Become a Camp Counselor
Now you have decided that you want to become a camp counselor. But do you have what it takes? Camp counseling requires dedication, energy, and responsibility. How do you show these qualities to an employer? With a little work on your application, you should have no problems with being hired.
When filling out your application, it is important to present yourself in the best light. Your employer wants to see your dedication, so you should probably consider adding details about the activities and organizations you have been involved with. If you have good standing in these organizations and held a leadership position, include that somewhere on the application, too. Include the contact information of leaders in that organization who are willing to give a good recommendation.
Get appropriate training. Most summer camp counselors are required to have CPR training. Other effective training courses may include lifeguard training, self-defense classes, or other rescue courses. If you have any additional training that you believe is relevant to the camp, include that on your application as well. For example, if you are applying for a sports camp and you participated in a college sport, you may want to include that experience as well. Every experience will help improve your application.
Most applications will have questions for you to answer. These questions are meant to be thought-provoking and are a test to see if you have the maturity to deal with the care of children. Your answers should be just as thought-provoking as the question. Answer honestly and in great detail. The longer you spend on these questions, the more your employer will believe you care about the job. Have someone peer edit your work so that you do not seem ignorant to the employer. If your answers strike the right chord, your employer will see your maturity and dedication.
If you really want to be a camp counselor, try to apply to a camp where you know staff members. These staff members will be able to vouch for your reliability. Or, you could apply for a camp that you frequented as a child. The staffers will very likely remember you and be delighted to see your application. These little techniques will make the decision easier for the employer when looking over your application.
Summer camp applications will vary, but most camp employers are looking for similar qualities in camp counselors. Put forward your best image and show the employers that you can work well with children and handle the pressures of day to day camp activities. Be upfront and honest and the camp counselor job will be yours.
