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 Podcasters 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 Podcasting program, but we encourage you to bring your own ideas!
• Objective: Teach audio production and storytelling through the creation of original podcasts. • Course Overview: Campers will learn the basics of podcasting, including planning, scripting, recording, and editing audio. They will explore the art of storytelling, voice work, and sound design to produce engaging podcasts on topics of their choice. • Key Skills Developed: Audio editing, storytelling, voice recording, interview techniques • Tools and Software: Audacity, GarageBand, podcasting equipment (microphones, headphones) • Final Project/Outcome: Campers will produce a fully edited podcast episode, which can be shared with family and friends.
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 Filmmakers 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 Filmmaking program, but we encourage you to bring your own ideas!
• Objective: Combine the art of storytelling with practical filmmaking techniques to create engaging digital narratives. • Course Overview: Campers will explore how to craft compelling stories and bring them to life through film. The course covers storytelling fundamentals, scriptwriting, and narrative structure, while also delving into the technical aspects of filmmaking such as cinematography, directing, and editing. Campers will create interactive storytelling elements and produce short films that showcase their stories in a visual format. • Key Skills Developed: Storytelling, scriptwriting, filmmaking, cinematography, video editing • Tools and Software: Digital cameras, Adobe Premiere Pro, lighting and sound equipment, interactive storytelling platforms • Final Project/Outcome: Campers will develop and produce a short film that incorporates interactive storytelling elements, which will be showcased in a final presentation.
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 Digital Photographers and Editors 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 Digital Photography, but we encourage you to bring your own ideas!
• Objective: Teach the art of digital photography and photo editing techniques. • Course Overview: Campers will learn about photography principles such as composition, lighting, and perspective, as well as digital editing usingprofessional software. They will explore different photography styles and apply editing techniques to enhance their images. • Key SkillsDeveloped: Photography skills, image editing, creativity, attention to detail • Tools and Software: Digital cameras, Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom • Final Project/Outcome: Campers will create a curated digital photo portfolio, showcasing their best shots and edits.
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 Film Photographers to work at our one-of-a-kind arts camp for summer 2025.
Featuring a darkroom complete with manual film cameras and six enlargers, Med-o-lark’s film photography program offers instruction in traditional black-and-white photography and film developing. In the dark room, campers are taught all aspects of film development, including composition, lighting, and processing. Responsibilities include teaching up to 5 one-hour classes per day of approximately 5-10 campers. Our well-equipped photo lab and darkroom provides campers unlimited creativity. Below is an outline of our Digital Photography, but 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 Dance instructorsfor our one-of-a-kind arts camp for summer 2025.
Responsibilities include teaching up to 5 one-hour classes each day of approximately 10-15 campers. We typically offer Hip Hop, Modern, Ballet, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Tap, and any specialty type of dance class you wish to offer and can teach. A positive attitude and outgoing demeanor will win over our campers. Experience leading classes and/or teaching choreography is a plus. We present a dance show at the end of each session to show off your work.
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!
