Why Working as a Camp Counselor Is the Best Summer Job

There are many summer job options for teens and college-aged young adults, but few offer the personal growth, sense of community, and fun that come with working as a camp counselor. While earning a paycheck is part of the experience, it’s what comes with the job that makes camp such a rewarding opportunity.

“This isn’t just a job but rather an invitation to be part of our summer home,” explains Craig “Odie” Odiorne, owner and director of Island Lake Camp, a coed overnight camp in Starrucca, Pennsylvania. “Working at overnight camp allows you to be part of a community you help create, getting as much out of it as you put in. We hire staff because we believe they have something wonderful to share with our camp. We want staff to participate, learn our culture, connect with campers and fellow staff, try something new, and experience camp to its fullest. The rewards far exceed the effort, and staff soon realize camp becomes their summer home.”

For many young adults, being a camp counselor is their first job. Sam Borek, owner and director of Woodmont Day Camp in New City, New York, believes camp provides a structured and supportive environment where young people can learn how professional life works while being guided by mentors. “The magic of working at camp lies in the personal growth that occurs daily, from learning to lead with responsibility to thriving through challenges and engaging deeply with others without digital distractions.”

Camp is also a place where having fun is part of the job expectations. “When hiring staff, we of course look for qualities like patience, friendliness, teamwork, and an interest in working with kids,” says Odiorne. “But it’s just as important to be willing to not take yourself too seriously and to be fully present. Camp is a unique environment—one day you might be dressed up for a spirit day, and the next you’re planning a surprise that involves performing in front of the entire camp.”

When you become a camp counselor, you automatically become a role model for children. Campers look up to their counselors and want to learn from them. This is a big confidence builder for young adults and also helps them build important leadership skills. Borek says that many of their first-year staff members are drawn to the job because of a previous experience with a counselor, coach, teacher, adviser, or someone similar elsewhere who made a lasting impact on them at some point during their childhood. “As a result, they have the desire to create that type of experience for a camper, which becomes a unifying goal of every staff member at Woodmont.”

Working at camp also provides a social outlet. Counselors work closely with other high school- and college-aged staff, forming friendships that often last well beyond the summer. “The connections counselors make with other staff and campers are strong because you live with each other all summer long,” notes Odiorne. Day camp staff also share long days, connecting through traditions and activities that bring the community together. Borek adds, “The lifelong bonds formed at camp among staff members, as well as campers, are truly irreplaceable.”

What makes a great camp counselor? According to Borek, successful candidates are hard-working, flexible, dependable, and resourceful. “As much as we plan, the camp day is fluid, and you need to be able to ‘go with the flow.’ This is a high-growth opportunity where you develop leadership and problem-solving skills that will serve you throughout your professional life.” Young adults who enjoy working with children, are looking to build confidence, gain independence, and create lasting friendships—all while having fun—should consider working at camp. “Our staff quickly learn that working at camp is the toughest job they’ll ever love,” says Borek. “It’s demanding, exhausting, rewarding, and wonderful, all at the same time.”