Want to work at camp this summer? Here are some tips to get you started

kids gathered by lake at summer camp

One of the best ways to gain life experience is to get a job working at a summer camp! Summer camp jobs are unconventional and can be life-changing, especially for teens. Besides, working a camp job is an excellent way to explore newer opportunities every day. 

But, how can you get your first summer camp job? Let’s help you with the details.    

A summer camp job means working with people of all ages. If you’re willing to take the chance, you will find yourself surrounded by like-minded people making a living doing what they love. If that excites you, here are some tips on finding the right summer camp job for yourself.   

Do your research. Take the time to find the camps that excite you and the role you’d want to take up. Figure out the application processes of each of these camps. Most job postings are available on online job boards. Apply to the ones you feel comfortable with. You can also directly send personalized emails to camp coordinators or hiring managers and let them know you’re looking for your first summer job. Sound approachable, dedicated to the job, honest, enthusiastic, and establish a good ground for yourself.   

Create a great one-page resume. Focus on the most critical skills and information. Keep all info organized, following a chronology, and get to the point. Don’t forget to add a cover letter highlighting your goals and why you’d be a good fit for the job. You’d want to stand out from the crowd, so your resume doesn’t slip through the countless other applications.   

Prepare for the interview. Familiarize yourself with your resume. Be ready to answer why you want to apply, work at the specific camp, your ability to work with kids, etc. You should also be able to explain your likes and dislikes, challenges faced, and lessons learned.   

Practice your speech. If you’re selected for the interview, be mindful of what you want to say, and how you want to say it. When excited or nervous, people can easily pick up the pace and start talking miles per minute. So, practice slowing down, staying calm, and relaxing your jitters. Practicing helps make your interview more natural and conversational.   

Act professional. It may be a fun summer camp job, but you shouldn’t forget the basics of professionalism. Be professional in all your communication and never sound overly casual, especially if you’re applying for camp counselor jobs or the like.    

Ask questions. Have a bunch of questions to ask the recruiting staff. It gives you clarity on the situation you’d be getting into and helps you make the right decisions. Besides, it also exhibits your sincerity about the opportunity.   

In the end, camp jobs are all about new experiences. If you wish to discover the outdoors and learn about life firsthand, a summer camp job is a great bet. You’ll encounter some crazy yet memorable and knowledgeable experiences. But make sure you apply for only relevant roles, communicate promptly, and don’t hesitate.  

Get started right here! Explore summer camp jobs and more on our Seasonal Jobs page.