So you’re thinking about working at a summer camp. Good call! What other job lets you spend your summer days outside, building soft skills, and mentoring kids? Not many.
You build leadership skills, learn to solve problems quickly, develop confidence, and make friendships that tend to last far beyond the season. (If you need even MORE reasons to work at camp, read this blog too.)
The trick is actually getting hired! You’re not alone in wondering how it’s done. The internet is full of searches for things like “how to be a camp counselor?,” “when do camps hire staff?,” and “what do camp directors look for?” Sound familiar? Then you’re in the right spot. We’ll go through the expected timeline, application tips, interview questions, and insider knowledge that help you get a job at summer camp.
When Do Summer Camps Hire Staff?
Most camps hire earlier than you might realize. Many camps hire returning staff before the current summer is over. Don’t despair though; there’s still plenty of open spots available to you.
Here’s a rough timeline many camps follow:
November – January
Job postings start showing up, returning applications open, and some early applications open. If returning staff haven’t already confirmed their plans, they usually decide during this time.
February – March
This is peak hiring season. Most leadership roles will be filled by returning staff, but if not, they will be the first to be filled so that staff have time to prepare. This is prime time for interviews, when camps are actively reaching out to potential staff.
April – May
Last-minute hiring decisions get made during these months. If you’ve been hired (CONGRATULATIONS!), this is when the paperwork, background checks, and onboarding begin.
June
Hiring is done, unless something falls through with someone else, and camps officially begin training in preparation for the camp season.
What’s the takeaway? Don’t wait, apply early. Camps love proactive applicants, and the best roles usually get filled first. Granted, you’re at camp. Few roles are actually all that bad.
What Camp Directors Look for in Staff
Worried your survival skills aren’t up to date? Well, don’t be. Most directors aren’t looking for outdoor survival experts. In fact, they’re more likely to look for if you’re willing to LEARN survival skills than if you already know them.
Here’s what stands out in applications:
1. Reliability
Can you show up consistently and follow through?
2. Positive energy
Camp is high-energy work. Directors want people who bring enthusiasm. (Not drama.)
3. Responsibility with kids
Babysitting, tutoring, coaching, volunteering, any experience counts. Directors care less about fancy titles and more about proof you can work with campers.
Examples that count:
- Babysitting
- Church or youth group leadership
- Coaching or refereeing
- Volunteering with younger students
- Tutoring
Instead of writing: “I like working with kids.”
Try something like: “I helped run a weekly art program for elementary students and loved creating projects that kept them excited and engaged.”
4. Teamwork
Camp staff live and work closely together. Being collaborative matters.
5. Initiative
Camps love applicants who jump in, solve problems, and help wherever needed.
Skills like swimming, lifeguarding, arts instruction, or outdoor leadership can also boost your application, but attitude and responsibility matter far more.
Certifications That Strengthen Your Application
Most camps provide training, but a few certifications can make you a stronger candidate:
- CPR / First Aid
- Lifeguarding
- Water safety instruction
- Outdoor leadership certifications
- Specialty skills like archery, ropes courses, or arts instruction
Common Camp Counselor Interview Questions
If you get an interview, there are a few questions you’ll likely get asked. Don’t sweat it too much, just answer truthfully and authentically. Here’s a tip: Think in stories. Specific examples help directors understand how you work with people.
Camp interviews are usually friendly and conversational, so you can expect some questions like these:
“Why do you want to work at summer camp?”
Directors want to hear something genuine. Talk about your experiences, interests, or the kind of impact you want to have.
“Tell me about a time you handled a difficult situation.”
Campers get homesick. Activities don’t always go as planned. Directors want to see how you think through challenges.
“How would you handle a camper who doesn’t want to participate?”
They’re looking for patience, creativity, and encouragement not punishment.
“What would you do if a camper broke a rule?”
This question checks for maturity and responsibility. Safety always comes first.
What Happens After You’re Hired?
Once you’re hired, there’s still a lot that happens behind the scenes before camp begins.
Staff typically need to complete things like:
- Hiring paperwork
- Background checks
- Health forms
- Emergency contact information
- Training schedules
- Staff communication updates
Ready to Apply?
If you’re thinking about working at summer camp, start early, be genuine in your application, and don’t underestimate the value of your experiences. Camps are looking for people who care about kids, bring energy to the team, and are ready to make summer unforgettable.
If that sounds like you, there’s a camp out there excited to meet you! Start your search here.