Being a camp counselor usually involves more than what the job description states.
Our days are full of the joy of camp and making memories with our campers, but there is more to being a camp counselor than keeping peace in the cabin. Camp is where campers experience the magic of making new friends, learning new skills, and getting into nature, and counselors are in charge of creating an environment where that magic can happen to its fullest potential.
Here’s a look at what really goes into the rewarding job of being a camp counselor.
We’re First to Rise, Last to Sleep
As a camp counselor, you set your alarm clock so you can be one for your campers. This means before the campers are up, you need to be awake and fully ready for the day. This is your breather, your time to prepare yourself for the day. After this time of calm, it’s time to help the campers get ready too. Hygiene routines, getting dressed, sunscreen, bug spray, and a water bottle. Get them out the door, ready to tramp through the woods, go horseback riding, or make a splash at the waterfront. Then, once the day is done, get ready to do it all again. Hygiene routines, getting into pajamas, evening wind down, tuck them all in, then do all of those things for yourself.
We’re Activity Coordinators
You’ve made it to the cabin activity at the craft building, what a relief!! Now you can sit back and relax while the activity staff takes over, right? Actually, no, you are now the activity staff’s right-hand employee. You know the campers better than they do; you can anticipate what they’re going to be interested in or not.
It is your job to encourage your campers to try something new, which often means leading by example. This is especially important for new activities like the rock wall or tubing that they might feel more nervous about. If you’re nervous about a new activity, don’t be afraid to let your campers know that or tell them the story of how you overcame your fears. This builds trust and excitement.
We’re First Responders
Yes, if there is a medical emergency, we are often the first to respond, but more than that, counselors are also emotional first responders. Cabin conflicts, homesickness, and meltdowns are bound to happen. It is the counselor’s job to stay attentive with ears open.
Sometimes the campers resolve the problem themselves, and sometimes they need more guidance toward the resolution. In these situations, monitoring your reaction is key to a successful outcome. On the first day of camp, ensure that your campers know that you are a safe person who doesn’t play favorites and looks for a fair resolution in every situation. Make sure to stand by that for the entirety of the summer.
It’s not all low emotions though! We are at camp after all. Camp counselors have the pleasure of being able to celebrate all the wins, both big and small. Creating an emotionally safe place for everything that your campers go through creates countless opportunities for growth and memory-making.
We’re Masters of the Schedule
Prepare to be asked what the next activity is, even if you just made the announcement. You may have the schedule ingrained in your mind, but that doesn’t mean your campers do. Don’t be surprised when you’re on your third reminder in 10 minutes. (A whiteboard with announcements and a daily schedule can help with the constant questioning btw).
Stay patient and respond with a smile; your campers are genuinely curious about what is going to happen next. Being the master of the schedule also means staying flexible. If you’ve just finished the rest period and are going to the waterfront, expect putting on swimsuits to take longer than you want it to. Always assume that a task is going to take longer than you think until your campers prove otherwise.
We’re the Hype Squad
It’s week three, day four. You’re dead dog tired and all you want to do is take a six-hour nap. The staff around you are in the same boat, camp crud has come around, and you just aren’t feeling it today. Well, guess what? For your campers, this is day four of one of the best weeks of the summer! They’re still excited to go on more adventures and don’t want their time with you to end.
As a camp counselor, you’ve signed up to make this week an amazing experience for them, so bring the energy, keep excited and engaged. YES, still take care of yourself. Drink your water and sleep as much as you can, but while you’re awake and with your campers, continue to make this week something they’re never going to forget.
We’re MacGyvers
Flip-flop torn? Fix it with duct tape. Sleeping bag not zipping up right? Time to get out the sewing kit. Towels all got rained on? Is there a dryer free or a spare towel? Soccer field looking more like a swimming pool? Time to improvise with some minimal equipment games. Any problem that your campers have, they’re coming to you to fix it. So, prepare to get creative with a roll of duct tape and sheer determination.
We’re Role Models
Whether you feel like a role model or not, congratulations, you are one now. Camp counselors have the responsibility of living with integrity, kindness, and patience. All those values that you hope your campers have? Well, it’s your job to show them what it’s like to have those values. Your campers are always watching you. No, it doesn’t feel like they’re watching when you’re trying to gather them off the playground, but they are.
Your campers are looking to see how you treat your fellow staff and how you deal with difficult situations. If the sleeplessness gets to you and you make a mistake, don’t be afraid to own up to it. You may only have them for a little while, but they will learn from your actions and words, whatever they may be.
We’re a Team
No one knows the struggles and the celebrations better than your fellow counselors. Remember that you are all going through it and are there to support the campers and each other. If there is a problem or a disagreement between staff, fix it and keep it with the staff. Gossip and backstabbing have no place at camp, especially when the ones who get stuck in the middle are the campers. It is your job to have your staff’s back and for them to have yours.
We’re Done Here
There you have it! This list may never make it onto your camp counselor contract, but know that it comes with the job. Being a counselor isn’t always glamorous, but it’s one of the most rewarding jobs you’ll ever love. If you’re thinking about being a camp counselor, go for it, you won’t regret it —even when you’re wearing mismatched sandals while leading a dance party at 7 a.m. What are you still doing here? Go get the job done folks!
