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Could Camp Counselor be the Perfect Job for Your Teen?

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Did your teenager love summer camp as a child? Does he or she need a job but can’t work during the school year because of homework and activities? Day or sleepaway camp is the perfect place for teens to transition to the world of the employed. The paycheck is nice, but being a camp counselor has other rewards, too.

The Gift of Responsibility

Camp is an ideal place to build accountability because teens are in charge of other kids or activities, but they are still being supervised. If they work at a sleepaway camp, they must keep their cabin quarters neat and guide younger children to do the same. If they work at a day camp, they must show up on time, care for children and lead activities. Working at camp is fun, but it also gives teens a glimpse into the adult world with the guidance they still need.

The Opportunity to Be a Role Model

Do you remember a teen you looked up to when you were a kid at camp? Maybe he or she helped you perfect your back stroke, taught you how to throw a curve ball or gave the perfect advice for dealing with disagreements between friends. Teens can connect to kids in ways that adults can’t, and when teens work at camp, they experience the fulfillment of helping younger kids develop new skills.

Refined Relationship Skills

From fun-centered sports competitions between rival teams to getting chores done for inspection, counselors and campers have to work together. Being able to do this teaches teens to hone their communication and interpersonal relationship skills.

Improved Time Management Skills

Teen counselors have to be on time to meals, the morning meeting at the flag pole, and the activities they lead. They’re also responsible for gently prodding their campers to be punctual. If they are in charge of a lesson or craft, they must make sure they have all the supplies ready and set up on time. These time-management lessons will benefit them as they enter college and the work place.

It’s not too early for your teen to start looking for a summer camp job. Local camps want to have their staff in place as soon as possible. Plus, they may need help for spring break camps. Start the hunt by using our summer camp directory.


Preparation for College

If your teen works at a sleep away camp, he or she may get a taste of what college life is like. He or she will be responsible for meals, getting up on time or using a coin laundry. Also being away from home for an extended period of time for the first time can take some adjusting to and it can create some homesickness. Teen camp counselors have experienced these feelings and dealt with them before they go to college.

A Chance to Share Talents and Skills

Is your teen an athlete? An artist? A nature enthusiast? Camp is an ideal place for teens to share strengths. I served as a camp counselor when I was in college, and it was the first time I realized I had a knack for teaching kids. It was the gateway to me becoming a teacher, even though I was a journalism student at the time. Camp introduces teens to opportunities that maybe they hadn’t considered. It builds confidence and opens doors to future careers.

Resume Building

Working at camp is great experience to put on a resume when your teen is ready to enter the adult world of work. Camp experience is beneficial if your teen wants to teach or coach, but working at camp also builds communication, collaboration and problem-solving skills, all worthy resume additions that may catch a future employer’s interest.

A New Appreciation for You

Being a teen counselor is indeed hard work. It involves stamina, patience and responsibility. Oh, and teen counselors must also teach, guide and care for children younger than themselves. It sounds a teeny bit like parenting, right? Teens who are camp counselors may begin to recognize how hard parenting is. With that recognition, they may have a new appreciation for all their parents do by the end of the summer.

Being a camp counselor is a great start for teens who want to join the world of work. If your teen is interested in being a camp counselor, you can find more information at the American Camp Association website at www.acacamps.org/staff-professionals/job-center.

Janeen Lewis is a writer, teacher, and mom to Andrew and Gracie. Her summer as a camp counselor gave her invaluable skills for adulthood.

Summer Camp Health Checklist

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Summer is almost here! Long days full of sun, free time, and camp fun. With COVID-19 restrictions easing up, now’s the time to make sure you’re prepared. Don’t worry, we’ve got a summer camp health checklist – everything health-wise to make sure the kids are good to go.

1. SCHEDULE A WELLNESS VISIT WITH YOUR PEDIATRICIAN. Many summer camps may require a doctor’s signature. These visits include updating shots – polio, measles, whooping cough, flu, and TB – and checking growth milestones within normal parameters. Doctors will review medical history, record height and weight, and test vision and all major joints for strength and flexibility. They will look at blood pressure, pulse, respirations and oxygen saturation, and review any ongoing medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes and allergies.

2. CHECK COVID VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS. COVID’s still a thing, and that means checking camp vaccine requirements. Per the CDC, the recommended steps are to stay up to date with the COVID-19 vaccines and get tested if your child has symptoms (www.cdc.gov/).

