Summer camp is an exciting time for children to explore new activities, make new friends, and create lifelong memories. However, it’s not just campers who can benefit from this experience – working as a summer camp photographer can be a great way to boost your resume and gain valuable skills that can be applied to a variety of careers. In this article, we’ll explore how working as a summer camp photographer can help you stand out from the crowd and advance your career goals.
Develops photography skills
As a summer camp photographer, you’ll have the opportunity to hone your photography skills in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. You’ll learn how to take action shots, capture candid moments, and edit photos to create stunning visuals that tell a story. These skills are not only useful in the world of photography, but they can also be applied to a variety of other industries, including advertising, marketing, and social media.
Builds a strong portfolio
Working as a summer camp photographer can help you build a strong portfolio that showcases your skills and experience. You’ll have the opportunity to capture a wide range of photos, from candid shots of campers participating in activities to staged portraits of campers and staff members. These photos can be used to demonstrate your ability to capture moments, tell a story, and create compelling visuals that grab the viewer’s attention.
Enhances communication skills
As a summer camp photographer, you’ll be interacting with campers, staff members, and parents on a daily basis. This requires strong communication skills, including the ability to give directions, explain your vision, and collaborate with others to achieve a common goal. These skills are essential in any profession, and working as a summer camp photographer provides a unique opportunity to develop them in a fun and supportive environment.
Demonstrates adaptability and flexibility
Working as a summer camp photographer requires a high degree of adaptability and flexibility. You’ll be working in a fast-paced environment where things can change quickly, and you’ll need to be able to adjust your plans and approach to accommodate unexpected situations. This demonstrates to potential employers that you can work well under pressure and can adapt to changing circumstances – skills that are highly valued in any profession.
Provides networking opportunities
Working as a summer camp photographer provides a unique opportunity to network with other professionals in your field. You’ll have the chance to connect with other photographers, marketing professionals, and creative directors who may be able to offer advice, mentorship, or even job opportunities down the line. By building relationships with other professionals in your field, you can increase your chances of success and open up new career opportunities.
In conclusion, working as a summer camp photographer can be an excellent way to boost your resume and advance your career goals. By developing photography skills, building a strong portfolio, enhancing communication skills, demonstrating adaptability and flexibility, and providing networking opportunities, you’ll be well-positioned to stand out from the crowd and achieve your professional goals. So why not consider working as a summer camp photographer this summer? It could be the first step towards a successful and rewarding career.
Summer camp is one of the most magical places on earth. It’s a place where kids and teens can escape the distractions of technology, spend time in nature, and make lasting memories with new friends. But for those of us who work at summer camp, the experience is just as special.
For starters, working at summer camp allows you to spend an entire summer surrounded by nature. Instead of sitting in an office all day, you get to be outside, breathing in fresh air and soaking up the sunshine. Whether you’re canoeing on the lake, hiking through the woods, or playing capture the flag, you’ll be surrounded by natural beauty that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
But the true beauty of working at summer camp is the people you’ll meet. As a counselor or staff member, you’ll be responsible for creating a safe and welcoming environment for campers of all ages. You’ll help them build self-confidence, learn new skills, and make friends that will last a lifetime. You’ll also make friendships with your fellow counselors and staff members, many of which will last long after the summer is over.
Working at summer camp is also incredibly rewarding. You’ll be responsible for helping kids and teens have the best summer of their lives. Seeing the kids you work with smile, laugh, and grow is an indescribable feeling that’s unlike anything else. And when campers come back year after year, it’s a testament to the impact you’ve made on their lives.
But perhaps the best part of working at summer camp is the sense of community it fosters. Summer camp is a place where everyone belongs. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from. Everyone is welcome and everyone is accepted. This sense of belonging is something that stays with you long after the summer is over and something that you can take with you for the rest of your life.
In short, working at summer camp is an experience that will change your life for the better. Whether you’re a returning staff member or new to the world of summer camp, you’ll be surrounded by nature, make unforgettable friendships and memories, and have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of young people. And for that, we say it is the best experience of your life.
