Is Working at a Summer Camp Worth It?
Whether you’re a high school student, college student, or recent graduate looking for a summer job, becoming a camp counselor can be a truly enriching experience unlike any other. Not only do you get to help kids have a great summer experience, but you also get to meet other counselors from all over the world (if the camp has an international program like Falcon Camp). The benefits of working at a summer camp really stack up against other short-term jobs, and that’s what we’ll be exploring here. Let’s get started!
Meet New People
Many summer camps (Falcon Camp included) have an international program for counselors. We happily welcome staff from around the world to join the Falcon family. This means that you get to work with and become friends with people of different backgrounds and cultures—something you may not experience in other jobs.
If you yourself are in international student looking for summer work, we invite you to start the hiring process for next summer. The Falcon family is full of compassionate people ready to make you feel right at home.
Do Fun Activities Every Day
Summer camps are known for their activities and all the fun things campers get to do. At Falcon Camp, this is definitely the case as we have four activity periods every day: ART, H20, D/A, and WRC. For example, WRC (as we call it) gives you the choice of the following activities: Woodslore, Riding, and Crafts. Woodslore is a nature study activity that teaches you about firebuilding, plant identification, outdoor cooking, and a whole lot more.
If you have a special interest or skill, that’s definitely something you can bring to the table. So put your years of tennis training or horseback riding to good use by teaching young campers!
Bond with Campers
When you’re spending every day with your campers and even sleeping with them in the cabin, you are sure to form a special bond that you’ll cherish forever. The best part about being a camp counselor is that you get to watch the children become the best versions of themselves while immersed in nature and having fun everyday with friends.
If you’re lucky enough to get a shy, quiet camper in your group, it can be very rewarding to help them gain some confidence and try new things. And once you’ve won them over with your positive attitude and supportive nature, you can bet they’ll want to see you come back summer after summer!
It’s not a job, it’s a desire. It’s not work, it’s a passion. I don’t ‘deal’ with campers, I change the future. I don’t go home, I leave it. —Falcon Camp Counselor
Eat and Sleep for Free
One of the concerns we hear a lot about being a camp counselor is that the pay isn’t sufficient. However, at Falcon Camp we aim to reward our leadership adequately for their work. In addition, counselors get to eat and sleep for free, so the money you make during your summer doesn’t have to be spent on the essentials. What other job lets you eat and sleep for free?
Watch Yourself Grow
Establishing yourself as a leader to your campers, planning activities, and teaching new skills are just a few of the very rewarding things you’ll get to do as a camp counselor. This job gives you a chance to grow your communication skills, problem solving skills, empathy, responsibility, and confidence.
As you watch your campers get out of their shells and blossom, you likely will, too—in ways you never could have guessed. When you put yourself outside your comfort zone and try something new, there’s no telling how much you’ll grow personally.
Impress Future Employers
The skills that you learn as a camp counselor can be carried with you for the rest of your life. Putting yourself out there, acting as a leader to younger children, and being responsible for a group of campers all show incredible responsibility and willingness to jump in where needed. If you’re interested in going on to a career involving children, your experience at a summer camp will be considered invaluable.
Explore Camp Counselor Opportunities with Falcon Camp
Learn more about our leadership opportunities on our website, or contact us for more information.