The CDC currently recommends everyone be fully vaccinated (two doses) and an additional booster shot for those 12+. The recommended vaccine is the Pfizer-BioNTech. For kids 5 to 11, two doses 3 weeks apart. The CDC does not recommend boosters at press time. For kids 12+, two doses 3 to 8 weeks apart and one booster (CDC says to get all vaccines and boosters from the same company for ages 12 to 17) at least 5 months after the second dose.

3. SUNSCREEN. Kids know to use sunscreen, but applying it correctly is another challenge. First, choose a mineral sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or higher, is water resistant, and provides broad-spectrum cover against UVA and UVB rays. There’s no specific brand recommendation; most are acceptable so long as they cover the aforementioned conditions. Apply at least 15 minutes before going outside. For hard to reach areas, ask someone for help or use a spray. Make sure to rub the sunscreen in thoroughly – no spots or smears! And last, reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating. It’s a good idea to get kids in the habit of applying a layer of sunscreen before dressing in the morning.

4. LIP BALM. Less recognized and popular than sunscreen, a good lip balm is no less necessary in the summer. Make sure to choose one with an SPF of at least 15. Similar rules apply: reapply every 2 hours, or after eating, swimming or sweating. And unless kids want to keep reapplying, choose an unflavored one so there’s minor risk of them constantly licking their lips.

5. SUNGLASSES. Kids all look at the sun from time to time. And even when they’re not, prolonged sun (UV light) exposure can cause retinal damage, cataracts or worse. While hats help, nothing beats a good pair of sunglasses. Ones with a UV400 rating, polycarbonate or polarized lenses and aren’t too dark or too light are perfect for kids. Avoid colored lenses for younger kids still developing their perception of colors.

6. INSECT REPELLENT. Summer camps are feasting grounds for mosquitoes in California. Protect your kids by packing insect repellent, especially if they’re camping near a large body of water. DEET is the most well-known and endorsed by the CDC, but kids with more sensitive skin may prefer picaridin while those looking for a chemical-free choice can go with oil of lemon-eucalyptus (one caveat: apply an emollient such as Vaseline or Aquaphor after showering). To apply, spray into hands and cover all exposed skin, including the head and ankles. Apply over sunscreen. Most repellents last 6 to 8 hours, and always wash it off before going to bed.

7. HYDRATION. In the summer, there’s little else more important than staying hydrated. Educate your kids on drinking water before they leave for camp because it’s the best way for them to stay healthy. While there isn’t a set recommendation for how many glasses of water a day to drink for kids (like they would listen anyway!), do your best to remind them to stay hydrated. Educate them on the common symptoms of dehydration: headache, fatigue, dizziness, loss of appetite, and encourage them to hydrate as often as they can.

*These tips were provided by a Salinas-based family medicine doctor who prefers to stay anonymous.

Lisa Wong is a freelance writer, editor and in-house editor and ghostwriter for ArtHouse Literary Agency and LCS Literary Services. She has a background in journalism, having written for Embarcadero Media and The Davis Enterprise before transitioning primarily to book publishing.

Summer Camp Books for Your Young Reader

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Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Imagine summer camp—but for demigods. At Camp Half-Blood, the children of Greek gods and goddesses train to use the powers his or her immortal parent has given them. Plenty of friendly camp competition with a fantasy twist! Tack on a good mystery, an iconic trio, and a quest that goes even beyond the camp grounds, and you’ve got yourself the makings of a real page-turner.

Camp (A Click Graphic Novel) by Kayla Miller

In this fun and bright graphic novel, best friends Olive and Willow head off to camp for the first time, but find that their experiences are very different. A great choice for those nervous about summer camp, Camp touches on what it’s like to make new friends and step out of your comfort zone. There are five graphic novels in Kayla Miller’s Click series, but they don’t necessarily have to be read in order.

Holes by Louis Sachar

The classic “Holes” isn’t exactly about a fun summer camp, but it’s an adventure, all the same. Winner of the Newberry Medal and National Book Award, this book follows a boy named Stanley as he spends his summer at a correctional boot camp in the desert in Texas for a crime he didn’t commit. As the title suggests, he and the other boys spend every single day digging deep holes at the warden’s instruction—but although the warden insists the hard labor is for “character development,” it’s clear he’s searching for something, and Stanley is determined to find out what.

