Summer Camp Jobs for Teenagers

There are several jobs available for those working in camps, but I will focus on those that are attainable for teenagers, and will not discuss jobs such as head counselor, head waiter, or camp director.

Junior Counselor: As a JC, you are an assistant to the counselor. These are often for younger campers, who need more attention than older kids. You will help them get dressed, make sure the bunk is clean, teach them how to play sports, and generally care for their wellbeing. This is actually a great job for a newcomer to camp because you get to learn the ropes while not having the full responsibility for things that may go wrong. As a JC, you may feel that you are working just as hard as the counselor while getting paid less, but again, you do not have the accountability that the counselor does.

Counselor: A counselor is expected to perform the same tasks as the JC, but with greater responsibility. In other words, you will get credit when things run smoothly and blamed when something goes wrong. If there is a rift between campers, for instance, the JC may pass the buck to you to settle things. A counselor is generally busy during the day, with nights free. One of the great things about being a counselor is the chance to connect with the children. Campers look up to the counselors, and you have the ability to make their summer an unforgettable experience. Another advantage is that your day is mixed. You will play baseball, football, basketball, go swimming, and take them on trips, so you are not doing the same thing all day every day like some other positions. Then of course, you have the tips. The tips will enable you to earn more than most other staff positions.

Lifeguard: Being a lifeguard is great if you enjoy swimming, if you can teach swimming, and don't mind standing outdoors all day. You get to meet all the campers and staff members who come to the pool, something a counselor might not get to do. Also, when swimming ends, you are done for the day. You do not have to worry about the campers, as they are not your responsibility. When it rains you are off the hook. In many camps the pool does not open for the first few hours, so you are able to sleep late. On the flip side, you do not develop the same kind of relationship with the campers, so if you have a lot of personality and are great with kids, you may feel as if your talent is being wasted. Also your job can become monotonous. Some lifeguards complain of back pain from standing for so many hours, not to mention sunburns. You will not get paid as much as counselors, but with greater freedom, it's a tradeoff.

Equipment Shack: Talk about monotony. This is about as boring as it gets. You sit in a little shack handing out hockey sticks, baseball bats, and tennis balls. You have to be there at the top of every hour, so you do have about forty-five minutes of every hour free, but you are not able to go anywhere far or take a nap. The counselors come to pick up their equipment and generally do not stay around to chat, so there is little chance to schmooze. Your contact with campers is limited to those who may come to get their stuff. I do not recommend this job to anyone who gets restless easily. Perhaps someone who prefers to read than to play sports would enjoy the quiet time this position provides.

Kitchen Staff: If you have any interest in cooking, working in a camp kitchen is a great experience. To be clear, it is hard work, as many camp kitchens have only a handful of workers trying to prepare and serve a camp of hundreds. The pressure is high and the work is strenuous. The waiters will come during mealtime hollering at you to give them the food faster. Your contact with the counselors and campers is pretty much nonexistent. Even so, working in the kitchen can be a lot of fun and a great learning experience. You will also have access to food, so you are almost guaranteed to eat well. You will also be working very closely with the other kitchen members, so you will have a chance to socialize. When the meal goes out and you see campers and counselors pigging out, there is a great sense of satisfaction. The hours are also interesting. If you start at six in the morning, you are done by two. If you have the later shift, you may begin at noon and work until eight. This gives you a large chunk of free time not available to most others.

Waiter: Being a waiter is both a blessing and a curse. It is a blessing because other than a couple of hectic hours, you are free for a large part of the day. You have the ability to make money from tips, which people in other positions do not. The cursed part of it is that you will wake up early every day, and during the meals work very hard. You will be running back and forth while campers bark at you for yet another bottle of orange juice or a fifth helping of scrambled eggs. You may not have organized sports, unlike the campers and counselors who have set schedules. In some camps waiters are treated as semi-campers, and must pay to work there, albeit at a reduced rate.

Overall, being in camp is a great social experience for teenagers, regardless of their positions. The important thing is to know yourself and know which jobs will match your personality best.