Show your colours!
What to Expect
Summer camps for under-served communities are set up by local authorities and charities who believe every child deserves this experience. For most of the kids, camp is likely the one time of year they get just to be children away from their homelife. Many will come from difficult backgrounds, perhaps even be homeless or in care. As the camps run on external funding and donations, accommodation and facilities will be basic, but you’ll get to experience an authentic summer camp environment.
Show your colours!
Skills & Experience
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Enthusiasm & a Fun-Loving Attitude
Summer camps for Under-Served Communities are always looking for counselors and Campower staff 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 sunrise to lights out, you’re likely talking to someone, somewhere. From your campers themselves, 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.
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.
The reason I keep going back to camp is because I can impact lives, grow culturally, and make life-long friends from all over the world.
Staff started camp with a mix of experience but none of that mattered. You are well trained and everyone supports each other creating a close-knit community like no other.
At my camp we had a saying: camp people are the best people! I can say without a doubt the people I met working at summer camp are some of the best people I have ever met.
Camp is my happy place, a place where I can escape from the chaos of the world for 8 weeks. I have made friendships from all over the world but also gained the best memories with these people!
To anyone considering Camp America, go into it with an open mind and take the opportunity with both hands. It’s an unforgettable experience.
This could be you!
Is an Under-Served Community Camp for Me?
Working on a summer camp for an Under-Served Community is a hugely rewarding experience, as you will truly help to change children’s lives and have a positive impact on their future. The campers will likely have a tough exterior, possibly even learning difficulties or mental health issues, so Camp Directors will look for staff with patience, empathy and who can hold their own. If this sounds like you, be sure to opt-in to these camps on your application.
This could be you!