Spy Camp (Spy School Book 2) by Stuart Gibbs

Middle-schooler Ben Ripley has spent a year learning to be a top-notch super-secret spy, and now that summer’s here, he longs for a summer of fun and relaxation—but unfortunately, he’s required to report to a wilderness camp for a spy survival training. It’s not long before enemy spies start to sneak their way into camp, and Ben finds himself responsible for rooting out the imposter.

How to (Almost) Ruin Your Summer by Taryn Souders

Chloe McCorkle is determined to raise enough money to buy herself a new bike before the first day of sixth grade. Before she can make any money at home, however, she’s sent off to career camp. She decides that, to make the best of the situation, she’ll learn cake decorating and then put those skills to good use when she gets back home—but with an invincible spider, a psychotic goat, and a snobby bunkmate running circles around her, she’s finds it’s much harder than she ever expected. Perfect for ages nine to twelve, How to (Almost) Ruin Your Summer is a laugh-out-loud book for determined dreamers.

Kate Higginbotham is a writer, reader, and editor from North Alabama. After self-publishing several YA novels, spending time abroad, and graduating from the University of Alabama in Birmingham, Kate moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where she spends her time elbow-deep in literature of all kinds. She currently writes the “Book List” column alongside freelance editing and other publishing ventures.

Summer Camp for Introverted Kids

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Does sending your introverted child to summer camp seem like an insurmountable task? Don’t count it out so quickly! With preparation and care, it is possible. There will probably be worries attached to this decision to send them, but there is so much benefit to be gained from a camp experience if it’s the right fit. Read on for ways to avoid big issues during this rite-of-passage.

Find a Good Fit

First things first–do your research. Finding the right fit is key to your child enjoying camp. There are so many unique options in our local area. Your quiet, book-loving kid may not do well at a high-energy, sports-centered camp. And sleepaway camp might not be the best first exposure to camp. A smaller, nurturing environment may be best for your child–or a camp that is centered around one of their passions. Less competitive camps will probably appeal to a true introvert.

Prepare Them Well

The more preparation you can provide your child, the better the outcome. Most introverted people appreciate facts and details about new experiences. Walking into a new place is scary, especially when you don’t know anyone. If a friend or acquaintance is attending the same camp, start by telling your child this. Having a familiar face at camp can make a world of difference. If you are sending your introvert to day camp, start by reassuring them you will pick them up at the appointed time. Next, check out the camp website together and watch videos or read up on the activities and testimonials. This is the time to get your kiddo excited about all the fun activities they can participate in at camp.

Advocate for Your Kiddos

If you suspect your child will have a hard time adjusting, speak up and let the directors or counselors know. This is not “helicopter parenting”–it’s being an advocate for your kid. You can also teach your child to advocate for themselves. This may be difficult for introverted people, but it is a skill and attribute that we all need in a world full of societal pressures.

Nudge Them Out of Comfort Zones

Don’t push them out of their comfort zones–just nudge them. If sleepaway camp is not an option for a first-time camper, start with a day camp. Summer at Santa Catalina, local to Monterey, is a place that offers day and sleepaway camps. Director of Summer, Ange Atkinson said that if you do send your camper to stay overnight, “Everything we do has a structure that thoughtfully encourages our campers to connect with each other while leaving space for them to make their own choices, make mistakes in a safe environment, and navigate friendship dynamics. For example, on the first night of camp, campers spend time in bunk groups doing crafts and playing games. Campers that feel shy can easily participate by crafting or choosing to talk to their new roommate; this helps them build up their confidence and comfort level to make even more connections.” Sometimes getting out of our comfort zones is the best way to get to know ourselves, and Atkinson has proof of that at Santa Catalina. “Camp is a wonderful space for young people of all temperaments, introverted or extroverted, to make new friends. Often we see shy campers leave camp with a whole group of friends. They learn that maybe they are not actually shy, but rather they thrive in a space away from the pressures of school social dynamics.”

Be Empathetic

These past two years have been exponentially difficult for young people. Be patient and find empathy when they get homesick or have a breakdown. Keep encouraging them to do hard things, but be a safe place for them to land. Share stories of when you had to do something that was difficult or out of your comfort zone and how you grew as a person. And let them know that no matter how camp goes, you will be there for them when they return, with open arms and listening ears.

