Working at a Summer Camp

Summer camp jobs just might be the ultimate summer job. They provide a tremendous opportunity to mentor with young people, to work with others from all over the U.S. and even abroad, and to have unforgettable life experiences. There are many different types of summer camps and lots of different jobs available from summer camp counselor jobs to cooks and administrators. In addition to the memories you’ll gain for working at a summer camp there are other benefits such as pay, room and board.

JobMonkey provides all the information you’ll need to learn the benefits of working at a summer camp. The summer camp jobs section contains job descriptions, interviews with experienced camp workers, overviews of the different types of summer camps, and a lot more information designed to help you get a job.

If you are not a U.S. resident, but seeking work in the United States, then consider that many summer camp staff recruiters have been recruiting workers from abroad. So these jobs are not limited to Americans, but non-U.S. citizens will need the proper visa to gain employment.

Types of Summer Camps

What vision comes to your mind when you think of summer camps? The most common image might be that of cabins near a lake with a campfire pit, volleyball court, and mess hall — plus a couple hundred screaming, prankster kids! That’s certainly one type of camp setting you’ll find in your search for a camp job. These days there are many different types of summer camps, ranging from a traditional camp with traditional activities — swimming, campfire songs, crafts — to more specialized camps. On JobMonkey you’ll learn about:

• Religious summer camps run by churches or religious organizations. Campers enjoy the usual fun activities but also have time for bible study and prayer.
• The Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts offer summer Scout Camp experiences that enable campers to hone their Scout skills for purposes of earning more badges.
• All male or female camps are popular with parents who prefer no co-ed intermingling.
• Fitness camps are designed to keep campers very active and eating healthy for the duration. These camps require staff to be at a healthy body weight and knowledgeable about health, nutrition and fitness.
• Special needs camps are for children and young adults who have physical or mental disabilities. Campers can thrive and grow in a camp environment suited to their needs. Staff typically have required certifications and experience working with special needs individuals.
• There are camps for children suffering from life threatening illnesses and diseases, which are run by private organizations or individuals.
• Not all camps are week-long overnight camps. There are also Day Camps, which are typically found in communities across the states. Campers arrive in the morning — often when a parent goes to work — and are picked up after work hours.
• Finally, Boot Camps are available for young people who may have run afoul of the law or who have discipline issues. The emphasis at these camps is to foster positive attitudes, teammwork, and to help provide important social and life skills.

In our section on summer camp jobs you’ll learn a lot more about each type of camp and about the many kinds of camp jobs.

Most camps need medical staff, lifeguards, kitchen staff, administrators, grounds crew and maintenance personnel, as well as marketers.
Did you consider that many camps employ people year-round to help with sales, staff recruiting, marketing, and planning? It’s true!

Summer camp pay typically includes a weekly salary and free or low cost room and board. Some camps may even provide a small stipend for traveling to and from home to the camp plus season completion bonuses. There are higher paying jobs but few that are as rewarding.

If you’re interested in this type of work, either for a summer or a career, then read our section about summer camp jobs. Typically, job postings start appearing (in college newspapers and job centers; your local paper; on camp websites) as early as November with jobs starting in late-May.