Mid-summer at camp brings unforgettable moments, campfire songs, goofy skits, and campers conquering fears. However, it also brings something else: exhaustion, frayed nerves, and burnout among even your most dedicated staff. Let’s take a look at how to manage burnout at summer camp.
Addressing burnout protects the culture you’ve worked hard to build. Here’s how to recognize burnout early, support your team through the infamous “mid-summer wall,” and look after your energy in the process.
Spot the Signs: How Burnout Shows Up at Camp
Burnout doesn’t always look dramatic. It sneaks in quietly through small changes that add up:
- Staff getting snappier or withdrawn
- Reliable counselors zoning out during cabin time
- Once-energetic staff dreading morning huddles
- More small mistakes or forgetfulness
These signals go beyond mood swings. They affect camper safety and program quality. You’re not immune either; running on empty hurts your decision-making and patience.
Why the “Mid-Summer Wall” Hits Hard
Ask any seasoned camp leader and they’ll tell you: Weeks 3 to 5 can be the toughest. The adrenaline of opening day fades, the novelty wears off, and the reality of long, emotionally demanding days sets in. The finish line of the season is too far away for a final push.
This struggle isn’t about weakness. It’s about human limits. Acknowledging that this stretch is the hardest part of the season helps normalize the experience and opens the door for meaningful support. Ignoring burnout doesn’t make it disappear, and naming it helps staff feel seen.
Quick Wins: Small Ways to Boost Energy and Morale
How to manage burnout at summer camp doesn’t require grand gestures. Small, intentional efforts make a real difference:
- Surprise snacks: Ice cream socials, smoothie breaks, or cold fruit by the waterfront
- Theme days: Silly hats, backwards day, or staff-only pajama breakfasts
- Quiet spaces: Hammocks or staff-only nooks where phones and campers aren’t allowed
- Handwritten thank-yous: A quick note from you or a leadership team member
Celebrating small wins also fuels momentum. Recognize the bunk that crushed cabin inspection or the counselor who calmed homesickness with patience. These moments matter more than you think.
Don’t Forget Yourself
Burned-out leaders can’t lead well. Watch for signs in yourself: decision fatigue, short temper, feeling like you’re “just getting through.”
Self-care doesn’t have to be elaborate. Block 20 minutes for uninterrupted quiet. Accept help when trusted staff offer. Leave camp property briefly; even a short trip to the store can reset your brain.
When you model healthy boundaries, your staff have permission to do the same.
Build Prevention Into Your Culture
The best burnout prevention starts long before summer arrives. Recruit realistically by being honest about the camp’s demands, which builds trust with your recruits. Train staff to spot burnout and normalize asking for help. Teach how managing burnout at summer camp protects your camp and your campers. Thoughtfully design schedules with planned downtime and rotated responsibilities.
Most importantly, streamline your systems. Administrative stress compounds burnout, so reducing behind-the-scenes complexity helps your team focus on what matters most: your campers.
A healthy team means a healthy camp. Stay alert, build support, and lead with empathy for your staff and yourself.
