Few things top a trip to summer camp. Getting paid to be there is one of them.
Now is the time for college and high school students to nail down those summer camp jobs.
When looking for workers, there are certain qualifications employers look for no matter the type of camp, whether it's day or residential or themed.
Potential camp employees must:
- Enjoy being with kids
- Be able to communicate with the campers, their parents and other staff members
- Solve problems independently
- Keep up physically with the campers
- Be dependable and responsible
- Be available for training before summer begins and when the camps being held
- Be certified in CPR
- Be able to pass a background check
- Have a good disposition
"You gotta have a positive attitude even if you are tired. You have to put the campers ahead of yourself," said Julia Burton, the program director at Camp Cherokee Retreat.
Age requirements
Most camps are looking for candidates with a high school diploma or GED and some request at least one year of college. That requirement knocks most teenagers out of running for summer camp jobs.
"We do serve teenagers. We want to make sure all of our counselors are older than the people we are serving," said LaChandra Burks, executive director of the Office of Recreation for the city of Atlanta. "We don't want teenagers counseling teenagers."
But don't despair. There are some camp opportunities for high schoolers.
Some camps offer counselor in training programs for high school students, and other organizations have development programs for teens. Counselors at the YMCA residential camp have completed the Y's leadership training, said spokeswoman Angie Clawson. Those jobs are filled for this summer, but teens can keep it in mind for next year.
Lifeguard roles are often filled by teens, too, especially at camps that are on lakes or have a pool.
The city, which runs day camps at 25 sites and one residential camp, offers some positions to teenagers, which are filled by the Atlanta Workforce Development Agency.
Experience helps
Most jobs are filled by former campers who looked up to the counselors during their time at camp.
"When you look at the counselors, the staff is like a family and you see them getting along and they are older and cooler college students. You just want to be that," said Burton, a junior at the University of Georgia who enjoyed her time at Camp Cherokee as a child.
Returning to the camp where a student worked last summer also helps. Some camps give preference to students who had good performance evaluations for their work.
"It has to be a person who is energetic, who has a love for interaction with youth and seniors on every level. We call them Fun Experts," said Burks, who said the city is looking for more than 200 employees to serve 3,500 youth and seniors at its day camps.
Having specific skills may give candidates a boost. Those with animal, science, or education academic training may have an easier time getting a counselor job at Zoo Atlanta. Those who know a foreign language or STEM programs might have a leg up when trying for a job at one of the city's specialty camps.
Finding work
Many camps advertise openings on national job boards. Searching for summer camp jobs is enough to bring up many results. Jobs can also be found on a camp's website. That's particularly helpful for potential employees who are targeting a specific type of camp, either one they've attended in the past or one that ties into their current area of study.
Ultimately employers are looking for workers who will enhance the experience for the camper.
"I grew up at Camp Best Friends as a child," Burks said. "I remember it was a place I wanted to go to every day. I woke up in the morning before my parents did so they could get me to camp."
Help wanted
Here are some camps in the Atlanta area looking for counselors and other employees this summer:
Athletic Club Northeast in Atlanta is looking for camp counselors to guide children ages 5-12. Benefits include free club membership.
The Atlanta Botanical Garden is looking for leaders who have completed two years of a bachelor's degree. Successful candidates should enjoy working outdoors and be comfortable cooking fruits and vegetables.
Camp Cherokee Retreat needs counselors to run summer camp programs.
The city of Atlanta needs lifeguards and counselors for its summer camps.
C5 Georgia Youth Foundation needs summer program instructors and camp counselors. The camp includes camping and an out-of-state trek in Wyoming and Seattle. Candidates must be older than 19 for some jobs and older than 21 for others.
Imagine That Fun is looking for workers 19 or older who are working toward a bachelor's degree.
The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta needs several counselors and assistants for several camps, including traditional summer, performance, dance and sports camps. The MJCCA will hire rising juniors in high school or older for some positions.
The Salvation Army is looking for counselors for its summer program. Activities include classroom training, sports, Bible study and more. Candidates will teach the children Christian values and must have a driver's license.
YMCA of Metro Atlanta is looking for lifeguards, swim instructors and counselors and more.
Zoo Atlanta needs counselors and instructors who will teach children ages 4-14 about wildlife and nature through crafts, tours and animal encounters. Candidates must be older than 30, should be comfortable around animals and be able to push up to 50 pounds.
Atlanta Summer Camp Guide: Find a camp, get advice
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