You made it through the hiring process, but now you need to survive the summer. Future camp counselors usually ask some very similar questions.
Am I actually ready for this job?
What happens if a camper gets homesick?
How do I inspire the correct behavior in my campers?
What should I pack?
Here’s the thing: you’ve been hired. Your director sees something in you, something that makes you perfect for the role you’ll be filling. It’s natural to be a little nervous, especially when the first campers pull up, but remember you have a team supporting you and backing you up. Being a camp counselor is a great opportunity to learn and grow alongside your campers. You won’t know everything on your first day, and that’s okay.
That said, this summer camp counselor survival guide walks through the most common questions new staff ask and provides practical strategies you can use all summer long.
What Makes a Great Summer Camp Counselor?
You may be thinking, “What exactly did my director see in me?”
- Consistency – You provide campers with clear expectations and a stable environment
- Engagement – You show a consistent willingness to participate and engage with campers
- Patience – You can walk with campers through their mistakes and learn with them
- Leadership – You set the tone. Campers see EVERYTHING that the camp staff does and follow suit.
Camp is full of “firsts” for campers, and you are their guide. You are the voice of reason and encouragement that shapes their camp experience. Your leadership empowers campers to try things for the first time, things they never imagined they could do. Yes, it’s a big job. Take it one step at a time, and you’ll do great.
What If a Camper Gets Homesick?
For many first-time campers, this is their first time away from home without a parent or guardian. So homesickness is expected and is normal. It’s also one of the most common challenges counselors face, especially with younger kids during the first few days of camp. Here are a few strategies counselors use successfully.
Normalize the Feeling
Let campers know it’s okay to miss home. Saying something like: “Lots of campers feel this way on the first day,” helps reduce stress.
Avoid statements like “You’ll be fine,” or other attempts to diminish their feelings. Validate that it’s okay to miss home. It means that home is a safe and enjoyable place to be, which is good.
The Redirection Distraction
Often, the fastest way to ease homesickness is to redirect the camper and get them excited for what’s next. Involve them in the group or in an activity. Encourage them to:
- Help set up an activity
- Partner with another camper
- Choose the next group game
Once a camper gets involved and starts building friendships, homesickness fades.
Follow Camp Communication Guidelines
Every camp handles parent communication differently. Some allow letter writing early in the week, while others encourage waiting a few days. Some camps allow phone calls home, and others don’t. If a camper is homesick or showing signs of homesickness (i.e., not eating, not sleeping, etc.), let a director know so that they are well-informed and able to assist you and your camper.
Know your camp’s policies regarding homesickness. Every camp is a little bit different. Many camps use platforms like UltraCamp to manage communication between families, campers, and staff. Clear communication policies mean less time guessing what to do and more time supporting campers’ needs.
How Do Counselors Inspire Camper Behavior?
Campers arrive with different personalities, energy levels, and expectations. A counselor’s job isn’t to manage behavior, it’s to guide it.
“You can manage resources. You can manage systems. You can manage processes and procedures. But you cannot effectively manage people.”
Trust and Inspire by Stephen M. R. Covey
Campers don’t want to be managed; they want to be led and inspired.
Set Expectations Early
Most campers don’t show up wanting to wreck your week; they need to know what your expectations are and where the boundary line is. At the start of a session, counselors often establish a few simple cabin rules like:
- Respect each other
- Clean up shared spaces
- Listen when someone is speaking
Guidance is needed, but when campers help create the rules, they develop ownership and are more likely to follow them.
Focus on Positive Reinforcement
In every situation, make a point to highlight what’s going well. For example:
- “Thanks for helping clean up.”
- “Great teamwork during that game.”
Negative behaviors may need to be addressed, but positive reinforcement is a powerful way to encourage the behavior you want to see repeated.
Use Calm Redirection
When issues arise, guidance works better than punishment. Try framing directions like this:
- “Let’s try that again.”
- “What would be a better choice here?”
Camp is a learning environment. Mistakes are part of the process.
What Should Summer Camp Counselors Pack?
Packing for a summer at camp can feel is overwhelming, especially for first-time staff. While each camp provides a packing list, most counselors benefit from thinking about these three categories.
