Looking for a summer camp job that’s more than just a paycheck? Working at a summer camp is an unforgettable experience. It’s a chance to make a real impact, build leadership skills, and be part of a community that feels like family. At Camp Starfish, we know that the best staff members are those who find the right camp fit and show up prepared for the application process.
Whether you’re applying for your first camp role or returning for another summer, here’s a step-by-step guide to landing a summer camp job, including tips for researching camps, writing a strong resume, and crushing the interview.
Step 1: Research the Right Summer Camp for You
Not all summer camps are the same, and finding the right match is key to having a rewarding experience. Before you apply, take time to research different camps and reflect on what you’re looking for in a summer camp job. The American Camp Association has an in-depth article on this topic, but we will provide you with the basics here.
Questions to Ask Yourself
- Do you prefer overnight or day camp?
- Do you enjoy working with younger children, teens, or campers with special needs?
- Are you more interested in sports, arts, outdoor adventure, or therapeutic programs?
- What kind of camp culture helps you thrive—high-energy, structured, or flexible?
What to Look for When Researching Camps
- Mission and values: Do they align with what motivates you? At Camp Starfish, for example, our mission centers on supporting campers with emotional, behavioral, and learning challenges—so we look for staff who are compassionate, patient, and excited to make a difference. Additionally, does it matter to you if you work for a nonprofit or a for-profit camp?
- Camper population: Who will you be working with day to day? Will you be primarily with one group of campers, or will you be able to work with all campers in the program throughout the day?
- Staff support and training: Does the camp invest in its staff? If this is your first camp job, you’ll want a comprehensive training before kids arrive. You can read about the Starfish staff training experience here.
Testimonials or staff stories: These can give insight into the real camp experience. Camp Starfish has a long list of reviews from previous staff members that are readily available for you to read here.
Step 2: Build a Resume That Highlights the Right Skills
You don’t need years of camp experience to land a summer camp job. Camps are often more interested in who you are and how you work with others than in formal job titles.
What to Include on Your Resume
- Relevant experience: Babysitting, tutoring, coaching, mentoring, teaching, or volunteering are all relevant experiences that will make you stand out to prospective summer camps.
- Transferable skills: Leadership, communication, teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability and other skills that would be important for a position where collaboration and flexibility are key.
- Certifications: CPR, First Aid, lifeguarding, or specialized training (if applicable). Many camps will provide this training for you after you are hired, but if you already have them, it will certainly make you stand out.
- Education: Especially helpful if you’re studying education, psychology, social work, or a related field that aligns with a summer camp job.
Resume Tips for Camp Jobs
- Keep it simple – include what’s relevant, but summer camp directors can read up to hundreds of resumes, so you’ll want to be succinct.
- Use action verbs (led, supported, organized, facilitated). These words highlight your ability to lead and do, which is what directors look for in a staff team.
- Highlight experiences working with children or in group settings. Directors want to understand your ability to work on a team to provide for others.
- Tailor your resume to each camp’s mission and needs. Do your research on the camp beforehand and understand what they’ll want to see on a resume.
Remember, camp directors want to see your potential. Show them how your experiences prepare you to be a positive role model and team member.
Step 3: Prepare for the Summer Camp Interview
The interview is your chance to show your personality and passion. Camps want staff who are enthusiastic, reflective, and ready to grow.
Common Summer Camp Interview Questions
- Why do you want this summer camp job?
- How do you handle challenging behavior or conflict?
- Describe a time you worked as part of a team.
- What does being a positive role model mean to you?
Interview Tips
- Be honest and authentic—there’s no “perfect” answer. As long as you can show that you care and can make good judgment calls, you will impress the interviewer.
- Share specific examples from your experience. Be prepared with examples where you demonstrated the skills you listed on your resume. Interviewers are most impressed when you provide the data to back up what you say about yourself.
- Show that you’re eager to learn and accept feedback. Always come to an interview with an example of a time that you accepted and incorporated feedback or made a mistake that you learned from.
- Ask thoughtful questions about training, support, and camp culture. Do your research on the camp beforehand and generate a list of questions you can ask the interviewer to show you are interested in the position.
At Camp Starfish, we value staff who are open-minded, resilient, and committed to learning alongside their campers and peers.
Step 4: Show Your Enthusiasm and Follow Up
After your interview, send a brief thank-you email to your interviewer. This small step can make a big impression and can reinforce your interest in the summer camp job.
In your message:
- Thank the interviewer for their time.
- Mention something specific you enjoyed discussing.
- Reaffirm your excitement about the role and the camp’s mission.
Why a Summer Camp Job Is Worth It
A summer camp job isn’t just a seasonal position. It’s an opportunity for growth, connection, and meaningful impact. You’ll gain real-world skills, lifelong friendships, and stories you’ll carry with you long after the summer ends.
At Camp Starfish, our staff members often tell us that their summer at camp helped shape their future careers and personal growth. If you’re looking for a summer camp job where your work truly matters, taking the time to prepare and find the right fit makes all the difference.
Ready to take the next step? Start researching camps, polish your resume, and bring your authentic self to the interview. Your perfect summer camp job might be closer than you think.