Summer jobs at summer camps can be an excellent opportunity for nursing students and certified LPNs to gain practical experience and build their resumes. Working at a summer camp allows nursing students to apply their knowledge and skills in a unique and challenging environment, while also providing an opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of campers.
Summer camps often hire nursing students and LPNs to work as camp nurses, where they are responsible for the health and well-being of campers and staff. As a camp nurse, you may be responsible for administering medications, performing basic triage and first aid, and coordinating with outside healthcare providers as needed. You may also be responsible for maintaining medical records, conducting health screenings, and providing health education to campers and staff.
One of the key advantages of working as a camp nurse is the opportunity to work in a team-oriented environment. You will have the chance to work closely with other healthcare professionals, as well as non-medical staff, to ensure the best possible care for campers. This can be a great opportunity to build teamwork skills and learn from experienced professionals.
In addition to the clinical aspect of the job, working as a camp nurse can also be a rewarding and fun experience. You will have the chance to spend your summer in a beautiful outdoor setting, participating in camp activities and building relationships with campers and staff. Many nursing students find that working at a summer camp is a great way to take a break from the academic setting and gain some hands-on experience in a more relaxed atmosphere.
If you are a nursing student looking for a summer job that is both challenging and rewarding, consider applying to work at a summer camp. You’ll have the opportunity to gain valuable clinical experience, build your resume, and make a positive impact on the lives of campers. Plus, you’ll have the chance to spend your summer in a beautiful outdoor setting and make lasting memories with fellow staff members.
Summer camp is a magical place where kids and teens can escape the distractions of technology and spend time in nature, making lasting memories with new friends. But for college students, working at summer camp can also be a great opportunity to gain valuable work experience, earn money, and make connections in the field of education or recreation.
The first step in finding a summer camp job is to decide what kind of role you’re looking for. Many summer camps hire counselors, instructors, and support staff for a variety of activities, such as sports, arts, and outdoor adventure. Some camps also hire specialists in fields such as music, theater, or science.
Once you’ve identified the type of role you’re interested in, it’s time to start applying. There are a few different ways to find summer camp job opportunities:
Online job boards: Websites such as Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn can be great resources for finding summer camp jobs. Simply search for camp jobs in your area and apply to any that match your skills and interests. Check out our very own job board for premier camps hiring for this summer.
Summer camp job fairs: Many colleges and universities host job fairs specifically for summer camp employment, this is a great way to learn about different camps, meet staff, and get a sense of the camp environment.
Camps’ websites: Many camps have a “Work at camp” or “Jobs” section of their website. Check out camps in your area to see if they have any job openings available.
Networking: Tell your friends and family that you’re looking for a summer camp job. You never know who might know someone who works at a camp or who might be able to put in a good word for you.
Once you’ve found a job opportunity that interests you, be sure to tailor your resume and cover letter to the position. Highlight any relevant experience you have, whether it’s from a previous camp job, a related class you took, or a leadership role you held on campus.
Working at a summer camp as a college student is not only a great way to earn money and gain work experience, but it is also an opportunity to have a positive impact on young people’s lives and have an unforgettable summer experience. By following the tips outlined above, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect summer camp job that aligns with your skills, interests, and career goals.
Attention all nurses! Are you looking for a fun and exciting summer job? Consider becoming a summer camp nurse! In this role, you will have the opportunity to work with a team of dedicated professionals, providing healthcare services to campers of all ages. You will be responsible for administering medication, triaging injuries and illnesses, and working closely with the camp’s medical director to ensure the health and safety of all campers. If you love working with children and thrive in a fast-paced environment, this is the perfect opportunity for you. Apply now to get matched to one of our premier summer camp partners and make a difference in the lives of campers this summer!
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.
There is no question that the right staff can transform a camp from good to great and vice versa, which is why camps are working extremely hard to find outstanding staff members these days. Working at a summer camp fundamentally entails being in charge of the physical and emotional upbringing of kids, which is a duty that neither parents nor camp directors take lightly.
