By Jennifer DeSpagna
Special to Campus News
Why Camp? A year into this Pandemic, everyone needs camp! This past year “out of an abundance of caution,” we have stayed home to stay safe, worn face masks, practiced safety at home and social distancing. What we have not practiced are social and real communication skills. Have you noticed, zoom allows only one person to speak at a time? This is not real life. This year, everyone needs camp!
I have always told our prospective camp families that camp is the greatest gift you can give your child. It is so educational and kids don’t even know they are learning. Campers gain independence, learn how to solve problems on their own, communicate without using their thumbs, how to work together and learn the skills of making and keeping friends. Camps have the most amazing classrooms. Campers learn these skills on the ball fields and courts, in the pools and on the lakes, at arts and crafts, and at meals and in bunks.
And you know what? Camp is all of these things to staff as well, enhancing the soft skills for which your future employer is looking. What you gain, working as a counselor is invaluable.
What did you think when you read the title of this article? Did you think, Being a camp counselor sounds like big fun, but can it really lead me to landing my dream job? The answer is a resounding yes! The secret is how you communicate the skills you develop as a counselor, on your resume. Think about what your future employer is looking for: work ethic and job commitment, leadership, creative thinking, teamwork, flexibility and sound judgment. Now think about the role of a counselor on a typical day. You are leading 8-10 campers.You are making a commitment to “your” kids and trust me they will become your kids by the end of the summer. Nothing screams adaptable and creative more than how you handle an unexpected rain storm with your kids in the bunk, until it passes over. Parents and Camp Directors are trusting you and your judgment to allow your campers to take safe risks and come home happy and more independent.
People who have worked at Camp, never stop talking about Camp. You would be amazed at how often it comes up in job interviews, no matter what role you are applying for. Your camp experience is a great way to showcase the soft skills you have learned. Camp creates some great stories, which allows you to weave your skill set into the conversation in an entertaining way.
Your resume is what gets your foot in the door and earns you the invitation to interview. Remember, to use action verbs and emphasize responsibility, creativity and innovation, be descriptive and show evidence of leadership, management and work ethic. Misspelling and poor punctuation can disqualify you for most positions. Who wants to hire someone who can’t even bother to use spell check?! Be sure to have someone you trust proof your resume and give you feedback.
Now that you know why a camp counselor role is the ultimate internship, it is time to secure your position. Whether as a general or specialty counselor, at day or sleep-away camp, there is a camp out there for everyone; find the one that best suits you.
Jennifer DeSpagna runs the Timber Lake Family of Camps. Contact her at Jennifer@camptlc.com or visit www.camptlc.com to learn more.
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