Why summersummer campcamp workwork beatsbeats anyany otherother summersummer jobjob

Let me take you back to a couple of years ago, when I decided to go on an adventure and do something entirely out of my comfort zone. This ultimately led to my arriving at a New York airport in June. I was filled with all the emotions you can imagine, plus a hefty suitcase. Severe overpackers can raise their hands, being more than ready to embark on the ultimate summer of a lifetime. Enter Summer Camp.

At first thought, an American summer camp experience could be seen as an easy way to spend a few months in the sun. However, there is so much more to it. Although it’s very hands-on and non-stop, it will be the most rewarding, enjoyable, fulfilling, and eventful summer of a lifetime. It’s a core memory and experience you will always hold close to your heart, from developing leadership skills to building lifelong friendships. Along with the possible after-camp travel with your newfound friends!

Let’s unpack why working as a counsellor at a summer camp will be a life-changing adventure.

Discovering Your Inner Leader

Summer Camp Skill: Leadership

At summer camp, you’re more than just a supervisor; you’re a mentor, guide, and role model to campers who look up to you. As a camp counsellor, you’re responsible for a group of kids with unique personalities and needs, and you have to make sure they’re safe, happy, and engaged in activities. This isn’t always easy, and challenges will be thrown your way. It takes patience, empathy, and adaptability to ensure everyone feels included and has a memorable time.

Overcoming challenges like comforting a homesick child or settling a disagreement between campers teaches you to step up, stay calm under pressure, and find solutions in the moment. 

These leadership skills go beyond camp. Employers highly value candidates who demonstrate problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and the capacity to handle responsibility—qualities you develop every day at camp. By the end of the summer, you might be surprised at how much more confident, organised, and capable you feel, not just at camp but in all areas of life. When you finally get home, you will quickly realise how much you have grown!

Building Bonds that Last a Lifetime

Summer Camp Skill: Networking

Summer camp friendships are unlike any other. When you work at camp, you spend most of your time with the same group of people, living, working, and experiencing highs and lows together in a unique setting. We call this the “camp bubble”. This closeness fosters a special kind of bond. Conversations become more meaningful without the usual distractions of phones or social media, and connections grow deeper.

Camp friendships often extend far beyond the summer, becoming relationships that last a lifetime. Former staff members frequently reunite in future summers or stay in touch during the year, reminiscing over shared camp memories and inside jokes. Whether it’s laughing around the campfire after a long day or relying on each other to handle unexpected challenges, the camaraderie you build is irreplaceable, and true friendships are made. 

Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone

Summer Camp Skill: Teamwork

Working at a summer camp is a fantastic way to discover new things about yourself. Camp is where you’re encouraged to try new activities, take on different roles, and stretch your limits. Even if you’ve never been the “outdoorsy” type, you might find yourself learning to canoe, leading a nature hike, or performing in a camp talent show.

Every day brings something new, and the energy of camp often inspires you to jump in and try it. One example is that I found myself in a director position for the camp play of ‘Moana’, which the younger years were organising. They needed a counsellor to help ensure the kids knew where to go, had everything they needed, and someone to encourage them. I also helped them remember their lines in case they forgot. They happened to choose me to be a part of that, which I was very excited about! There was a lot of enjoyment and laughter! 

This willingness to try new things and get out of your comfort zone is invaluable. It’s not just about acquiring new skills; it’s about cultivating a mindset that is open to growth and exploration. Many people leave camp with a newfound confidence in their ability to tackle new challenges, which serves them well in both personal and professional pursuits.

Making a Difference in Others’ Lives

Summer Camp Skill: Problem-solving

At its core, working at a summer camp is about making a positive impact on others. As a counsellor, you’re not just organising games and supervising activities; you’re creating a space where kids can feel safe, accepted, and free to be themselves. You’re helping them gain confidence, try new things, and form memories they’ll cherish for years. Your role in their lives may be temporary, but its impact can be lasting.

Seeing a shy camper open up or helping a child overcome a fear is a deeply fulfilling experience, trust me. Knowing you’ve contributed to someone’s growth, however small, gives a strong sense of purpose and meaning that’s hard to find in a typical summer job. Many camp staff members say that these moments make all the hard work worthwhile, and some even return year after year just to continue making that difference.

Developing Essential Job Skills

Working at a summer camp might seem like a break from “real life,” but it’s full of real-world skills that employers value. Managing a group of campers involves time management, organisational skills, and the ability to make quick, thoughtful decisions—all qualities that are critical in any job. Camp counsellors also develop strong communication and conflict-resolution skills as they work with both campers and fellow staff members.

These experiences help build a strong foundation for a wide range of careers, and employers often highly value summer camp experience. When a hiring manager sees “summer camp counsellor” on a resume, they know that the applicant likely has strong interpersonal skills, the ability to work under pressure, and practical experience in problem-solving—all qualities that stand out in any job interview.

Camp staff often leave with stories of how they managed tricky situations, handled emergencies, or led activities for a group of energetic kids. These real-world examples can serve as strong talking points in interviews, showcasing the counsellors’ adaptability, leadership, and dedication to their role. Whether you go into education, healthcare, management, or any other field, the skills you gain working at camp are transferable and invaluable.

Creating Memories that Last a Lifetime

Ultimately, working at a summer camp is simply fun. The daily routine at camp, filled with outdoor adventures, campfire stories, games, and evening skits, creates memories that last a lifetime. Even long after camp has ended, you’ll find yourself reminiscing about the joy of hiking at sunrise, the silly songs sung around the fire, or the laughter-filled water fights on a hot day.

The fun isn’t just for the campers; as a previous staff member, I can tell you that you’re fully part of the experience. Unlike most summer jobs, camp work rarely feels repetitive or monotonous, as each day presents a new adventure. The campers’ energy, the spontaneity of the activities, and the beauty of the natural setting make every day feel meaningful and memorable.

My Summer Camp Experience

Working at a summer camp is far more than a seasonal job. It’s an opportunity to grow as a person, form deep connections, and make a positive impact on the lives of others. Through the challenges and joys of camp life, you develop skills that stick with you for life, forge friendships that feel like family, and create memories you’ll treasure long after the summer ends. 

If you’re considering a summer job that combines adventure, purpose, and personal growth, look no further than a summer camp. Beyond the campfire and the games, you’ll find an experience that shapes you in ways you never expected, giving you stories to tell and lessons to carry with you for years to come. You’ll truly surprise yourself with how much you will grow and how far summer camp will go.

Feature image credit: Lany-Jade Mondou. Other image credits: Courtesy of Gemma.