When families send their kids to camp, they’re trusting us with something incredibly important – their child’s safety, growth, and happiness. That trust starts long before campers arrive, with how we hire and train our camp staff.
Hiring with Purpose
Camp staff hiring is about far more than filling positions. We’re looking for people who bring energy, empathy, responsibility, and a genuine love for working with kids. While experience is helpful, character matters most. We look for staff who:
- Communicate well and work as part of a team
- Show patience, adaptability, and a willingness to learn
- Model positive behavior and leadership
- Care deeply about creating a welcoming, inclusive environment
Our hiring process includes applications, interviews, references, and thoughtful conversations about expectations. We want staff to understand that camp is fun, but it’s also meaningful work that comes with real responsibility.
Why Pre-Camp Training Matters
Great staff don’t just happen. They’re built through intentional, hands-on training before the first camper ever steps on site. Pre-camp training sets the tone for the entire summer. It gives staff the tools, confidence, and shared language they need to succeed. Our training focuses on three key areas:
1. Safety First
Staff are trained in policies, procedures, emergency response, supervision strategies, and age-appropriate risk management. When staff know what to do and why it matters, everyone feels safer, including the campers.
2. Building Strong Relationships
Camp is powered by connection. Training includes how to:
- Build trust with campers
- Support social and emotional growth
- Manage behavior with consistency and care
- Create inclusive spaces where every camper feels seen and valued
We talk a lot about being the counselor campers need – not just the fun one, but the steady, supportive one.
3. Programming & Leadership Skills
From leading activities to managing group dynamics, staff practice the skills they’ll use daily. Through role-plays, games, and real-world scenarios, they learn how to lead confidently, problem-solve on the fly, and bring camp traditions to life.
Learning by Doing
Pre-camp training isn’t just sitting and listening. It’s active, collaborative, and hands-on. Staff practice running activities, participate in team-building challenges, and step into camper perspectives. They leave training tired, energized, and ready.
Setting Up a Great Summer
When hiring is intentional and training is thorough, the impact lasts all summer long. Staff feel supported and prepared. Campers feel safe and connected. Families feel confident in their choice.
Camp magic doesn’t start on opening day. It starts with the people we choose and how we prepare them. And that preparation is one of the most important investments we make.