Reasons a Summer Camp is the Best College Internship

A summer camp job can be a great place for an internship for several reasons, not just if you’re interested in fields like education, youth development, recreation, psychology, or social work. There are many skills you can learn from a camp environment!

 Here’s why:

1. Hands-On Experience with Youth

Summer camps provide direct, real-world experience working with children and teens. This allows staff to develop skills in managing, mentoring, and guiding young people in various activities. If you can lead a group of 6-17-year-olds in an activity AND have fun while doing it, you can do just about anything!

2. Teamwork and Leadership Development

Camps are often team-oriented environments where staff can learn how to collaborate with peers and supervisors. Staff also get the chance to take on leadership roles, whether by leading activities, managing groups of campers, or solving unexpected challenges. 

Support is also a big part of the camp community, but here at Starfish, it is built in to our culture. Any time you need to take a break or talk to someone, there is someone there to support you. Between directors, administrators, and our on-call social worker, support is only a walkie call away!

3. Soft Skills and Personal Growth

Summer camp staff develop critical soft skills like communication, problem-solving, adaptability, and conflict resolution. These are highly transferable to many career paths and are sought after by employers. In an environment like Starfish, you learn to further develop your emotional intelligence, including skills like decisiveness, social and self-awareness, relationship management, and self-management.

At Starfish, you focus less on the technology in front of you or the way you look and focus more on the social interactions and genuine relationships you build within the camp community. While most camps do improve your social skills, Starfish one-ups that and takes away mirrors, and encourages staff and campers to just be yourself! You’re at camp! No one cares what you look like!

4. Diverse Roles and Responsibilities

At a camp, staff often wear multiple hats: counselor, mentor, teacher, coach, or problem-solver. This variety offers a broad range of experience that might not be available in more specialized internships. 

Of course, there are those unfavorable hats, too, that may not feel great at the moment but, after some reflection, can build a lot of self-confidence! Changing a light bulb or figuring out how to use a fuse box isn’t what you expect to learn, but now you have those skills to take home with you!

5. Creative and Active Learning Environment

Camps often promote creativity and active engagement, making them ideal for people who enjoy a dynamic, nontraditional learning environment. Staff engage in outdoor activities, team-building exercises, and fun, interactive teaching methods.

If you are looking for a way to engage a group, or even one on one, you will have games and conversation starters that you will hold onto for a life time!

6. Networking Opportunities

Working at a camp can help staff build a strong professional network with peers, supervisors, and camp directors. Many former camp counselors and interns often stay connected in professional networks, leading to future job opportunities. 

Coming into camp, you may also be undecided – and that’s okay! What might happen is that you figure out what you want to do and find your dream career! There are so many diverse people from all over the world that you will now be connected to! Some random jobs and professions Starfish staff have gone into include: social work, clinical research, speech pathology, occupational therapy, doing TED Talks, being on the Great British Bake-Off, teaching in other countries, and so much more! The possibilities are honestly endless!

7. Building a Strong Work Ethic

Camps often require long hours and the ability to handle various responsibilities, which helps build resilience and a strong work ethic—qualities that are valuable in any profession.

From the start, we know that a summer camp job won’t be easy. Resilience alone is required to even consider it! To get hired and sit at training, we know that you can do it; you are here for a reason!

8. Specialization in Certain Fields

Many summer camps are specialized (e.g., camps for children with special needs, sports, the arts, or STEM fields). If you, as an intern and staff member, have a specific interest, you can choose a camp that aligns with your career goals, providing a more focused experience.  

9. An Overall fun experience!

What you take away from the experience can vary, but as you find yourself going home from spending your entire summer at camp, you may be singing camp songs and repeating little catchphrases. You get the power to spread the joy of camp to your friends and family! 

 

All in all…

For someone pursuing careers in fields like youth counseling, education, social work, or any job related to working with children, a summer camp internship is an excellent way to gain practical experience, improve interpersonal skills, and make a meaningful impact on young lives.

Most jobs look for these listed qualities, and what is better than learning and perfecting them while having an amazing summer? On top of an already incredible experience, you will do it all with your new best friends!

Camp Starfish’s internship program has been going strong for several summers. If you are looking to progress your work here at Starfish and your experience, we have a Fellowship program as well. Throughout the internship, you take concepts learned during training and apply them throughout the summer in your work with campers. At the end of the summer, you have a journal in which you have documented your experience and shown the work you have done here to make a difference. 

You can take this journal and apply it to your resume, research, etc., to show off your experience with first-hand examples.

