obtain or renew certs during staff training.
What’s the difference between an activity specialist and a counselor?
Specialists are program experts who lead specific activity sessions; counselors live in cabins with campers and manage day-to-day care. At many overnight camps, staff are hired as specialist-counselors” who do both — leading their specialty during the day and supporting cabin life at night.
What does pay look like for activity specialists at summer camps?
Compensation for activity specialists is competitive and varies based on experience
Browse Summer Camp Activity Specialist Jobs for 2026
Camp Med-o-lark is seeking Metalsmithing/Metal Jewelry instructors for our one-of-a-kind arts camp for summer 2025. Responsibilities include teaching up to 5 one-hour classes per day of approximately 5-10 campers per class. Our metal jewelry studio focuses on pieces such as necklaces, belt buckles, medallions, rings, earrings, and chains. The work is done in copper and silver, and campers are encouraged to incorporate other materials into their projects, such as stone settings and enameled pendants. We also encourage you to bring your own ideas!
Med-o-lark is a coed residential creative arts camp for ages 8-16 and specializes in visual and fine arts, performing arts, circus, music, culinary, digital media, waterfront, and more! Med-o-lark offers staff benefits including a competitive summer salary, free room and board, and ample time off. Staff live in a cabin with campers and have some evening responsibilities. This is a summer job that can be a ton of fun, gives you the opportunity to meet others from all over the world (both counselor and camper), and allows you to teach what you love to do!
No matter what field you ultimately go into, a Med-o-lark summer will always be an asset on your resume. We’re always glad to provide letters of recommendation or reference describing the skills you’ve developed with us. As a Med-o-lark staff member, you will have a positive impact on campers’ summers. They look up to you, learn from your example, and leave camp at the end of summer with new skills and accomplishments because of your influence. It’s an enriching experience helping campers create, grow, achieve, and excel. Apply today!
Camp Med-o-lark is seeking Stained Glass instructors for our one-of-a-kind arts camp for summer 2025.
Responsibilities include teaching up to 5 one-hour classes per day of approximately 5 campers. Camper projects include picture frames, candle holders, landscape wall hangings, and sun catchers. We encourage you to bring your own ideas!
Med-o-lark is a coed residential creative arts camp for ages 8-16 and specializes in visual and fine arts, performing arts, circus, music, culinary, digital media, waterfront, and more! Med-o-lark offers staff benefits including a competitive summer salary, free room and board, laundry, and ample time off. Staff have some evening responsibilities and may live in a cabin with campers. This is a summer job that can be a ton of fun, gives you the opportunity to meet others from all over the world (both counselor and camper), and allows you to teach what you love to do!
No matter what field you ultimately go into, a Med-o-lark summer will always be an asset on your resume. We’re always glad to provide letters of recommendation or reference describing the skills you’ve developed with us. As a Med-o-lark staff member, you will have a positive impact on campers’ summers. They look up to you, learn from your example, and leave camp at the end of summer with new skills and accomplishments because of your influence. It’s an enriching experience helping campers create, grow, achieve, and excel. Apply today!
Camp Med-o-lark is seeking Stone Carving instructors for our one-of-a-kind arts camp for summer 2025. Responsibilities include teaching up to 5 one-hour classes per day of approximately 5-10 campers in a variety of classes. Campers create small sculptures, pendants, vases, candlestick holders, clock inlays, sundials, and more. We encourage you to bring your own ideas! Stone Carving education or experience is required.
Med-o-lark is a coed residential creative arts camp for ages 8-16 and specializes in visual and fine arts, performing arts, circus, music, culinary, digital media, waterfront, and more! Med-o-lark offers staff benefits including a competitive summer salary, free room and board, and ample time off. Staff live in a cabin with campers and have some evening responsibilities. Room and board, laundry and a generous time-off schedule is included. This is a summer job that can be a ton of fun, gives you the opportunity to meet others from all over the world (both counselor and camper), and allows you to teach what you love to do!
No matter what field you ultimately go into, a Med-o-lark summer will always be an asset on your resume. We’re always glad to provide letters of recommendation or reference describing the skills you’ve developed with us. As a Med-o-lark staff member, you will have a positive impact on campers’ summers. They look up to you, learn from your example, and leave camp at the end of summer with new skills and accomplishments because of your influence. It’s an enriching experience helping campers create, grow, achieve, and excel. Apply today!
Camp Med-o-lark is seeking Woodworking instructors for our one-of-a-kind arts camp for summer 2025. Responsibilities include teaching up to 5 one-hour classes per day of approximately 5 campers in a variety of classes. Examples include: Woodburning, Woodcarving, and Woodturning. We encourage you to bring your own ideas! Woodworking education or experience is required.
Med-o-lark is a coed residential creative arts camp for ages 8-16 and specializes in visual and fine arts, performing arts, circus, music, culinary, digital media, waterfront, and more! Med-o-lark offers staff benefits including a competitive summer salary, free room and board, and ample time off. Staff live in a cabin with campers and have some evening responsibilities. Room and board, laundry and a generous time-off schedule is included. This is a summer job that can be a ton of fun, gives you the opportunity to meet others from all over the world (both counselor and camper), and allows you to teach what you love to do!
