Icon
Select
Icon
Customize
Icon
Download

Want a stronger resume? Use our extensive library of professional resume examples as practical starting guides. You’ll also find ready-made content with our helpful Resume Builder – simple click, customize, and download.

Looking for cover letter ideas? See our sample Camp Counselor Cover Letter.

Find out what is the best resume for you in our Ultimate Resume Format Guide.

Icon

Camp Counselor Duties and Responsibilities

Camp Counselors must perform various tasks to make sure that the daily operations of a camp run smoothly and that all children are having fun. We have reviewed several job listings and found the following among the core Camp Counselor duties and responsibilities.

Create and Supervise Camp Activities Setting up the daily activities for children, typically aged 3-12, in camp settings is the main responsibility of a Camp Counselor. Camp Counselors place children in groups and design daily schedules of activities, such as swimming, hiking, kayaking and camping. These counselors ensure that activities are age-appropriate for each group and that each child is adequately challenged and enjoying the activity. Camp Counselors also supervise the children during these activities and instruct them on how to engage in each activity.

Ensure Safety of Camp Attendees The safety of children attending camps is also a main duty of a Camp Counselor. Teaching children about emergency plans, emphasizing safety during activity participation and going over such things as fire drills are all conducted by a Camp Counselor. Counselors typically sleep in tents or cabins with children each night for to carry out supervisory and safety duties.

Communicate with Peers and Parents Camp Counselors work closely with assistants, teachers and camp directors to ensure that all policies and procedures are adhered to and to report any inappropriate behaviors from children or camp personnel. Camp Counselors also communicate with parents, if needed, to report any problems or to simply keep them updated about their child's daily progress and participation.

Icon

Camp Counselor Skills

Strong communication skills, both with children and adults, are essential for those seeking to become Camp Counselors. They should be physically fit in order to participate in camp activities and should enjoy working outdoors. Camp Counselors should have organizational and decision-making skills and have the ability to work both independently and in teams. Besides these general skills, many employers might look for potential Camp Counselor candidates to possess the following skills. Core skills: Based on job listings we looked at, employers want Camp Counselors with these core skills. If you want to work as a Camp Counselor, focus on the following.
  • Organizing various camp activities
  • Possessing skills such as rock climbing, hiking and swimming
  • Communicating with children from toddlers to teenagers
  • Coordinating activities into a daily schedule
  • Understanding physical safety rules and camp policies
Advanced skills: While most employers did not require the following skills, multiple job listings included them as preferred. Add these to your Camp Counselor toolbox and broaden your career options.
  • Knowledge of maintenance needs for camp equipment
  • Project enthusiasm when working with children
  • Strive to be a role model for young campers
  • Certification in CPR and basic lifesaving skills
Icon

Camp Counselor Resources

It is helpful to consult additional resources when considering a career as a Camp Counselor. Below, we have provided links to several online and print resources that present more details about working as a Camp Counselor. On the Web

Counselor's Corner - A blog presenting stories about life as a Camp Counselor, told from those working in the profession.

Ultimatecampresource - A helpful site for Camp Counselors providing tips and suggestions for camp activities such as songs and skits.

Camp Hacker Blog - Aimed at camp directors and Camp Counselors, this blog offers tips and strategies for promoting programs, how to work with parents and more. Industry Groups

American Camp Association - Camp Counselors and other camp professionals can find information about conferences and online and live professional development opportunities through this organization, formerly called the American Camping Association.

American School Counselor Association (ASCA) - Camp Counselors can find it helpful to research professional development opportunities and educational webinars covering how to work with children to help them with social and emotional development. Books

Camp Counseling: Leadership and Programming for the Organized Camp - This eighth edition provides details about building successful youth development programs, strategies for designing physical activities and applying leadership skills in camp environments, in addition to covering camp trends and practices.

The Christian Camp Leader - Told from a Christian perspective but applicable to all types of Camp Counselors, this books addresses such topics as champ leadership challenges and how to develop relationships with children.

How to Be a Great Camp Counselor - Using real-life stories and imagined scenarios to depict the fun and challenges of being a Camp Counselor, this book is aimed at young counselors just starting in the profession.

Create your own professional resume in just minutes.

Try our resume builder today

Build Your Resume
create-your-own-professional