As summer approaches, many parents of teens and tweens start thinking about how to keep their kids engaged, active, and productive during the break. While summer camps are often a go-to solution for younger children, older kids and teens have a unique opportunity to take on a new role—becoming a camp counselor or counselor-in-training (CIT).
If your teen loves the outdoors, enjoys working with kids, or is simply looking for a meaningful summer experience, becoming a camp counselor can be a rewarding and transformative opportunity. It provides a structured and fun way to spend the summer and offers valuable skills that will benefit them for years to come.
Building Leadership and Responsibility
One of the most significant benefits of being a camp counselor is the development of leadership skills. Unlike a typical summer job, being a counselor requires teens to take on considerable responsibility. They are entrusted with younger campers’ well-being, leading activities, resolving conflicts, and ensuring that every child has a safe and enjoyable experience.
This leadership role helps teens build confidence in their abilities and teaches them how to communicate, delegate, and problem solve effectively—all essential skills for future success in school, work, and life. As a CIT, teens get hands-on experience shadowing senior counselors, learning to manage a group, and stepping into leadership roles in a supportive environment.
Gaining Work Experience and Strengthening College Applications
Many teens seek summer jobs to gain experience and earn extra money, but being a camp counselor offers something unique: the chance to develop highly valued soft skills in the workplace. Unlike some entry level jobs, camp counseling teaches teamwork, patience, adaptability, and creative problem-solving—all of which look impressive on a résumé or college application.
Colleges and employers recognize the value of leadership roles, and being a camp counselor demonstrates initiative, responsibility, and the ability to work well under pressure. Many camps even offer leadership training programs that provide certifications in first aid, CPR, and child development, which are valuable for future job opportunities.
Developing Stronger Social and Communication Skills
Working as a camp counselor provides an important opportunity to build face-to-face communication skills in a world where many teens spend a large portion of their time on screens. Counselors interact with campers, fellow staff members, and supervisors daily, learning to navigate different personalities, resolve conflicts, and create a positive group dynamic.
Being a role model for younger kids also helps teens become more self-aware of their behavior and communication styles. They learn to give clear instructions, offer encouragement, and mediate disagreements—all crucial skills for future leadership roles in school, work, and personal relationships.
Boosting Self-Confidence and Independence
Working as a camp counselor is many teens’ first real taste of independence. Whether they’re staying at an overnight camp or commuting to a day camp, they are stepping out of their comfort zones and taking on responsibilities that challenge them in new ways.
Counselors quickly learn how to handle unexpected situations—calming a homesick camper, adapting to a sudden change in the schedule, or thinking on their feet when an activity doesn’t go as planned. Overcoming these challenges helps teens develop resilience and self-confidence, reinforcing the belief that they can handle whatever comes their way.
Making Lifelong Friendships and Memories
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a camp counselor is the friendships and connections teens make. Camp counselors work closely together, forming bonds through shared experiences, teamwork, and the ups and downs of daily camp life.
Many counselors return to camp year after year, building a tight-knit community and lifelong friendships. The sense of camaraderie and shared purpose creates an environment where teens feel supported, valued, and empowered.
Making a Difference
Beyond the personal benefits, being a camp counselor allows teens to impact the lives of younger children. They become mentors and sources of inspiration for campers, helping them build confidence, try new things, and create happy summer memories.
This experience can be incredibly fulfilling for teens, showing them the joy of giving back and the importance of fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. Many counselors find that their time at camp sparks a lifelong passion for working with children, leading them to careers in education, psychology, recreation, or coaching.
How to Get Started
If your teen is interested in becoming a camp counselor or CIT, now is the perfect time to start looking for opportunities. Many camps in Monterey County and beyond offer teen training programs, allowing them to gain experience before taking on full counselor responsibilities.
The first place to start is with our camp directory on pages 30-39. Use the contact information to check websites and see if hiring info is available. if not, email or call for more info.
Being a camp counselor or CIT is more than just a summer job—it’s a life-changing experience that builds confidence, leadership, and resilience. It provides teens with the skills and experiences they need to grow into capable, independent young adults, all while having fun, making friends, and making a difference in the lives of others.
If your teen is looking for a summer experience beyond the ordinary, encourage them to explore the world of camp counseling. It will be one of the best decisions they ever made!
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