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!
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The Best Summer Camps To Work At In 2023
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
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…
Brant Lake Camp
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
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
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
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.
Camps Equinunk and Blue Ridge offer an exciting and fulfilling summer experience in a an exquisite natural setting. Come join the fun and make lasting memories at Camps Equinunk and Blue Ridge! More about summer camp positions at Camps Equinunk and Blue Ridge this summer…
Island Lake Camp
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.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to have an unforgettable summer while making a difference in the lives of others. Apply to join the Island Lake Camp team today! Learn more about working at Island Lake Camp this summer…
The Many Hats of Summer Camp Staff: Exploring the Different Roles Available
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.
There are a wide variety of job positions available at summer camps, catering to a diverse range of skills and interests. Here are just a few examples of the types of positions you might find at a summer camp:
- 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.
Get on the water! Summer camps need waterski and wakeboard instructors!
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.
Camps are always looking for skilled and experienced individuals to fill these roles. If you have a passion for water sports and a dedication to the safety and enjoyment of others, consider applying for a position as a waterski instructor or boat driver at a summer camp for summer 2023!
Summer camps need nurses now more than ever!
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.
Are you a nurse in need of a summer job? Check out our premier partner camps who are hiring NOW for summer 2023.
Tips For Getting Hired At A Summer Camp
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.
Working at Summer Camp Can Be More Than Fun and Skill Development
Original article by Robert P. Warner and Victoria Povilaitis for the American Camp Association blog.
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
Warner, R. P., Povilaitis, V., & Sibthorp, J. (2020). Emerging adults’ perceptions of summer camp as meaningful work. American Camp Association Research Forum Book of Abstracts 2020, 124-127. ACAcamps.org/sites/default/files/resource_library/2020-Camp-Research-Forum-Book-Abstracts.pdf
Warner, R. P. & Povilaitis, V. (2021). Beyond fun and skill development: How seasonal summer camp work impacts emerging adults’ work values. American Camp Association Research Forum Book of Abstracts 2021, 63-66. ACAcamps.org/sites/default/files/resource_library/2021-Camp-Research-Forum-Book-Abstracts.pdf
Warner, R. P. & Sibthorp, J. (2021). Why first-year summer camp staff return and do not return to work at camp. American Camp Association Research Forum Book of Abstracts 2021, 67-70. ACAcamps.org/sites/default/files/resource_library/2021-Camp-Research-Forum-Book-Abstracts.pdf
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.
Working as a Nurse at Summer Camp!
There are advantages and disadvantages to working as a camp nurse. What are these advantages and disadvantages? On the one hand, you get to watch children having the fun of their life, but there are also lots of potential pitfalls. Without having to set up a tent yourself, working as a camp nurse will allow you to enjoy all the benefits of camping. Here are some things to take into account regarding working as a camp nurse before you pack your first aid bag and set out into the wilderness. To help you determine if this is a profession you may see yourself entering, here are the top 10 advantages and disadvantages of becoming a camp nurse.
What Does a Summer Camp Nurse Do?
You are in charge of the campers’ overall health and safety as the camp nurse. This entails doing anything from looking for infections to treating wounds and making sure a first-aid kit is available and that you know how to use it. The administration of medication to any campers who might need it is another one of a camp nurse’s responsibilities. Additionally, they assist in maintaining a record of each camper’s and staff member’s medical history so that the camp staff can respond appropriately in the event of illness or injury.
In addition to all of the above, camp nurses frequently provide courses on health and wellbeing for both campers and staff. This might involve educating them on healthy eating, physical activity, and stress management. You might offer talks as a camp nurse about certain health issues like avoiding injuries or abusing drugs and alcohol.
Where Does a Camp Nurse Work?
Camp nurses operate in a number of places, but summer camps and school break camps are where you’ll most often find them. Church camps, dancing camps, and sports camps are a few more camps where camp nurses may be employed. A camp nurse will be working with children attending their first sleep-away camp who are far from home.
A camp nurse may work at camps for children with special needs and camps for certain age groups. Camps for people with certain conditions, such as diabetes or HIV, will also have a camp nurse on staff.
The environment of the camps where camp nurses operate might vary greatly. Some may live in urban areas, while others may reside in rural areas. These campgrounds may be found in the highlands or on the seashore. In any terrain, you can pretty much locate camps and camp nurses. No matter where the camp is located, a camp nurse will be on duty.
What Are The Typical Shift Hours of a Summer Camp Nurse?
Your regular work schedule as a camp nurse depends vary on the sort of camp you work at. The typical workday for a camp nurse is 8 to 10 hours, while some camps require nurses to work 12-hour shifts. The time of year will also affect your schedule, with the summer being the busiest season for camp nurses. You may anticipate working weekends and occasionally even on holidays during the summer. If they work many sessions, camp nurses often take a one-week rest in between camps.
What Are The Required Skills To Work As A Camp Nurse?
For the health and safety of campers and employees, camp nurses are crucial. In addition to treating sick or hurt children, camp nurses try to keep everyone healthy and safe. You require critical thinking talents, evaluation skills, decision-making abilities, problem-solving abilities, and leadership qualities to work as a camp nurse. Additionally, you should feel at ease dealing with kids and be capable of handling emergencies.
You’ll need to be able to speak well with both kids and adults if you want to work as a camp nurse. Additionally, you must feel at ease working in a group setting. When necessary, camp nurses must also be able to work autonomously. Last but not least, it’s critical to be well-versed in CPR and first aid.
