This could be you!
What to Expect
Day Camps offer local children the chance to spend their summer holidays enjoying the outdoors and experiencing lots of new and exciting activities. They are different to other camps as they are often a 10 week commitment operating Monday-Friday, and at the end of the day, the children go home! Don’t worry though, most Day Camps still have accommodation for staff. If they don’t, you will stay in college/university dorms or even with local families for a truly unique summer experience with lots of opportunities for sightseeing.
This could be you!
Skills & Experience
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Enthusiasm & a Fun-Loving Attitude
Even though the children will go home at the end of the day, Day Camps run similar activities to traditional summer camps. This means they will still be looking for counselors who can make sure their campers enjoy the best summer ever.
By approaching every day and every activity with enthusiasm and fun, you’ll make sure your campers feel the same way too. They’ll be much more willing to step out of their own comfort zones and embrace new experiences, especially if they’re first-time campers who might already be feeling a bit unsure or nervous.
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Communication
From preparing for campers’ arrivals in the morning to getting ready to do it all over again at the end of the day, you’re likely talking to someone, somewhere. From your campers and their parents to other counselors and staff members, you’re going to need your communication skills to be in tip-top shape.
With the campers, you need to be able to strike the balance between understanding and following rules and expectations, and creating incredible memories of one of the best summers they’ll ever have. Although, remember communication isn’t just about talking - you’ll need to actively listen to any problems or concerns, and make sure campers feel valued and heard.
With other counselors and staff members, you’ll also be building a network of hugely supportive relationships at camp, and likely developing new friendships you’ll have for years and years to come. Communication becomes one of the most important aspects of the teamwork you’ll need to make sure each day runs smoothly.
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Organisation
From keeping to camp schedules to making sure you and your campers have everything you need for the day ahead, organisation is so important at camp. Your campers are going to rely on you to make sure they have all the information and equipment they need to have the best time at every activity. It’s on you to make sure you don’t let them down!
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Patience
You’re going to spend a minimum of 9 weeks working with kids of varying ages at camp. They’re going to be excited and energetic, and you just wait until the sugar in those s’mores hits their system!
Patience is a hugely valuable skill to have in your remit. By being patient you’ll be able to let the campers express themselves to their fullest, all the while retaining control, maintaining the fun and being as supportive as you possibly can. When a challenge arises, patience can help you navigate it with ease.
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Flexibility
Camp life and kids are unpredictable, so having some flexibility is going to help you out a lot in daily camp life. Joining this together with some problem-solving skills, you’ll be able to navigate plenty of tricky situations.
From changes to the schedule, handling bad weather or dealing with unexpected events, being flexible will help you handle a changing camp environment in a way that means your campers likely remain oblivious to the fact that this wasn’t the plan all along. The more enthusiastic you are about new plans, the more on board your campers will be too!
Typical Day
How to Apply
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Real Experiences
Don't just take our word for it - this is just a snapshot of the amazing summers our participants have had at summer camp.
The Camp America team are all so helpful. The interviewers are amazing as well, they answer all your questions about the camp experience, whilst also helping to make your application really stand out.
Spending four summers working at an under-served summer camp has made me grateful in many ways and taught me the importance of creating opportunities for all children.
Camp America gave me an understanding of responsibility that I hadn’t experienced before. By the time I came home, I’d gained valuable leadership skills to take into future careers.
Being able to go back and see my friends again and try different activities and new roles every year just keeps it exciting. Every year brings new fun and new challenges.
Not only do I love everyday camp life and ensuring the campers have the best time possible but I also love connecting with different cultures! Camp is one of the best experiences you can have.
I'm so grateful for the global network of friends I have because of my time with Camp America. Since my very first summer, both camp and Camp America have become an integral part my life.
Share your skills!
How Do I Apply?
If you’d like to work at a Day Camp in the USA, make sure you opt-in to this camp type on your application form. Day camps are typically looking for more general counselors, as campers tend to be in younger age groups. If you have childcare experience with younger age groups you will be quite an appealing applicant! Day Camps will also be on the lookout for Campower staff too to help look after the day-to-day running of the camp.
Share your skills!
