Many of our staff at venue360 grew up attending camps and many also worked at camps in some capacity as young adults, even some of the camps that are now current venue360 users. Working at summer camp is often overlooked or considered just a seasonal job but we at venue360 all agree it’s a life-changing time that teaches so many valuable life lessons and equips you with a diverse range of skills and experiences that are valuable in various professional settings. An article shared in the Seattle Times titled “Dear employers, please value “camp counselor” on a resume” confirms why you should highlight your camp counselor experience on your resume and the skills it demonstrates to potential employers.

Leadership and Responsibility

Camp counselors are entrusted with the safety and well-being of campers, a responsibility that requires significant leadership and maturity. From organizing activities to managing groups of children, this role is all about taking charge and making decisions that ensure a positive experience for everyone involved.

Key Leadership Skills:

• Managing Groups: Whether leading a group of energetic kids through activities or supervising fellow counselors, your leadership skills are continually put to the test.

• Decision-Making: From planning daily schedules to making quick decisions in emergencies, you develop the ability to make sound judgments under pressure.

These leadership skills are critical in any professional environment and can set you apart as a capable leader​.

Problem-Solving Abilities

Working at a camp means dealing with the unexpected—whether it’s resolving conflicts between campers or adapting plans due to weather changes. This constant need to think on your feet helps you develop strong problem-solving skills.

Problem-Solving Skills:

• Conflict Resolution: Managing disputes among campers sharpens your ability to mediate and resolve issues calmly and effectively.

• Adaptability: Adjusting plans allows you to develop flexibility and the ability to remain composed under pressure.

Employers look for candidates who can navigate challenges effectively, making this a valuable experience to highlight​.

Teamwork and Collaboration

Working at a camp requires collaboration with other counselors and staff. You need to communicate effectively, share responsibilities, and work together to create a positive environment for campers.

Teamwork Skills:

• Collaborative Planning: Organizing activities and events with other counselors teaches you the importance of teamwork and effective communication.

• Building Relationships: The close-knit camp environment helps you develop strong interpersonal skills, essential for any team-based job.

The collaborative nature of camp work is essential in most job environments, demonstrating your ability to work well with others​.

Strong Communication Skills

Effective communication is at the heart of a camp counselor’s role. Whether you’re explaining activities to campers, discussing progress with parents, or coordinating with fellow staff, you’re constantly enhancing your communication abilities.

Communication Skills:

• Verbal Skills: Leading groups and providing clear instructions improve your public speaking and clarity.

• Written Skills: Keeping records and communicating with parents enhance your ability to convey information concisely and professionally.

Good communication is crucial in any job, and this experience proves you can articulate ideas clearly and build strong relationships​.

Organizational and Planning Skills

Planning daily activities, special events, and managing resources requires excellent organizational skills. As a camp counselor, you learn to manage time efficiently, coordinate resources, and ensure everything runs smoothly.

Organizational Skills:

• Event Planning: From daily schedules to special events, you gain experience in planning and logistics.

• Resource Management: Ensuring you have and manage the necessary supplies efficiently teaches you valuable organizational skills.

Organizing and managing tasks effectively is crucial in many careers, making this a key skill to highlight on your resume. 

Emotional Intelligence

Interacting with campers and colleagues in a camp setting requires high emotional intelligence. You learn to be empathetic, patient, and understanding, which are essential traits for managing relationships and fostering a positive environment.

Emotional Intelligence:

• Empathy and Patience: Dealing with various personalities and needs helps you develop a deeper understanding and patience.

• Conflict Management: Dealing with various personalities and needs helps you develop a deeper understanding and patience.

Emotional intelligence is crucial in any workplace, contributing to better teamwork and leadership​.

Highlight your Camp Experience

Including "working at camp" on your resume is a smart move that highlights a rich array of skills and experiences. From leadership and problem-solving to teamwork and communication, the competencies you gain as a camp counselor are highly transferable and valued across many professions. The Seattle Times article underscores the importance of recognizing and appreciating these skills, which can set you apart in the job market​​. So, don’t hesitate to highlight your camp experience—it could be the key to your next career opportunity!

To read the entire Seattle Times article “Dear employers, please value “camp counselor” by Molly Sprayregen, click here.



   

Left: Mandy Brown, venue360 Relationships Manager, worked at camp summer of 2002 with her now husband, David.
Middle: Trisha Haywood, venue360 Graphic Designer, worked summer of 2000 on the Adventure team, as well as 2001 and 2002 as a Day Camp counselor in the Redwood trees of Santa Cruz, CA.
Right: Trisha Haywood met her husband Nate while working at camp summer of 2002.