Did your teenager love summer camp as a child? Do they need a job but can’t work during the school year because of homework and activities? Maybe you’re ready for your teen to gain work experience but still have some carefree time outdoors away from electronics. The answer is at summer camp – a day or sleepaway camp is the perfect place for teens to transition to the world of the employed. The paycheck is nice, but being a camp counselor has other rewards, too.
1. The gift of responsibility
As much as teens sometimes protest about it, learning responsibility is the gateway to more independence as they grow into adults. Camp is an ideal place to build accountability, because teens are in charge of other kids or activities, but they are still supervised. If they work at a sleepaway camp, they must keep their cabin quarters neat and guide younger children to do the same. If they work at a day camp, they must show up on time, care for children, and lead activities. Working at camp is fun, but it also gives teens a glimpse into the adult world with the guidance they still need.
2. The opportunity to be a role model
Do you remember a teen you looked up to when you were a kid at summer camp? Maybe he or she helped you perfect your backstroke, taught you how to throw a curve ball, or gave the perfect advice for dealing with disagreements between friends. Teens can connect to kids in ways that adults sometimes can’t, and when teens work at camp, they experience the fulfillment of helping younger kids meet their goals and develop new skills.
3. Refined relationship skills
From fun-centered sports competitions between rival teams to getting chores done for inspection, counselors and campers have to work together. Learning to facilitate this cooperation helps teens hone their communication and interpersonal relationship skills. Some camps even offer staff communication training and morale-building activities before campers arrive to increase awareness and create discussion about how to get along with others.
4. Improved time management skills
Teen counselors must be on time for meals, the morning meeting at the flagpole, and the activities they lead. They also are responsible for gently prodding their campers to be punctual. If they are in charge of a lesson, craft, or game, they must plan and make sure they have all the supplies ready and set up on time. These time-management lessons will benefit them as they enter college and the workplace.
5. Time away from technology
Most day camps and sleepaway camps either have a no-device policy or have only short scheduled times with technology. Camp is the perfect place to do a “digital detox” and return to nature, sports, and face-to-face socialization.
6. Preparation for being away at college
If your teen works at a sleepaway camp, they may get a taste of college life. They will be responsible for getting up on time and shouldering the responsibility of a job. Plus, being away from home for an extended period for the first time can create some homesickness. These experiences will help prepare them for college while still being in a sheltered environment.
7. A chance to share talents and skills
Is your teen an athlete? An artist? A nature enthusiast? Can they dance, write, or program computers? Camp is an ideal place for teens to share strengths. I served as a camp counselor in college, and it was the first time I realized I had a knack for teaching kids. It was the gateway to becoming a teacher, even though I was a journalism student then. Camp introduces teens to opportunities that maybe they hadn’t considered. It builds confidence and opens doors to future careers.
8. Saving on summer expenses
One of the advantages of working at an overnight camp is that the camp usually provides meals and lodging in addition to a paycheck. Staffers’ work and life all happen at the camp, so there is minimal gas use. Teen counselors chaperone camp trips to amusement parks and museums paid for by the camp. These covered expenses require responsibility and work, but they are positive perks for a summer job.
9. Resume building
Working at camp is a great experience to put on a resume when your teen is ready to enter the adult world of work. The camp experience is beneficial if your teen wants to teach or coach. However, working at camp also builds communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, all worthy resume additions that may catch a future employer’s interest.
10. A new appreciation for you
Being a teen counselor is indeed hard work. It involves stamina, patience, and responsibility. Oh, and teen counselors must also teach, guide, and care for children younger than themselves. It sounds a teeny bit like parenting, right? Teens who are camp counselors may begin to recognize how hard parenting is. With that recognition, they may have a new appreciation for their parents by the end of the summer.
Being a camp counselor is an excellent start for teens who want to join the world of work. If your teen is interested in becoming a camp counselor, you can find more information at the American Camp Association website at www.acacamps.org/staff-professionals/job-center.
Janeen Lewis is a writer, teacher, and mom to Andrew and Gracie. Her summer as a camp counselor gave her invaluable skills for adulthood.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT
What teens in Naples really think about the time spent on cellphones and social media