Sending your introverted child to camp can cause stress for both you and your child. Here are six tips to help them integrate, interact with others, and make the most of their summer.

– Billy Swift Director of Student Support at Chartwell School

  1. Touring the facility prior to the start of the session. Being able to physically see the space reduces anxiety. This even includes driving the route from home to the facility so they know what it will feel like. 


Get a schedule ahead of time and create a visual schedule for the week. The visual schedule can have both words and images to represent what they will do. To go a step further, you can add in getting ready for and going through routines.

Network by meeting other parents, in person or asking for emails (directory), to connect your child to other children they get along with or have similar interests.

Make sure your child is doing something they see value in. Although summer can be a time to build up skills or explore an area of hesitancy (or work on mastering a craft), the child should have buy-in. 

Remember that a parent’s mood can affect a child’s mood. Parents should model the behavior they wish to see in their child. Set the tone by trying not to be rushed in the morning. Play music the child wants to hear on the ride to the summer activity.

Transitions and times of change can be difficult. We often will have our person self-talk. Try narrating your thoughts aloud or talking about them with a partner or your child, to normalize the feelings and the coping strategies and tools you use.

Nadia Morgan is an East Coast native who now feels truly at home on the West Coast. She has a degree in writing. A military wife of 20 years, Nadia is Editorial Assistant for Monterey Bay Parent Magazine. You can reach her by email at editorial@montereybayparent.com

First Time Camper: Off to camp she went!

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Late last summer, we decided to send our daughter to sleepaway camp. It was a decision that we made with some trepidation. Covid had put a damper on sleepovers at friends’ houses, which can serve for practice being away from home. But, we really thought that she was ready for the camp’s shortest session of ten days. My wife and I were impressed with the camp’s strict health protocols of requiring a PCR Covid test within a few days before beginning, a rapid test upon arrival, mask-wearing, testing every three days, and minimal mixing across groups. In looking at the camp’s program, we also saw the potential for concentrated time for fun after more than a year of limitations and restrictions. The camp was not cheap, but with a scholarship and support from our local congregation’s campership funds, we felt we could give her an experience that would be good for her after a tough year of being deprived of activities during the pandemic.

Before she left, we had prepared her by showing her videos of the camp and the kinds of activities that she would do. She looked at the images of cabins where she would stay. We reminded her that in any emergency, we could be there in a couple of hours and her grandmother could also be there if we could not. To avoid homesickness, my wife and I followed the advice of camp experts by not saying, “We can come get you, if you miss us.” We did emphasize that we would miss her, but that it was only ten days.

As her dad, I planned to mail letters at regular intervals. I remember my one sleepaway camp experience, the excitement of having your name called for mail, and wanted to re-create that experience for her. First, I wrote her a letter from our dog with his perspective of not having her in the house. Because he is a dog, his spelling was not good, and he referred to my daughter as Loud One, since that is how we have said we think he perceives her. Second, I mailed her a letter on a large, round piece of paper, starting the letter on the edge and moving the words around the circle in a spiral. I thought she would find it amusing to have to keep turning the letter to read what I had written. Towards the end, I wrote her a typical letter, telling her about what we were doing at home in a boring way (to keep her from feeling left out) and reminding her to try something new, talk to someone new, and eat something new. I coordinated my letters with my wife so that our daughter would receive something from one of us regularly. From her reports, she now wants to live at camp.

She thrived there. Her first letter to us said that she made a friend “in five seconds.” The camp provided a portal where they posted pictures of the kids engaging in activities. I scoured the photos to see what the signs of her experience were. I could see her silly jumps into the pool with friends. Her tentative smile high up on a ropes course was there. One image showed her arm-in-arm with a new friend. Another photo had her hair sticking to her dirty, sweaty forehead in a late afternoon of activity. The signs of her growth and transformation were there.

I really admire my daughter for going with an open mind and immersing herself in the experience. I know that, when I was an almost 8-year-old like she was, I would not have been brave enough to do what she had. But, I like to think that this is part of parenthood–making kids into better versions of who you are.

For me, it was also odd to have her gone for ten days. In addition to just being quiet around the house, there were no time pressures to get her up and ready, to transport and pick up, or to complete a meal in a timely fashion. Some might celebrate such a lack of obligation, but I have to admit it threw my own rhythm off. I found I missed her in a way that I had not experienced before because she had gone away, and I remained at home. The experience left me more appreciative of what she has brought into my life.

