Camp Counselor FAQ

1. Tell us how you ended up working at an American summer camp?

I first heard about working at an American summer camp via a friend, who recommended I should give it a shot as I had a passion for travel and loved working with children, so it was a win-win! Upon doing some of my own research, I discovered the Camp Leaders program and got in-touch straight away. The rest was history!

2. How has your perspective of camp changed from when you first got hired to now, as a seasoned staff member?

When I first started working at camp I had a pretty clear idea of what to expect - everything from my responsibilities to the food I’d be eating, so I felt pretty prepared. However, this all changed pretty quickly as my perspective changed. I thought I was coming to camp to ‘work’ an 8 week summer, but I soon realized the bigger picture of the camp experience in that I was here to make a difference to children’s lives and those around me, namely my co-counselors. This is much more than a job, it’s a cultural experience which a lot of reward in return for a lot of hard work.

Working at camp has allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of teamwork, communication, adaptability and adventure - all things that come to you pretty quickly when working at camp. Camp really is a transformative place, as long as you give it your all.

3. What was staff training like your first summer at camp? What were things you learned during staff training that were essential in preparing you for camp and are there things you wish you had more training on?

Staff training at camp was pretty comprehensive and intense! The training involved a combination of practical, key-note and team-building sessions where we learned about camp policies, safety protocols, camp life, diversity, equity and inclusion, and getting to know our co-staff better. We also had the opportunity to try out camp activities during a day called ‘Let’s Play Camp’ - ensuring Activity Specialists had enough training in their respective areas.

Staff training is essential in ensuring you are prepared for what can often seem like a long summer ahead. Camp throws at you all sorts of scenarios, especially at a camp like mine where well over 1,000 people are together at any one time. One of the highlights of my staff training was the sessions on diversity, equity and inclusion - it allowed me and my fellow staff to learn more about how we can make camp an inclusive place for everyone - no matter who you are or where you come from, both staff and campers.

One thing I wish I had been more prepared for was the mental constraints camp life can have on you from time to time. Being far away from home, eating different food and having to work long days can all have a toll on your mental health, and I would’ve liked to have been better prepared in what to expect and how to deal with these feelings when/if I experienced them. We often place a lot of emphasis on looking after ourselves physically, but it’s extremely important we don’t forget about our mind, too.

4. How does the energy of staff shift as camp transitions from training to full on camp?

The transition from staff training to the arrival of the campers definitely brings about a shift in energy - people often feel tired or ‘bored’ as it comes toward the end of orientation, and as soon as the busses roll through the gates, all of the excitement brings about a huge rush of adrenaline.

Camp, in my case, goes from around 450 people to over 1,000 - so this is bound to bring about a total different energy. It’s amazing to see the bunk line full of happy campers, the pool alive with energy and the sounds of the dining hall can be heard all over camp.

It’s important to note, though, that all of this excitement can bring about new challenges in itself - staff may feel overwhelmed, not prepared or even anxious. It’s vital staff know they have the support of each other and senior leadership to talk through any problems or issues they’re facing.

5. What are some of the most common frustrations you hear from fellow staff members?

When you’re away from home for at least 7 weeks, away from all of your comforts and usual routines, you’re bound to have a frustration, or two. I asked some of my fellow staff members, and here’s what they said:

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Food

Let’s face it, camp food can be pretty hit or miss! When you need to cater for hundreds, or even thousands of people, three times a day (and mainly young people), the food options aren’t going to be the same standard or variety you may be able to make yourself at home. It can often be a frustration to have the same style of food, such as burgers or fries, on a daily basis, but as top tip from me would be to try and offer as much choice to staff as possible - think fresh fruit, salad bar, healthy snacks, etc.

Communication back home

The world is a pretty big place, and depending on where you’re visiting from, the time zones can be way different. With limited time off in the day, it can be quite difficult to make contact with home. Every effort should be taken to ensure staff have adequate time off to be able to make contact with home, as this can help with things such as homesickness, the feeling of being in a ‘camp bubble’ and more.

Repetitiveness

Camp can sometimes feel like Groundhog Day, especially on non special event days. It’s really imperative staff are able to have varied days and feel like they’re learning or trying new things to avoid feeling burnout.

Balancing responsibilities, maintaining high energy levels, and dealing with occasional conflicts can also all be exhausting. Limited personal time and the absence of familiar comforts can also contribute to moments of frustration. It’s really important all these issues are dealt with as quickly as possible to ensure everyone has a great time, as I know first hand just how incredible summer camp can be!

6. What is the most encouraging advice you would give to a counselor unsure of whether they want to stick out the summer

To anyone unsure whether they want to stick out the summer, for whatever reason, my advice would be to embrace the opportunity for personal growth, new experience and learning new cultures. Working at a summer camp isn’t just a job, it’s an experience filled with valuable life lessons, lifelong friendships and memories that will stick with you forever.

Give yourself time to adjust, seek support whenever you need it, and remember that the reward for dealing with any challenges you face will be far, far greater. Stay open-minded, be patient and jump into everything with everything you can give.