At summer camp, support and operations staff play a crucial role in ensuring that things function smoothly and effectively behind the scenes. Summer camps around the US hire domestic and international staff members to help cover a variety of support staff positions since every job at a summer camp is crucial to its operation. All non-counselor aspects of summer camp operations fall under the umbrella of support staff at US camps.re! You will make friends from all over the world, spend your days hanging out with kids, and coming up with entertaining events and programs to keep campers excited and engaged.
Typical Support Staff Jobs Include:
- Kitchen: chef, baker, cook, kitchen assistant, dishwasher, dining room maintenance
- Office: assistants to leadership staff, programming, accounting, record filing, communication with families
- Maintenance: general grounds keeping, handyman, security, drivers
- Housekeeping: cleaning, laundry, janitor, porter, garbage collection
Typical Support Staff Requirements
- Ages 18 and up
- Previous experience in areas related to camp support staff positions
- Willingness to work long hours in a team setting
- No criminal record, must be able to pass a drug and/or background test according to camp policies and local laws
- Be independent and self-motivated
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to problem solve and exercise independent judgement
- Friendly, empathetic attitude
The location, programs offered, facilities, and operating dates of camps will vary, but f or support staff, there are similarities across most summer camps. Typical to american summer camps…
Housing & Living Arrangements:
Support staff are typically housed in dorm-style or bunk-style arrangements. All staff members must understand that they will, in most cases, have one or more roommates. The bunk conditions will vary depending on location and will range from wilderness cabins to contemporary college dormitories.
Responsibilities and Duties:
The duties and roles assigned to support staff vary depending on the position being offered. In order to set up the camp for the day, staff members who work in the kitchen or in grounds and maintenance frequently start their shifts earlier than those who work in the office, where shifts and hours may vary
Support staff collaborate as a team and offer assistance in many different capacities as needed. Although support staff are not directly in charge of campers, participation in special events and camp-wide activities like talent shows and international days is typically encouraged for all staff. Camps typically allow staff members to take advantage of the campus and its amenities during downtime by playing tennis, basketball, swimming, etc. A summer camp job is perfect if you enjoy spending time outdoors and around children.
Working Hours & Compensation:
The work schedules for support staff vary depending on the position and the camp. While long, the average workweek of most employees—up to 10 hours per day, six days per week—is shorter than that of the counseling staff. Split shifts and varying hours are often both possible. You will have the opportunity to interact with campers, other staff, utilize the amenities, or simply unwind and take in the lovely surroundings on your days off and free time.
Being a seasonal industry, most camps are exempt from minimum wage laws, including those pertaining to overtime pay. For compensation, camps typically offer free lodging, free meals, and a predetermined stipend or pocket money. Those seeking employment with non-exempt camps must pay a matching fee. State and job-related laws differ.
Season and Hiring Length:
The typical US summer camp season lasts from the beginning to the middle of June until the middle to the end of August, with employment lasting an average of 9 to 11 weeks. However, many support staff have the option to extend their employment to include some pre-camp and post-camp work opportunities. For those who want to work during this time period while still having time to travel or recharge for the upcoming school year, it is perfect!
Quick Apply
Summer Camp Support Staff Positions
Fill out the short application below to submit your resume to our summer camp partners!
PLEASE READ BEFORE APPLYING:
- AVAILABILITY REQUIREMENT: Applicants must be available for the whole summer (early-mid June through mid August) to be considered.
- AGE REQUIREMENT: Applicants must have completed at least one year of college/university OR are of equivalent age to be considered.