Many people will tell you that the key to a successful future in the workplace is a solid internship related to your field of (potential) expertise. While that may be true for a lot of people and a lot of careers, a job as a camp counselor can give you the skills to succeed in not only the workplace, but in all aspects of your life. We’ve come up with three major things a summer camp job has the potential to provide, but like anything else, you get out what you put in.
Confidence
One of summer camp’s greatest qualities is its appreciation for individuality. The most notable counselors are the ones who sing the loudest, dress the craziest, and are willing to participate in any and all activities that his or her campers come up with. At camp, it’s hard to feel embarrassed. It is surprisingly easy to step out of your comfort zone and into the uninhibited summer camp lifestyle.
Selflessness
While being a camp counselor can give you a great deal of self-understanding and important life skills, the most successful counselors are those who are not at camp for themselves, but for the campers. Camp teaches you how to put the needs of your campers, or of any group, above your own. In order to deal with confrontations, homesickness, shower hour, and anything else that comes your way in the bunk, you have to know how to prioritize. As camp counselor, you are truly a surrogate parent for your campers and, while their problems may seem small to you, to them they are big and should be treated accordingly.
Leadership Ability
At camp, campers do not judge your ability to show them how to kick a soccer ball, make a friendship bracelet, or ride a zip line. We find that campers instantly idolize a counselor’s ability to do anything, giving you a solid platform to develop and transform your leadership skills from the get-go. You’ve been hired as a camp counselor and specialist in a specific activity; your accountability is already there. This gives you the time to focus on building your character, integrity, commitment, enthusiasm, and open-mindedness.
