What You Can Learn as a Camp Counselor
Being a summer camp counselor can be an amazing experience. It might be one of the most challenging jobs you undertake, but it can also be one of the most rewarding. There are long hours, tons of laughter, and so many life-changing moments. The life-changing moments aren’t just for the participating summer campers but also for each KSS staff member and counselor. KSS strives for each counselor to enjoy their own life-changing moments and opportunities for life-long learning.
Review the KSS Employment page for a list of available positions and other perks and benefits. Here’s a list of skills you can gain from being a summer camp counselor. Build your resume and gain valuable life skills!
Teambuilding Skills
Camp Counselors work with a large group of coworkers and campers, so teambuilding comes naturally. Learn how to work alongside and communicate with others to achieve a common goal. As a counselor, you will lead various activities for campers that inspire collaboration and group problem-solving. Knowing how to effectively work with others is a skill that will follow you through all future endeavors.
Risk Management
As a counselor, you are responsible for the safety and well-being of your campers. You will learn how to identify and minimize risk, as well as critical evaluation and decision-making skills. These essential critical thinking and problem-solving skills are great for your resume and show a dedication to details and safety.
Adaptability
Camp Counselors have to be quick on their feet and able to adapt to changes at the last minute. Counselors come up with engaging activities and games on the spot and resiliency is a key quality for anyone working at summer camp.
Time Management
Summer Camp is full of strict schedules that need to be adhered to in order to fit in all the fun activities. As a camp counselor, your watch will become your favorite accessory. Time management is a crucial skill that will help you create a meaningful work-life balance and achieve your goals faster!
Customer Service
As camp staff, we are providing a service to our customers; our campers, and their families. You will learn clear communication, effective listening, and public speaking skills.
Program Specific Skills
Summer camps offer a variety of specific programs and activities. Counselors learn how to teach archery, fishing, canoeing, backcountry camping and more! These skills will enable you to participate in these activities on your own or even turn them into a career. Whether you are headed for a career in outdoor education or not, many of these skills can open doors for new passions and lifelong learning.
These are just a few of the immensely valuable and lifelong skills you could gain from working as a camp counselor during the summer. Not only will you be able to build your resume and personal toolkit, but you will also have the most adventurous and fun summer of your life!
Need a few more reasons to become a counselor?
See what some of the past camp counselors have said about their experiences.
“Going into my third year on staff, memories from summers at KSS have become some of the most important to me. Camp has been a place where the best of friends have been made and the most awesome of challenges have been met. KSS has undeniably impacted my life, and it only seems natural to me to endeavor to do the same for the next generation of campers.”
– Camp Staff
“Working for KSS was such a rewarding experience. Not only did I get to watch the campers learn and grow, I saw myself doing the same thing as they were teaching me to appreciate the little things that life has to offer.”
– Day Camp Staff
“I don't have the right words to explain the extent to which this summer changed my life for the better and gave me a sparkle of camp magic I can bring anywhere.”
– Camp Staff