Working at a summer camp is a highly desirable position, not just because you’ll probably have more fun there than anywhere else and make friends for life, but also because it looks great on a résumé. There is no better job than camp for anyone looking to work in education or coaching, or for anyone whose résumé could need some padding in the areas of leadership, team management, communication skills, and organization.
Research, Research, Research
Make sure you spend some time looking for a camp you’re enthusiastic about before applying; doing so will make the application process and your summer much simpler. For instance, it might be crucial for you to select a camp that focuses on performing arts if you are certain that you want to pursue a career in music education. Here is a list of the various camp kinds we provide. Remember that most summer camps offer a wide variety of positions, so be sure to let the recruiting director know what you are interested in.
Establish contact with your preferred choice by sending a personalized introduction email once you’ve made a list of the camps you’re enthusiastic about. By using a personalized email as opposed to a pre-written one, you will make an immediate impression on the hiring director and demonstrate your friendliness, excitement, and communication skills—all traits that are highly desirable in camp staff members. Tell them in a few words in your email why you’re thrilled to be joining this particular camp. One fast technique to demonstrate that you have looked through their website and gotten to know them is to do this.
Authentically Sell Yourself
You must demonstrate how you will benefit the camp while submitting your application or when taking part in a live interview. Focus on giving the recruiting coordinator specific examples of when you have used your abilities rather to just explaining why you think you would be a good fit for the camp. The hiring director is only expected to believe you when you say, “I’m a great organizer,” but when you demonstrate your abilities through your accomplishments, such as, “I successfully led a small team by setting and maintaining deadlines, delegating tasks, and managing a budget,” you show what you are able to provide.
Camps value retention, so let them know if you’d like to come back for more than one summer. Simple statements like “I am working towards my degree in communications, therefore if this is a good fit, I would love to return for the next three summers” demonstrate self-assurance and foresight while also offering you a valuable competitive edge.
Many candidates make the error of simply discussing what the camp will do for them while discussing camps. While it may be TRUE to say things like “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,” your enthusiasm for a job does not show that you have the skills necessary to do the job well or that you can add value to the team. The best course of action is to carefully lay out how you and the camp would collaborate to add value for the campers.
At summer camps, relevant experience is vital. Although many individuals believe working at a camp will be a wonderful and carefree summer, the truth is that you won’t often put in longer hours or have to multitask as much. Bring up instances where you shown leadership, followed through on a plan, and went above and above to prioritize childcare in your life. Always remember that camp is all about the campers.
Stand Out From The Crowd
When you are confident that you have the fundamentals down, show off your personality! In most situations, the hiring director is looking for someone who can fulfill the duties of the position as well as someone who can embody the values of the camp while fitting into an established community. Your imagination will get you far when you have to hold the interest of groups of youngsters.
Any hiring director would pay attention to an application that stated: “Here are The Top 5 Reasons I Would Lead My Team to Victory in Capture the Flag.” It’s common for kids to feel at ease and free to be themselves at summer camp, and a lot of that has to do with how much they respect and look up to their counselors. You make it simple for the hiring director to recognize the attributes the campers would find appealing when you can exhibit self-assurance, a desire to be humorous, play, and interact with ease.
It’s a Job Interview. Treat it as such.
Despite the fact that camp is a “fun job,” professionalism must always be practiced. Your standard operating procedure should continue to include prompt communication, adhering to deadlines, and using good grammar and spelling.
Give your web presence a quick makeover before applying to summer camps. Ensure that you are okay with potential employers viewing anything on your social media platforms. Since parents and kids will likely try to look you up in the childcare industry, it’s always a good idea to just change your profiles to private. It’s only a more polished appearance; you have nothing to conceal or be ashamed of.
It’s always a good idea to write a brief “thank you” note following an interview. This extends a courteous and professional politeness while also reminding the hiring manager of you.
Practice Makes Perfect
You should practice a few topics you might wish to discuss if you get the chance to participate in an interview. Remember, it’s unlikely that you’ll stand out as a successful applicant if you go into the interview claiming you’re eager about the opportunity but have little knowledge of the camp’s mission, culture, or offers. Simply put, you must have knowledge of the camp for which you are interviewing.
