The Truth About Camp Jobs: Communication is Everything
What is the one thing that makes camp run the best? While there are many fantastic responses to that question, if you ask seasoned camp staff, you may hear a common theme: communication.
At summer camp, communication isn’t just a “nice to have” skill. Communication is the force that holds the schedules together, completes safety protocols, supports team morale, and yes, boosts the fun as well. Without communication, even the best-planned weeks can unravel faster than you can say, “Drink more water.”
If you’re stepping into a summer camp staff role, here’s what to expect, what you’ll need to learn, and how these communication skills will serve you long after the last campfire of the season. (If you want to find out more about what to expect as a camp counselor, check out this blog.)
Before Day One: Read Everything!
Your first camp communication task happens before you even start packing for camp. It begins when your contract, staff handbook, and camp information packet arrive in your inbox.
- Read Your Contract Thoroughly: This outlines your role, pay, dates of employment, and often the expectations you’ll be held to. DON’T SKIM THIS! Yes, it can be a bit boring to read. Skimming leads to avoidable misunderstandings later.
- Know the Policies: Many camps include guidelines on everything from social media use to emergency procedures. The sooner you’re familiar, the smoother your summer will go.
- Highlight Important Details: Start dates, required certifications, packing lists, and training schedules can be buried in all the text. Make sure you know these details before camp starts.
This is your first assignment as a staff member. Showing up prepared communicates professionalism and respect, before you’ve even met your campers.
The Camp Communication Menu
You’ll use more communication channels at camp than in most other jobs, often within the same hour. Here’s a basic list.
- Verbal Communication: Staff meetings, morning huddles, and minute-to-minute updates. You’ll learn to give clear instructions fast without sounding bossy or rushed.
- Non-Verbal Communication: Hand signals, body language, eye contact. Trust me, a raised eyebrow can speak volumes when you’re across the field from a misbehaving camper.
- Digital Tools: Radios, walkie-talkies, and group messaging apps. Each camp uses these tools differently, so learn your camp’s protocols for use.
- Schedule Boards: Posted schedules, whiteboards, and signs keep everyone on the same page. This includes staff and campers.
Working with Different Audiences
Your communication style should shift depending on who you’re communicating with.
- With Campers: Your goal is clarity and encouragement. Even discipline falls into those categories. Campers should feel understood, supported, and motivated to participate.
- With Parents: Professional, warm, and trustworthy. Parents want reassurance that their child is safe, happy, and cared for.
- With Other Staff: Honest, direct, and respectful. Teamwork depends on trust, and trust depends on communication that’s clear, kind, and consistent.
Common Communication Challenges
Camp isn’t exactly a quiet office setting, and we love that! But it can add an extra layer of difficulty when communicating.
- Noise & Distraction: You’ll be giving instructions over the sound of shouting, splashing, music, and more. Make sure to get people’s full attention before delivering your message.
- Mixed Ages & Skill Levels: Adjust your vocabulary and pacing so your audience understands.
- High-Pressure Moments: Emergencies, schedule changes, or last-minute weather issues demand calm, concise communication.
Thrive as a Communicator
- Listen First: Active listening solves more problems than speaking faster or louder.
- Be Concise, But Clear: Every word should earn its place.
- Confirm Understanding: Ask people to repeat back key details in their own words.
- Stay Calm: Your tone sets the emotional temperature for everyone around you.
Why These Skills Stick for Life
The communication skills you hone at camp don’t stay in the cabin. They’ll follow you into job interviews, team projects, leadership roles, and even your relationships. Being able to clearly convey information, handle tough conversations, and adapt your communication style to your audience is the kind of career gold employers love.
So while you might have signed up for the sunsets and s’mores, you’ll leave with something even better: the ability to connect with people in a way that makes them feel seen, heard, and understood.
