Sunday Snippet: Camp Jobs IS A Real Job!
At the closing fire at the end of each session, we often share the message that the camp experience is the real world – not the other way around! What the camp community accomplishes in bringing diverse people together in a supportive and positive environment is truly what the real world should be. And it is the camper’s responsibility to take the real world of camp and begin spreading it into their neighborhoods, their schools, among their family, friends, and acquaintances! Along those same lines, working at camp is truly a real job!
Beyond the remarkable impact a camp counselor has on each camper, the hands-on experience camp staff receive is invaluable in acquiring and enhancing the 21st-century skills employers are seeking, including the top ten skills (according to the World Economic Forum) needed to thrive; Collaborative problem-solving, Critical thinking, Creativity, People Management, Coordinating with others, Emotional intelligence, Judgment and decision-making, Service Orientation, Negotiation, and Cognitive flexibility.
Working in the community of camp is one of the most comprehensive experiences one can have! It is a REAL job, but one that comes with lots of fun and fulfillment. In an effort to emphasize the importance of a camp staff experience the American Camp Association created a chart listing the following benefits of working at camp (American Camp Association, March, 2018)
Oral Communication Skills. You will be required to communicate effectively with people at every level of the organization – campers, fellow staff, camp directors, and parents.
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving. You will be challenged to think on your feet to resolve a myriad of issues from the health and safety of children to how to get 12 campers to make their beds each morning.
Interpersonal and Leadership Skills. You will model professionalism and compassion by managing a group of campers, while contributing to the growth and development of each individual participant.
Collaborative Skills. You will receive on-the-ground, practical, real life training in how to work with a team and help build the culture of your camp community.
Creativity. You will develop innovative and fun ways to engage an audience of two to 200 and implement alternate plans when faced with unexpected changes to the daily routine.
“Camp staff members are immersed in these skills and learn to teach them to their campers. In doing so, the camp staff community becomes a self-motivated culture of learning and leadership where camp staff adopt a growth mindset in which they not only seek to fulfill their own potential, but also choose to do it in a way that promotes positive change individually and globally. They learn to focus purposefully on why they do what they do. They adopt healthy habits and make meaningful contributions to the world and the future.” (Tom Rosenberg, World-Class Career Development, Camping Magazine, November, 2018)
A camp staff job provides real world experience in a real world environment. And it’s not too early to start thinking about applying as WeHaKee is seeking young women who have the potential to be strong role models and positive influencers in the lives of our campers. Click HERE to find out more about and exciting and fulfilling job at WeHaKee. You will be glad you grabbed this opportunity to secure the best summer job ever!