1. Survival Items
Camps are usually active outdoor environments. Bring clothes that can handle dirt, water, and movement. And items to protect you from the elements (like mosquitoes). Typical items include:
- Comfortable shorts and t-shirts
- Closed-toe shoes for activities
- A rain jacket
- Swimsuit
- Lightweight hoodie for cool evenings
- Bugspray and sunscreen
- A reusable water bottle (this is your actual lifeline in case of emergency)
When packing for camp, prioritize function over style. Whatever you bring is likely to get beat up.
2. Thrive Items
You’ll be working long days. Bring things that make life easier or help you unwind, like:
- A Hammock
- Journal or Sketchbook
- Portable fan or small flashlight
- Comfortable bedding if staying overnight (Yes, your teddy bear counts in this category)
3. Activity Supplies
Some counselors also bring materials that help break the ice with campers. Examples include:
- A deck of cards
- Simple craft supplies
- A small speaker for music
- Group game ideas
These items make downtime something that campers look forward to.
How Counselors Can Prepare Before Staff Training
Many new staff members assume everything will be covered during orientation week. Which is true. But if you’re an overachiever, here are a few ways to get ahead.
Learn Basic Camp Leadership Skills
Counselors benefit from understanding a few leadership basics, like:
- How to lead group games
- Conflict resolution techniques
- Encouraging teamwork
- Managing group transitions
These skills make the first week of camp far less stressful.
Practice Activity Facilitation
Camp activities require counselors to guide groups through instructions, safety checks, and participation. Get comfortable with explaining things and repeating yourself. The question “what are we doing next” and “Why?” will be the soundtrack of your day.
If you’ve never led a group activity before, try practicing with friends or family. Learning how to clearly explain directions is a valuable skill.
Understand Camp Policies
Each camp operates differently, but most have policies around:
- Camper supervision
- Emergency procedures
- Communication with parents
- Staff responsibilities
Camps that use digital management systems—like UltraCamp—often provide staff portals where employees can review documents and complete forms before arrival. That means less paperwork during orientation and more time focusing on training.
Emergency Awareness: What Counselors Should Know
Safety is one of the most important responsibilities for camp staff. You don’t need to be an emergency expert to be prepared. However, counselors should understand the basics of situational awareness.
Stay Aware of Your Environment
Awareness helps prevent accidents. Counselors should always know:
- Where their campers are
- Who is responsible for supervision
- What activities are happening nearby
Know the Camp’s Emergency Procedures
When procedures are clear and well-practiced, staff can respond quickly and calmly. Camps train staff on how to respond to situations like:
- Severe weather
- Medical emergencies
- Missing campers
- Fire alarms
- Active shooters
Preventing Counselor Burnout
Working at summer camp is rewarding and demanding. Long days, constant activity, and emotional responsibility take a toll if counselors don’t take care of themselves. You must prioritize your wellbeing so that you can take the best care of your campers.
Take Breaks Seriously
Most camps schedule staff breaks during the day. Use them. Even short breaks help reset your energy. Some break activities include:
- Taking a short walk
- Taking a nap
- Journaling
- Spending quiet time away from campers
Stay Healthy
You probably won’t have time for your demanding workout regimne every morning, (This is okay, you’ll be so tired by the end of the day it may be better to conserve some energy anyway.) but that doesn’t mean you should forget about your health entirely. Make sure to prioritize:
- Drinking water
- Getting as close to 8 hours of sleep as possible
- Eating Fruits and Veggies
Campers bring illness with them and if you’re not ready for it sickness will take you out.
Build a Support Network
Other counselors are experiencing the same challenges you are. Talk with fellow staff members, share ideas, and ask for help. Camp culture is one of the strongest support systems counselors have.
Why Organization Makes Camp Easier for Staff
Behind every successful camp experience is a huge amount of planning. From registration and medical forms to activity schedules and staff coordination, camp operations require careful organization. Many camps use dedicated management systems like UltraCamp to streamline these processes. These systems help camps:
- Manage camper registration and paperwork
- Organize staff communication
- Track schedules and activities
- Coordinate parent communication
When these administrative tasks run smoothly, staff can focus on what matters most: supporting campers and creating great experiences.
The Goal of Being a Camp Counselor
You don’t need to be a perfect leaders from day one. In reality, your role is straight forward.
- Encourage them
- Include them
- Guide them
- Celebrate with them
Helping someone climb a rock wall, cheering them on in a talent show, listening when they miss home these are feelings that your campers will never forget. Preparation may help you feel more confident, but the most important thing is showing up for your campers. Something every great counselor learns as they go.
