Oct. 22, 2018
Get a “Real Job” Next Summer
Seriously … there’s no better summer opportunity than to work at an overnight summer camp. Yes, we realize that we might be a bit biased, but we also know the facts. We also hear stories from camp alumnae and former staff members that always begin with “Because of my summer(s) working at summer camp …”
New research by American Camp Association indicates that camp provides staff members with  opportunities to develop skills that future employers really want to see on a resume.  Working in a camp environment cultivates:
  • Verbal Communication Skills: THIS is such a big thing!  Staff receive training in this important area, and also quickly learn, on the job, that they need to effectively communicate with 6-year old campers, 17-year old Counselor-in-Training, camp families, kitchen staff, each other, with individuals AND in front of large groups.  We believe that there is no other job that provides this level of experience in verbal communication skills in less than eight weeks.  And each session and each summer is different as we welcome new campers and new staff members in to the community
  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving:  This is such a fun one at camp.  Imagine you’re a counselor and your first job of the day is to make sure that all of your campers are out of bed in the morning.  Some sessions, it may just work.  Other sessions, one or two campers may be morning sleepy-heads. And in another session, you may need to resort to morning serenades, music, humor or a (made-up-on-the-fly) game.  That’s just one example. Thinking on your feet is a requirement for all staff, as the camp community resolves issues from health and safety of campers to dining etiquette, archery skills, and cabin living.
  • Interpersonal and Leadership Skills:  Staff members model professionalism and compassion by managing a group of campers, while contributing to the grown and development of each individual participant.
  • Collaboration Skills:  Staff receive practical, real life training in how to work collaboratively with a team, how to influence the camp culture, and how to work with individuals from diverse and different backgrounds.
  • Creativity:  Staff will definitely develop innovative and fun ways to engage an audience!  Whether the audience is a small number of campers, or the entire camp, you’ll be called on to implement plans, and to implement ALTERNATE plans when faced with unexpected changes occur. Rainy Day activities, anyone?
  • Internship Requirement:  Did you know that camps can work with you and/or your school to determine (sometimes creative!) ways that your internship requirement will be met?

If you’re feeling pressured to skip camp this summer so you can “get a real job,” read (and share) this information.

  • Need leadership experience? (check!)
  • Looking for Networking Opportunities? (double check!)
  • How about 21st Century Skills? (we’ve got ’em)
  • Room and Board? (FULLY paid for all residential staff)
  • Professional Development? (some of the best!)
  • College Credit/Internship? (if you want credit, we’ll help you get credit)
  • Future Recommendations? (your camp “family” will know you better than any boss. GREAT recommendations come out of summer camp experiences)
  • Diverse Experience? (Skyland campers and staff are from all over the country and world)
  • Paycheck? (All that AND get paid? Of course!)

Thank you to the American Camp Association for their continued commitment to quality programs, and for ensuring that messages get out about how powerful summer camp experiences are for STAFF, as well as for campers.