This year, she is going back for longer (two weeks). She is already practicing her group’s cheer and singing the songs that she learned to be ready for the new session. I too am readying myself for her absence. I know that she will be having growth experiences and doing things independently from my wife and me. And really, I think this is the point of camp…to learn new skills and grow as a person.

Robert (Rob) S. Weisskirch, MSW, Ph.D., CFLE is a Professor of Human Development at California State University, Monterey Bay and is a Certified Family Life Educator. He and his wife are parents to a chatty, elementary school-aged daughter and reside in Marina.

How to Choose a Sleep-Away Camp Your Kids Will Love

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Whether you’re looking for enrichment for your child, a way to keep your kids occupied and supervised while you work, or need a short reprieve from parenting, there’s sure to be a summer camp that’s the right fit for your child and family.

The benefits of summer camp

Summer camp offers kids plenty of benefits, and many kids thrill at the idea of going away to summer camp. Still, for some kids, particularly those who are shy, introverted, or homebodies, the thought of going away for a night, let alone a week or more, can cause considerable anxiety. When kids are adamantly opposed, forcing summer camp on them may not be in their best interest.

But for kids who are eager – or at least willing to give it a shot without much fuss – summer camp offers opportunities kids may not have elsewhere. Summer camp provides kids the following benefits:

  • Fosters independence

  • A place to develop new and lasting friendships

  • Development of new skills

  • Discovery of new interests and hobbies

  • The opportunity for creative expression

  • A break from being plugged-in

  • Daily exercise

  • Improves their self-esteem

  • Teaches kids to work with others

  • Makes them feel part of a community

  • Prevents or reduces summer learning loss


Getting started in your search

Before you begin looking into summer camps, create a list of the criteria you’re looking for. Here are some things you’ll want to consider.

• What is your budget for camp?

• What is the purpose of sending your child to summer camp?

• Do you want a resident (overnight) or a day camp?

• Are you looking for a short-term (week or two) or summer-long program?

• Do you want a camp that’s very structured or one that provides your child with lots of freedom?

• What are your child’s passions, such as a particular sport, hobby, or other interest?

Once you’ve narrowed down some of the criteria, you can begin your search. Visit www.summercamps.com, where you can search by zip code or category.

The American Camp Association (ACA) accredits summer camps. So this is another excellent place to look. The ACA educates camp owners and directors in health and safety for both staff and campers as well as program quality. It then accredits camps that meet the ACA’s standards.

Next steps to finding the perfect summer camp

Once you’ve selected a few summer camps that meet your criteria, and that fit your child’s interests, share the choices with your child to see what excites them. Be sure to let your child know that you still need to thoroughly investigate the camp(s) before making a final decision. But do keep your child’s choices in mind to ensure your child gets the most out of camp.

Once you and your child have narrowed the list down to a manageable selection, you’ll want to investigate the camps further. There are several things you’ll want to consider.

  1. What are the staff’s qualifications? Many summer camps use teens to staff the camps. Teens make excellent mentors and can bring liveliness to summer camp programs. However, the programs themselves should be developed by professionals and have professional oversight to ensure kids are getting the most from their camp experience.

  2. How does the camp ensure your child’s safety? Find out what kind of safety training the camp provides its staffers. Also, is there staff on hand at all times that knows CPR? What are the camp’s procedures in the event your child has an accident or an emergency?

  3. What is the daily schedule for campers? Ask for a daily itinerary, so you know your child will be getting everything you and your child anticipate from the program.

  4. What are the rules? Each camp has its own set of rules. So, find out whether your child is allowed to call you. If it’s a summer-long residential camp, can parents come and visit? Can kids bring along a cell phone or electronics? Also, how much money can they bring, and how is it managed?


Don’t sweat it

Keep in mind, although there are many great camps, no camp is likely to offer everything precisely the way you want it. Just choose the one that best fits your child and satisfies your most important criteria. Remember, your child will have many summers to come and plenty more opportunities to work in more exciting camp experiences.

Kimberly Blaker is a freelance lifestyle writer. She’s also founder and director of KB Creative Digital Services, an internet marketing agency, at kbcreativedigital.com

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