Camp and Travel
A camp counselor is a university student who spends the summer working at an American summer camp, living with a group of children and guiding them through every part of camp life. Counselors are part mentor, part activity leader and part older sibling. They make sure campers are safe, included and having the best summer of their lives.
What Does a Camp Counselor Do?
Camp counselors look after children aged roughly 7 to 16. A typical counselor has two main roles:
- Cabin counselor: You share a cabin with a small group of campers, wake them up, make sure they get to meals and activities, and help them settle in, especially younger children who may be away from home for the first time.
- Activity instructor: You teach or lead one or more activities such as sports, swimming, arts and crafts, music, drama or outdoor adventure.
Counselors also help run evening programs, special events and camp traditions, and act as role models for campers throughout the summer.
Requirements to Become a Camp Counselor
- Be a full-time university student
- Be between 19 and 23 years old (some roles prefer candidates aged 21+)
- Have at least an intermediate level of English, so you can communicate confidently with children and staff
- Have experience with children, such as teaching, coaching, tutoring, volunteering, scouting or babysitting
- Have at least one skill you can teach, such as a sport, swimming, arts, music, drama or outdoor activities
- Be in good health and physically active
- Have no criminal record
- Be able to arrive in the US by 15 June at the latest and stay until the end of the camp season (June to August)
- For waterfront roles: be able to obtain a lifeguard certificate before arrival
Qualities That Make You Stand Out
- Patience and responsibility: children rely on you day and night.
- Energy and enthusiasm: camp days are long and active.
- Teamwork: you work closely with counselors from all over the world.
- Flexibility: plans change with the weather and the campers’ needs.
- Leadership: you guide a group and solve small problems with confidence.
A Day in the Life: Sample Schedule
Every camp has its own routine, but a typical day for a camp counselor looks like this:
| Time | Activity | Counselor’s Role |
|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | Wake-up | Wake campers, help them get ready and tidy the cabin |
| 07:45 | Morning assembly | Gather your cabin group for flag raising and daily announcements |
| 08:00 | Breakfast | Eat with your campers and make sure everyone is fed |
| 09:00 | Cabin clean-up | Supervise cleaning and prepare for cabin inspection |
| 09:30 – 12:00 | Morning activity periods | Teach your specialty (e.g. football, swimming, arts) to rotating groups |
| 12:15 | Lunch | Sit with your cabin group and help with announcements |
| 13:00 – 14:00 | Rest hour | Quiet time in cabins: campers read, write letters or relax |
| 14:00 – 17:00 | Afternoon activities and free swim | Lead activities and help supervise the waterfront |
| 17:00 – 18:00 | Free time | Showers and free time; counselors take turns supervising |
| 18:00 | Dinner | Eat with campers; camp songs and team spirit |
| 19:00 – 20:30 | Evening program | Run campfires, talent shows, games or theme nights |
| 21:00 | Cabin time and lights out | Settle campers down, talk about the day and make sure everyone is in bed |
| 21:30 onwards | On duty / time off | Counselors rotate night duty; off-duty staff relax in the staff lounge |
Counselors usually get a few hours off every day and one day off per week, which many use to explore nearby towns with other staff.
Ready to Become a Camp Counselor?
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