To become aware of the pitch and cadence of your voice, practice is essential, even if it only takes a few minutes in front of a mirror. We often speak more quickly and more animatedly when we are anxious or excited. Try to slow down, breathe, and find techniques to relax your nerves! Speedy talking often devolves into rambling, but if you can control the urge to fill the quiet with chatter, you’ll be able to build some trust with your interviewer by projecting confidence and enabling them to speak and ask questions. Try to speak in your usual conversational voice when you attend a camp interview. With a little luck, this tactic will put you at ease and make the interview seem more casual and friendly.
Make sure you have some insightful questions prepared in addition to a brief practice session. In every interview I’ve ever taken part in, the question “What questions do you have for us?” has been posed. During the interview, you might get some of your questions answered, so write down more than just the bare minimum. Asking questions beforehand will demonstrate that you are interested in making the best choice and that you are genuinely considering this possibility.
Ready For The Greatest Summer Of Your Life??
Working at a summer camp can frequently be a life-changing experience, and many people proudly rank their time there among their happiest moments. We sincerely hope that this article was helpful to you as you started your search for the ideal camp for 2023.
In this blog, we briefly summarize some of our recent findings related to the seasonal camp staff experience and our work as part of ACA’s National Impact Study.
Working at camp can be a blast and a great opportunity to make lifelong friends while learning skills useful to life beyond camp. Although a great deal of camp research has focused on understanding the benefits of attending camp for youth participants, we know less about what this experience is like for the staff who make the programs happen. Do not fear! Research about seasonal summer camp staff experiences does exist (see Warner et al., 2021 for a review) and more is on the way!
What We’re Learning
Camp can be a complementary setting for young people’s development. In a recent study (Povilaitis et al., 2021), we looked at how the things first-year staff learned at camp compared to what they learned in school and non-camp work. We found that camp employment can be a great setting for young adults to learn relationship skills, leadership, and appreciation for being present in the moment compared to other settings throughout their lives. Our findings suggest that camp employment can be a fertile setting for development that complements learning in school and non-camp work.
Working at camp is meaningful work. In a recent study (for abstract, see Warner et al., 2020, p. 124, full article in press), we wanted to know if camp staff viewed their work at camp as meaningful work, and if so, what about the work experience made it meaningful. Across two groups of staff (first-year and returning staff), we found that young adults think of camp employment as meaningful and that it was meaningful because they could see the impact they were having on youth, their meaningful relationships with coworkers, and opportunities for personal development. We also found that working at camp was more meaningful than non-camp summer work. Finding meaningful work is important to young adults’ career development and our findings suggest that camp can be a great place for young adults to experience it!
Camp employment can contribute to young adults’ career development. In a recent study (Warner & Povilaitis, 2021, p. 63), we wanted to know how working at camp shaped young adults’ work values — or what they desired in their future work. Through interviews with 76 participants who had worked at a summer camp for at least one summer, we found that camp employment was influential in shaping young adults’ work values. We found that the unique characteristics of camp employment (i.e., social setting, impactful work, live-where-you-work, variety) helped young adults’ understand their desires for doing work that makes a difference, that has a supportive work environment and offers opportunities for meaningful relationships with coworkers, work-life balance, personal development, and variety. Our findings suggest that camp employment can be a setting that nurtures young adults’ career development.
First-year staff return to camp because it’s engaging and they feel like they belong. In a recent study (Warner & Sibthorp, 2021, p. 67), we wanted to know what about staff’s experiences working at camp their first summer were related to their return to the same camp for a second summer of work. We found that staff that were highly engaged and felt like they belonged were nearly three times and two times more likely to have returned, respectively. We also found that staff who did not return to camp for a second summer did not return due to pay, different work, and educational opportunities. By looking at staff’s experiences their first summer and their actual return to camp, our findings suggest that creating engaging experiences for first-year staff and helping them feel like they belong can be critical to getting them to come back for a second summer.