Looking to have an unforgettable summer AND make a difference in the lives of youth?

Apply now!

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Photo of Danielle Lubbers

Danielle Lubbers

Danielle joined Camp Starfish in the spring of 2023 as Camp Director. Originally working with the Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay, Danielle has ten years of experience providing programming to children, outdoor skills training for adults, and directing overnight summer camp experiences.

In her spare time, Danielle enjoys spending time with her two-year old Dalmatian, Mia. Danielle’s favorite activity at camp is raft building, as she enjoys seeing campers and staff work together to complete a team goal. Her favorite Camp Starfish Tool is “We are here to learn, grow, and have fun!”

Staff photo of David

David Mahnken

David Mahnken is Camp Starfish’s Mental Health Consultant. He provides staff training each summer on topics such as self-care, trauma-informed care practices, and health & wellness. David also provides support and consultation to the organization throughout the year. David holds a BA from St. Olaf College and an MSW from Simmons University. David is a LICSW who works in emergency services in addition to his own private practice in Massachusetts.

Prior to becoming a social worker, David’s first experience at camp was as a counselor in the early 2000s before becoming an administrator and member of the year-round team. His favorite camp activity is swim-I (swim instruction), and his favorite Camp Starfish Tool is: “We make camp a safe place.”

Staff photo of Joe

Joe Clark

As the Assistant Director at Camp Starfish, Joe is a seasoned professional who is well-versed in all aspects of camp life. With five years of summer work at Starfish, he brings extensive experience and expertise to the camp year-round. Joe is from the UK, and holds a degree from Keele University. Joe works as a support worker in the UK, providing care to individuals with disabilities, since 2019. Joe also engages in volunteer work, including spending three months in Abrobiano, Ghana.

Joe is known at camp for his charming English accent, which campers often try to replicate! His favorite camp activity is playing soccer (football) on the field, and his favorite Camp Starfish Tool is: “I take responsibility for my actions.”

Staff photo of Rachel

Rachel Roberts

Rachel Roberts is the Director of Staff Experience at Camp Starfish, responsible for all things staffing and groups. With a degree in Anthropology, and a Certificate in Global Citizenship from Franklin Pierce University, Rachel brings a unique perspective to her role. She oversees hiring, onboarding, retention, and staff appreciation for the 100+ seasonal staff at Camp Starfish each summer. Rachel has been a part of the Starfish team since 2016, working in various seasonal roles. She joined the Year-Round Team full-time in 2022.

As a lifelong New Hampshire resident, Rachel enjoys hiking in the woods with her dog, Clover. Her favorite camp activity is Free Play, and her favorite Camp Starfish Tool is: “We respect each other’s differences.”

Staff photo of Kristie

Kristie Martin

Kristie Martin is Camp Starfish’s Program Director, responsible for ensuring that each camper receives a structured, supportive, and fun program during both summer and year-round weekends. With her degree in Applied Psychology & Human Development from the Lynch School of Education at Boston College, Kristie has a deep understanding of child development and uses this knowledge to create a nurturing environment for all campers.

Kristie grew up in the Monadnock region and takes pride in being a local. Kristie’s favorite camp activity is the Camper Talent Show, which she believes is the perfect opportunity for campers to showcase their skills and feel comfortable sharing with the community. Her favorite Camp Starfish Tool is, “I try my best, I do not have to be the best.”

Staff photo of Sarah

Sarah York

Sarah York is the Director of Operations at Camp Starfish, joining the team in the Spring of 2022. She brings with her a wealth of professional experience working in both mental health and human resources. Sarah’s role at Camp Starfish is crucial in ensuring that camp runs smoothly, and she is available to assist families every step of the way through the registration process. If you call the Starfish office, Sarah will likely be who you speak with first!

With her dedication to helping others and her commitment to creating a positive camp experience for every child, it’s no wonder that her favorite Camp Starfish Tool is: “We are members of a team.”

Staff photo of Jamie

Jamie Mahnken

Jamie Mahnken is Camp Starfish’s Executive Director, and has been an integral part of the Camp Starfish community since 2010, serving in a variety of roles. With a degree in Business Administration and Organizational Leadership from Southern New Hampshire University, Jamie is committed to creating a safe and positive environment for every camper, staff member, and volunteer.

As a North Carolina native, Jamie enjoys spending time outdoors with her family. Her favorite camp activity is kayaking to Blueberry Island, which is a meaningful and memorable experience for many campers, as well. Jamie’s favorite Camp Starfish Tool is: “I am flexible and open to change.”