Why Work At Summer Camp?
Working at a summer camp can be a rewarding and fun experience for many people. Some of the best things about working at a summer camp include:
- Being surrounded by nature: Many summer camps are located in beautiful natural settings, surrounded by forests, lakes, and mountains. This can be a great opportunity to spend time outdoors and enjoy the beauty of nature.
- Building relationships: Summer camp is a place where people from all walks of life come together to work and play. You will have the opportunity to make new friends and build strong relationships with coworkers and campers.
- Personal and professional growth: Working at a summer camp can be a challenging and rewarding experience that allows you to develop new skills and grow as a person. You may have the opportunity to take on new responsibilities, lead activities, and work with children.
- Making a difference: As a summer camp counselor or staff member, you will have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of campers. You may be able to help campers build self-confidence, learn new skills, and have fun in a safe and supportive environment.
Businesses Should Consider Hiring Former Camp Counselors. Here’s Why.
10 Reasons Why Businesses Should Hire Former Camp Counselors
Original post by Anne Archer Yetsko on November 20, 2013
When I speak with friends who work in other industries, I always tell them that if you have an applicant who has been a camp counselor and has a positive reference from that camp, they should move to the top of that pile of applications that are overflowing on their desk. A camp counselor is one of the hardest jobs out there. It is not all fun and games. Here is my list of the top 10 qualities you get when you hire someone who has been a camp counselor.
- A good communicator: Camp counselors have to be able to communicate well with children, parents, coworkers, and superiors. This is different from any other job because parents leave the most valuable thing in their lives with us, their child. At our camp they have about 10 minutes to speak to the counselors and feel confident in them before they leave their perfect child with them for two weeks. That 10-minute conversation is one that will have a lasting impact on that parent. THEY WILL CLING TO EVERY WORD! If a child is sick or homesick, that same counselor is the one to call the parent to update them on the situation and ensure them that their baby is safe and being well cared for.
- A life-long learner: When someone works in a camp setting, they learn that to be successful in camp and in life they have to realize they have a lot to learn not only about camp and their campers but also about themselves. Once they make that transition they are able to approach every situation in life with an “I want to learn more” attitude.
- A self-starter: Most camps have between 25-150 cabin counselors. While they are given very good supervision, no one is holding their hand every step of the way. They very quickly learn that as far as their campers are concerned, THEY are the “go-to” person. If one of their children forgets a toothbrush it is their responsibility to get them one from the infirmary.
- A resilient individual: Camp counselors can handle anything. Just ask the counselor who has been helping a camper overcome homesickness while teaching their activity in the rain for 4 days straight, only to learn that there is a child in their cabin with lice. When they hear this, instead of curling up in a ball and hiding (the way any normal person would), they grab their gloves, strip all the beds in the cabin, get all of the laundry to the cleaners, and get all the campers lined up outside to check each one for nits. I repeat, camp counselors can, and do, handle anything!
- A problem solver: At camp we try to keep things very scheduled and organized, but at the drop of a hat, plans can change. Imagine walking out of the dining hall with 250 campers and staff to play sock war (like capture the flag but you get to throw socks at each other!) when you hear a loud burst of thunder and have to come up with a new plan in an instant.
- A creative thinker: When you need a new plan immediately, leave it to a camp counselor to come up with the most brilliant and fun game that anyone has ever heard of. If you think a boardroom of 10 lawyers is intimidating try standing in front of 200 children who are expecting to have the most fun they have ever had and your plan that you have been working on all week just got rained out.
- A detail-oriented worker: Remember, camp counselors are responsible for THE most important thing in a parent’s life. Each and every detail is unbelievably important! Did a child have enough to eat at breakfast, drink enough water, make a new friend, skin their knee, play soccer, miss their mom, have wet shoes, lose their sweatshirt . . . ? Now multiply this by a whole cabin of campers!
- A leader: It does not matter if you consider yourself a leader or not, the moment children arrive on property their counselor is their leader and their biggest role model. They watch their counselor’s every move. It is amazing how quickly camp counselors learn how to take on this role and own it. The way these children talk about their counselors when they leave is a testament to what great leaders they are.
- A team player: Camp counselors are some of the best team players you will ever meet. They have learned that they cannot do it all on their own and that the best product is produced when you have a team working on it. In a camp setting, you need all different personality types to be able to meet each and every child where they are. To come up with the most fun game, camp counselors know it won’t come from one person but an army of people working toward the same goal. Most people come into this job thinking they can do it all, but it does not take long for them to realize that this job is physically impossible alone.
- A solid work ethic: It is very difficult to explain to someone who has never been a camp counselor how hard this job really is. These college students work 24 hours a day for 3 months with very little time off and they do all the things mentioned in 1–9 with a smile on their face.
Employers who themselves have been camp counselors understand the qualities required to successfully do this job and, consequently, often seek these individuals out when filling positions. But now the secret is getting out and having “Summer Camp Counselor” on a resume can make a potential employee much more desirable!
Anne Archer Yetsko is the associate director of Camp Merri-Mac in Black Mountain, North Carolina. She has worked for Merri-Mac for 12 years and is also a recent graduate of Touro University’s Camp Administration and Leadership master’s program. This blog was originally posted on the Merri-Mac blog, and later re-posted on American Camp Association blog.
