Become A Camp Counselor

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Working As A Camp Counselor

Assisting and Caring for Others
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
Thinking Creatively
Performing General Physical Activities

Deal with People
Unpleasant/Angry People
$23,660
Average Salary

What Does A Camp Counselor Do

Camp Counselors are responsible for supervising camp activities and developing recreational plans. They organize various activities, such as songs, games, archery, canoeing, and opening and closing ceremonies.

How To Become A Camp Counselor

Education and training requirements for recreation workers vary with the type of job, but workers typically need at least a high school diploma or the equivalent and receive on-the-job training.

Education and Training

Recreation workers typically need at least a high school diploma or the equivalent. Many receive on-the-job training that typically lasts less than a month.

Entry-level educational requirements vary with the type of position. For example, an activity leader position working with the elderly will have different requirements than a position as a summer camp counselor working with children.

Some positions may require a bachelor’s degree or college coursework. In 2014, the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism, and Related Professions, a branch of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), accredited 80 bachelor’s degree programs in recreation or leisure studies. A bachelor’s degree in other subjects, such as liberal arts or public administration, may also qualify applicants for some positions.

Important Qualities

Communication skills. Recreation workers must be able to communicate well. They often work with large groups of people and need to give clear instructions, motivate participants, and maintain order and safety.

Flexibility. Recreation workers must be flexible when planning activities. They must be able to adapt plans to suit changing environmental conditions and participants’ needs.

Leadership skills. Recreation workers should be able to lead both large and small groups. They often lead activities for people of all ages and abilities.

Physical strength. Recreation workers need to be physically fit. Their job may require a considerable amount of movement because they often demonstrate activities while explaining them.

Problem-solving skills. Recreation workers need strong problem-solving skills. They must be able to create and reinvent activities and programs for all types of participants.

For recreation workers who generally work part time, such as camp counselors and activity specialists, certain qualities may be more important than education. These qualities include a worker’s experience leading activities, the ability to work well with children or the elderly, and the ability to ensure the safety of participants.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

The NRPA offers four certifications for recreation workers:

Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP)
Certified Parks and Recreation Executive (CPRE)
Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO)
Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI)

Applicants may qualify for certification with different combinations of education and work experience. They also must take continuing education classes to maintain their certification.

The American Camp Association offers four certificates for various levels of camp staff, from Entry-Level Staff Certificate to Camp Director Certificate. Individuals who complete online courses may show their advanced level of knowledge of core competencies.

Some recreation jobs require other kinds of certification. For example, a lifesaving certificate is often required for teaching or coaching water-related activities. These certifications are available from organizations such as the YMCA or the American Red Cross. Specific requirements vary by job and employer.

Advancement

As workers gain experience, they may be promoted to positions with greater responsibilities. Recreation workers with experience and managerial skills may advance to supervisory or managerial positions. Eventually, they may become directors of a recreation department or may start their own recreation company.

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Camp Counselor jobs

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Camp Counselor Career Paths

Camp Counselor

Hostess Security Officer Night Auditor

Assistant General Manager

5 Yearsyrs

Instructor Case Manager Special Education Teacher

Assistant Principal

10 Yearsyrs

Counselor Program Coordinator Assistant Director

Associate Director

8 Yearsyrs

Assistant Coach Physical Education Teacher

Athletic Director

5 Yearsyrs

Crew Member Specialist Case Manager

Career Manager

6 Yearsyrs

Counselor Instructor Assistant Director

Center Director

7 Yearsyrs

Lead Teacher Site Coordinator Youth Director

Children's Ministries Director

5 Yearsyrs

Instructor Program Manager Marketing Manager

Communications Director

7 Yearsyrs

Barista Office Manager Property Manager

Communications Manager

6 Yearsyrs

Teacher Aide Lead Teacher Assistant Director

Director

8 Yearsyrs

Teacher Aide Preschool Teacher Assistant Director

Director Of Admissions

7 Yearsyrs

Ship Worker Technician Instructor

Education Director

7 Yearsyrs

Assistant Director Director

Executive Director

10 Yearsyrs

Hostess Office Manager Operations Manager

General Manager

7 Yearsyrs

Ship Worker Home Health Aid Activities Director

Life Enrichment Director

5 Yearsyrs

Preschool Teacher Special Education Teacher Assistant Principal

Principal

11 Yearsyrs

Crew Member Technician Service Manager

Service Director

9 Yearsyrs

Average Length of Employment

Counselor Supervisor 3.2 years
Lead Counselor 2.4 years
Head Counselor 2.0 years
Counselor And Coach 2.0 years
Recreation Counselor 1.9 years
Program Counselor 1.9 years
Lead Camp Counselor 1.8 years
Assistant Camp Counselor 1.6 years
Counselor/Lifeguard 1.6 years
Summer Camp Counselor 1.4 years
Camp Counselor/Lifeguard 1.4 years
Afterschool Counselor 1.4 years
Trained Counselor 1.4 years
Camp Leader 1.3 years
Camp Councilor 1.3 years
Day Camp Counselor 1.3 years
Summer Counselor 1.2 years
Junior Counselor 1.1 years
Camp Counselor 1.0 years
Cabin Counselor 0.9 years