No matter what field you ultimately go into, a Med-o-lark summer will always be an asset on your resume. We’re always glad to provide letters of recommendation or reference describing the skills you’ve developed with us. As a Med-o-lark staff member, you will have a positive impact on campers’ summers. They look up to you, learn from your example, and leave camp at the end of summer with new skills and accomplishments because of your influence. It’s an enriching experience helping campers create, grow, achieve, and excel. Apply today!
Camp Med-o-lark is seeking Candle Making/Wax Arts instructors for our one-of-a-kind arts camp for summer 2025.
Responsibilities include teaching up to 5 one-hour classes per day of approximately 5-10 campers. In our Wax House (built in 1795), campers create various candle types, including ribbon candles, sand candles, and sculpted candles. We encourage you to bring your own ideas!
Med-o-lark is a coed residential creative arts camp for ages 8-16 and specializes in visual and fine arts, performing arts, circus, music, culinary, digital media, waterfront, and more! Med-o-lark offers staff benefits including a competitive summer salary, free room and board, laundry, and ample time off. Staff have some evening responsibilities and may live in a cabin with campers. This is a summer job that can be a ton of fun, gives you the opportunity to meet others from all over the world (both counselor and camper), and allows you to teach what you love to do!
No matter what field you ultimately go into, a Med-o-lark summer will always be an asset on your resume. We’re always glad to provide letters of recommendation or reference describing the skills you’ve developed with us. As a Med-o-lark staff member, you will have a positive impact on campers’ summers. They look up to you, learn from your example, and leave camp at the end of summer with new skills and accomplishments because of your influence. It’s an enriching experience helping campers create, grow, achieve, and excel. Apply today!
Camp Med-o-lark is seeking Graphic Arts instructors for our one-of-a-kind arts camp for summer 2025.
The hub of our graphic arts program takes place in a beautiful, spacious 200-year-old barn is centrally located among Med-o-lark’s many art studios. Here, staff teach campers techniques and styles in painting, drawing, sketching, cartooning, anime, graffiti, and other graphic arts. Campers choose from a wide variety of media with which to create, including oil, pastel, watercolor, pen and ink, charcoal, and conté. We encourage you to bring your own ideas! An open studio elective is offered for campers who wish to use their imagination and work on their choice of projects. Responsibilities include teaching up to 5 one-hour classes per day of approximately 5-10 campers.
Med-o-lark is a coed residential creative arts camp for ages 8-16 and specializes in visual and fine arts, performing arts, circus, music, culinary, digital media, waterfront, and more! Med-o-lark offers staff benefits including a competitive summer salary, free room and board, laundry, and ample time off. Staff have some evening responsibilities and may live in a cabin with campers. This is a summer job that can be a ton of fun, gives you the opportunity to meet others from all over the world (both counselor and camper), and allows you to teach what you love to do!
No matter what field you ultimately go into, a Med-o-lark summer will always be an asset on your resume. We’re always glad to provide letters of recommendation or reference describing the skills you’ve developed with us. As a Med-o-lark staff member, you will have a positive impact on campers’ summers. They look up to you, learn from your example, and leave camp at the end of summer with new skills and accomplishments because of your influence. It’s an enriching experience helping campers create, grow, achieve, and excel. Apply today!
Camp Med-o-lark is seeking Silk Painting artists to work at our one-of-a-kind arts camp for summer 2025.
Responsibilities include teaching up to 5 one-hour classes per day of approximately 5-10 campers. Our well-equipped silks studio provides campers unlimited creativity. Our silk painting counselors will explore the creative use of water-based resistant paint to create beautiful designs and colorful patterns to make wearable art. We encourage you to bring your own ideas!
Med-o-lark is a coed residential creative arts camp for ages 8-16 and specializes in visual and fine arts, performing arts, circus, music, culinary, digital media, waterfront, and more! Med-o-lark offers staff benefits including a competitive summer salary, free room and board, laundry, and ample time off. Staff have some evening responsibilities and may live in a cabin with campers. This is a summer job that can be a ton of fun, gives you the opportunity to meet others from all over the world (both counselor and camper), and allows you to teach what you love to do!
No matter what field you ultimately go into, a Med-o-lark summer will always be an asset on your resume. We’re always glad to provide letters of recommendation or reference describing the skills you’ve developed with us. As a Med-o-lark staff member, you will have a positive impact on campers’ summers. They look up to you, learn from your example, and leave camp at the end of summer with new skills and accomplishments because of your influence. It’s an enriching experience helping campers create, grow, achieve, and excel. Apply today!
Camp Med-o-lark is seeking 3D Printing & Modeling artists to work at our one-of-a-kind arts camp for summer 2025.
Responsibilities include teaching up to 5 one-hour classes per day of approximately 5-10 campers. Our well-equipped Digital Arts studio provides campers unlimited creativity. Below is an outline of our 3D Printing & Modeling program, but we encourage you to bring your own ideas!