What It Means for Camps
It’s clear that there’s a bunch of existing and upcoming research out there about working at camp. This is great, but what does this mean for people who are working directly with camp staff? What can you do to help support staff and make sure they understand the value of their experience? Here are our takeaway points for camp directors:
Help staff recognize they are learning skills. If you have regular staff meetings, ask staff members to identify what they learned that week and share their responses with others. Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification and to prompt staff to think more deeply about their responses. For example, if a staff member comments that they learned how to instruct campers in a new version of GaGa, help them identify the skill they learned in this activity (e.g., public speaking, leadership, creativity). When staff hear what skills their peers are learning, they might be more likely to be able to identify what they personally are learning as well.
Learning and development at camp applies to life beyond camp. Taking this concept of learning skills one step further, ask staff how their newly learned skills will impact them in life outside of camp. For example, in an exit survey or journal reflection, encourage staff to think about how they will use these skills in other areas of their lives. You can also prompt them to reflect on certain contexts (e.g., college, other work, personal relationships) or certain groups of skills, such as social emotional learning skills (e.g., communication, respect, empathy) or career-related skills (e.g., organization, time management, problem-solving). Similarly, you could help staff think about what parts of the camp job they liked and would want in future jobs and careers. For example, if a staff member enjoyed the variety of work and active aspect of their camp job, a desk job might be difficult for them in the future. Alternatively, if they enjoyed how they were able to see the meaningfulness of their work and the direct impact they had on campers, this staff member might want to seek out jobs where they can see their impact.
Encourage staff to return. Camp directors recognize that sometimes staff need to move on to different summer experiences like internships or study abroad programs. Other staff might benefit from another summer working at camp. To help encourage staff to return to work at camp, think of ways to increase staff member’s feelings of engagement and sense of belonging. Engagement occurs when staff are immersed in and enjoy the work they are doing. This often occurs with a role change (e.g., arts and crafts counselor becoming a theatre counselor) or added responsibilities (e.g., overseeing other junior staff members). In addition, always think of how you can increase feelings of belonging among staff, whether that be through group bonding events, one-on-one check-ins, or creating a multicultural work environment that recognizes and celebrates the unique backgrounds of staff. Given that the summer camp industry at-large is working to become more inclusive and equitable, culturally responsive and sustaining methods may be a useful way to support staff from a diversity of backgrounds and life experiences so they feel recognized and valued. Helping staff feel connected and valued can go a long way in motivating them to return.
The National Staff Impact Study continues through 2021, so stay tuned for more staff-based research to come!
This blog was written on behalf of Project Real Job’s efforts to help camps recruit, hire, and retain staff.
Photo courtesy of Oak Hill School Summer Programs in Eugene, Oregon
References
Povilaitis, V., Sibthorp, J., & Richmond, D. (2021). Camp employment as a developmental setting for emerging adults: A national mixed-methods study. Journal of Outdoor, Recreation, Education, and Leadership, 13(1), 64-81. doi.org/10.18666/JOREL-2021-V13-I1-10545
Warner, R. P., Godwin, M., & Hodge, C. J. (2021). Seasonal summer camp staff experiences: A scoping review. Journal of Outdoor, Recreation, Education, and Leadership, 13(1), 40-63. doi.org/10.18666/JOREL-V13-I1-10535
Robert P. Warner, University of Utah: Robert is a PhD candidate at the University of Utah. He works as a research assistant on projects related to positive youth development through out-of-school time settings, like summer camp and outdoor adventure education. Through his scholarship he seeks to better understand the role of youth recreation experiences and seasonal employment experiences in broader developmental outcomes, as well as increase equitable developmental opportunities for people from a diversity of backgrounds.
Victoria Povilaitis, American Camp Association: Victoria recently completed her PhD at the University of Utah and now works at ACA as a Research Associate. She is a long-time summer camp program director and staffing director. Through her academic work she aims to bridge research and practice and hopes to develop tools and strategies that camp professionals can use when working with campers and staff to facilitate positive experiences for everyone who engages with camp.