Top Careers Before Camp Counselor

Top Careers After Camp Counselor

Camp Counselor Demographics

Gender

Female
59.1%
Male
39.0%
Unknown
1.9%

Ethnicity

White
82.0%
Hispanic or Latino
9.4%
Asian
6.5%
Unknown
1.6%
Black or African American
0.6%

Languages Spoken

Spanish
57.7%
French
13.8%
Italian
4.1%
German
4.0%
Chinese
2.9%
Mandarin
2.5%
Russian
2.4%
Arabic
2.3%
Portuguese
1.8%
Japanese
1.7%
Hebrew
1.4%
Greek
1.0%
Korean
0.8%
Hindi
0.8%
Cantonese
0.6%
Polish
0.5%
Vietnamese
0.4%
Urdu
0.4%
Swahili
0.4%
Swedish
0.4%

Camp Counselor

Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.

Camp Counselor Education

Schools

Liberty University
9.2%
Florida State University
6.6%
Temple University
6.2%
Towson University
5.6%
Pennsylvania State University
5.5%
Appalachian State University
5.3%
University of Massachusetts Amherst
5.2%
Illinois State University
4.8%
University of Delaware
4.8%
University of Connecticut
4.8%
James Madison University
4.7%
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
4.6%
Michigan State University
4.5%
University of Alabama
4.4%
University of Rhode Island
4.2%
West Virginia University
4.0%
University of Vermont
3.9%
University of Georgia
3.9%
Texas State University
3.9%
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
3.9%

Majors

Degrees

Bachelors
58.2%
Other
22.2%
Masters
11.8%
Associate
4.9%
Certificate
1.6%
Doctorate
0.8%
Diploma
0.4%
License
0.1%

Camp Counselor

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Real Camp Counselor Salaries

Job Title	Company	Location	Start Date	Salary
Camp Counselor	Global Indoor Sports LLC	TX	Nov 15, 2015	$50,025
Camp Counselor	Global Indoor Sports LLC	Kingston, MA	Nov 30, 2015	$48,794
Camp Counselor	Global Indoor Sports LLC	Port Chester, NY	Nov 15, 2015	$46,937
Camp Counselor	Global Indoor Sports LLC	NJ	Nov 15, 2015	$46,937
Camp Counselor	Global Indoor Sports LLC	Broomall, PA	Nov 15, 2015	$38,756
Camp Counselors	U.K. Elite Soccer, Inc.	MA	Mar 01, 2015	$31,931
Camp Counselors	U.K. Elite Soccer, Inc.	NY	Apr 01, 2015	$30,616
Camp Counselors	U.K. Elite Soccer, Inc.	NJ	Mar 15, 2015	$30,616
Camp Counselors	U.K. Elite Soccer, Inc.	CT	Apr 01, 2014	$30,470
Camp Counselors	U.K. Elite Soccer, Inc.	WA	Mar 01, 2015	$30,345
Camp Counselors	U.K. Elite Soccer, Inc.	MD	Mar 01, 2015	$30,053
Camp Counselors	U.K. Elite Soccer, Inc.	CT	Apr 01, 2015	$28,321
Camp Counselors	U.K. Elite Soccer, Inc.	PA	Apr 01, 2015	$27,903
Camp Counselors	U.K. Elite Soccer, Inc.	PA	Mar 15, 2015	$27,903
Camp Counselors	U.K. Elite Soccer, Inc.	NJ	Apr 01, 2015	$27,319
Camp Counselors	U.K. Elite Soccer, Inc.	NJ	Mar 15, 2015	$27,319
Camp Counselors	U.K. Elite Soccer, Inc.	TX	Feb 15, 2014	$25,858
Camp Counselors	U.K. Elite Soccer, Inc.	TX	Feb 15, 2015	$25,524
Camp Counselors	U.K. Elite Soccer, Inc.	NJ	Mar 15, 2014	$20,432
Camp Counselors	U.K. Elite Soccer, Inc.	WA	Mar 15, 2013	$20,202
Camp Counselors	U.K. Elite Soccer, Inc.	NJ	Mar 15, 2013	$19,847

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Top Skills for A Camp Counselor

Top Camp Counselor Skills

Daily Activities
Summer Camps
Fellow Counselors

You can check out examples of real life uses of top skills on resumes here:

Managed campers daily activities, supervised overnight stays, as well as taught swimming, boating, arts and crafts.
Organized and coordinated basketball summer camps that consisted of 3rd-12th grade young men.
Maintained a solid working relationship with camp director, fellow counselors, and parents.
Supervised a group of 15 children, ages 7-15 * Planned activities * Assisted in the administration of medication
Explain principles, techniques, and safety procedures to participants in recreational activities, and demonstrate use of materials and equipment.