• Objective: Introduce campers to the fundamentals of 3D design and printing. • Course Overview: Campers will explore 3D modelling tools and learn how to design objects from scratch, preparing them for 3D printing. They will gain hands-on experience using 3D printers and develop an understanding of how 3D technology is utilized in fields such as architecture, engineering, and product design. • Key SkillsDeveloped: 3D modelling, design thinking, spatial awareness, file preparation • Tools and Software: TinkerCad, Blender, 3D Printers • Final Project/Outcome: Campers will design and print their own custom 3D model, which they can take home as a tangible representation of their learning.
Med-o-lark is a coed residential creative arts camp for ages 8-16 and specializes in visual and fine arts, performing arts, circus, music, culinary, digital media, waterfront, and more! Med-o-lark offers staff benefits including a competitive summer salary, free room and board, laundry, and ample time off. Staff have some evening responsibilities and may live in a cabin with campers. This is a summer job that can be a ton of fun, gives you the opportunity to meet others from all over the world (both counselor and camper), and allows you to teach what you love to do!
No matter what field you ultimately go into, a Med-o-lark summer will always be an asset on your resume. We’re always glad to provide letters of recommendation or reference describing the skills you’ve developed with us. As a Med-o-lark staff member, you will have a positive impact on campers’ summers. They look up to you, learn from your example, and leave camp at the end of summer with new skills and accomplishments because of your influence. It’s an enriching experience helping campers create, grow, achieve, and excel. Apply today!
Camp Med-o-lark is seeking Game Designers & Developers to work at our one-of-a-kind arts camp for summer 2025.
Responsibilities include teaching up to 5 one-hour classes per day of approximately 5-10 campers. Our well-equipped Digital Arts studio provides campers unlimited creativity. Below is an outline of our Game Design & Development program, but we encourage you to bring your own ideas!
• Objective: Teach the fundamentals of game mechanics, design, and development. • Course Overview: Campers will dive into the world of game design by learning about game mechanics, coding basics, and level design. Using tools like Unity, they will create their own playable games, incorporating narrative and interactive elements. • Key Skills Developed: Game mechanics, coding (C# or similar), storytelling, teamwork • Tools and Software: Unity, Visual Studio Code. • Final Project/Outcome: Campers will create a playable game prototype, which can be showcased in the final program exhibition.
Med-o-lark is a coed residential creative arts camp for ages 8-16 and specializes in visual and fine arts, performing arts, circus, music, culinary, digital media, waterfront, and more! Med-o-lark offers staff benefits including a competitive summer salary, free room and board, laundry, and ample time off. Staff have some evening responsibilities and may live in a cabin with campers. This is a summer job that can be a ton of fun, gives you the opportunity to meet others from all over the world (both counselor and camper), and allows you to teach what you love to do!
No matter what field you ultimately go into, a Med-o-lark summer will always be an asset on your resume. We’re always glad to provide letters of recommendation or reference describing the skills you’ve developed with us. As a Med-o-lark staff member, you will have a positive impact on campers’ summers. They look up to you, learn from your example, and leave camp at the end of summer with new skills and accomplishments because of your influence. It’s an enriching experience helping campers create, grow, achieve, and excel. Apply today!
Camp Med-o-lark is seeking Virtual Reality (VR) & Augmented Reality (AR) artists to work at our one-of-a-kind arts camp for summer 2025.
Responsibilities include teaching up to 5 one-hour classes per day of approximately 5-10 campers. Our well-equipped Digital Arts studio provides campers unlimited creativity. Below is an outline of our VR/AR program, but we encourage you to bring your own ideas!
• Objective: Provide an introduction to VR and AR technologies and development. • Course Overview: Campers will learn how to create immersive virtual and augmented reality experiences. They will explore the basics of VR/AR design and development, gaining hands-on experience using VR headsets and AR tools to build interactive environments. • Key Skills Developed: 3D environment design, interaction design, programming for VR/AR • Tools and Software: Unity with VR/AR plugins, Google Cardboard, ARKit/ARCore • Final Project/Outcome: Campers will design and develop a simple VR or AR experience, which can be viewed using headsets or mobile devices.
Med-o-lark is a coed residential creative arts camp for ages 8-16 and specializes in visual and fine arts, performing arts, circus, music, culinary, digital media, waterfront, and more! Med-o-lark offers staff benefits including a competitive summer salary, free room and board, laundry, and ample time off. Staff have some evening responsibilities and may live in a cabin with campers. This is a summer job that can be a ton of fun, gives you the opportunity to meet others from all over the world (both counselor and camper), and allows you to teach what you love to do!
No matter what field you ultimately go into, a Med-o-lark summer will always be an asset on your resume. We’re always glad to provide letters of recommendation or reference describing the skills you’ve developed with us. As a Med-o-lark staff member, you will have a positive impact on campers’ summers. They look up to you, learn from your example, and leave camp at the end of summer with new skills and accomplishments because of your influence. It’s an enriching experience helping campers create, grow, achieve, and excel. Apply today!
