The Benefits of Summer Camp Over a Traditional Internship

Working at a camp can offer some unique advantages over a traditional internship. Here are six reasons why it might be the better option:

1. Leadership: Camp counselors often take on significant responsibilities, such as managing groups of children, handling conflict, brainstorming new ideas, and leading activities. This can develop leadership and management skills highly valued in any career. With most internships, your responsibilities are limited, sometimes getting coffee and running errands.
2. Adaptability: Working at camp challenges you to step out of your comfort zone, fostering personal growth. Every day at camp brings new challenges that require quick thinking. Rainy day? Time to figure out a game or indoor activity. You learn to handle diverse situations, solve problems on the fly, and adapt to new environments. Internships tend to be very structured and predictable.
3. Outdoor Experience: Unlike most office-bound internships, camps provide an opportunity to work outside and enjoy nature. This can be a refreshing break from the usual indoor environments and promote physical health.
4. Teamwork and Networking: Camps are all about people skills and teamwork. You live and work with the same people, requiring you to be communicable, personable, and compromising. You’ll find that you form lasting friendships and professional connections that can benefit you long after the summer ends. Employers who understand camp know that applicants with previous camp experience have an edge over others because they know you will work well with others – something a computer will never be able to teach you.
5. Servitude/Making a Difference: Your job is to give of yourself for the benefit of others. Your impact on campers’ lives can be incredibly fulfilling. Helping kids learn new skills, build confidence, and create memories can be more rewarding than typical internship tasks.
6. Impressive Work Ethics: Working as a counselor is a lot of work! You’re expected to work long hours and to remain positive, which can be physically and mentally challenging. You learn to balance work and rest and to find joy/positivity even when you’re tired. Companies know if you’ve worked at a summer camp, you are capable of putting in 110%,

Don’t forget the campfire stories and s’mores!

We’re not the only ones who think Camps can offer more valuable experiences than internships: Choose Camp Instead of an Internship and Why a Summer Camp Job is Better Than an Internship for College Students

Ever thought about working at a camp?