What is it like being a Summer Camp Counselor?

As summer gets closer and closer, residents looking for a fun and engaging summer job opportunity don’t have to look any further than Bryan Parks & Recreation. The city is still looking for fun-loving employees for its signature summer camp programs throughout the summer. And, the best part is – pay has just been increased to start at $10/hour!

We sat down with Recreation Supervisor Thomas Sanders to ask a few questions about what it’s like being a camp counselor.

How old do I need to be to become a camp counselor?

The City of Bryan hires camp counselors beginning at age 16.

If I am a counselor, what age group will I work with?

Counselors have the opportunity to work with kids of all ages! The camps are divided into age groups: 5-6, 7-8, 9-10 and 11-12. During the summer, you will be assigned to work with a specific age group along with 5-6 other counselors. Each group will participate in age-appropriate games and activities throughout the summer. While the younger age group may enjoy the craziness of a dance party, older age group enjoys playing board games and relaxing a bit more in their free time.

As a counselor, how many kids will I look after at once?

Counselors are responsible for their specific age group of campers during the day. If your age group has 40 kids, this means there will be 5-6 counselors with you at any given time as well as a lead group counselor. Generally, you will not be singularly responsible for a group larger than 7 or 8 campers.

What skills do I gain from a summer of working at camp?

Working at camp in any capacity allows you to participate in community-building, to take on a leadership role, and to build your skills of communication, problem solving and thinking on the fly. A summer at camp requires you to be open and communicative with the other people you are working with, and to step in when you see issues arising. Friends you make as a camp counselor are often friends for life, and you will probably laugh harder in this job than in any job.

What will I actually be doing as a camp counselor?

You’ll spend your summer hanging out with your group of campers, getting to know them well. If you want a very personal experience, being a camp counselor this summer is the role for you. You’ll become a trusted older sibling, a mentor and a guide – and you’ll make a lasting impression on the leaders of tomorrow. As a camp counselor, you’ll be asked to participate in all the activities and field trips that camp has to offer. This includes random karaoke sessions, playing with slime, field trips to the zoo and  having fun at the pool!

Working with kids at camp is an amazing experience. Your campers bring an incredible amount of energy to each activity – if there’s anything that will make you excited to get out of bed every day, it’s working at camp.

I don’t really have any skills or experience with children – what should I do?

Well, you’ve come to the right place! Summer camp is the perfect place to develop your skills and build experience. If you can show that you can be a good role model to campers, you’ll be a great fit for summer camp – and take the first big step on your journey. The best way to do that is to make sure you apply and ask questions during your interview! The camp counselor job is the PERFECT job to take as your first job.

If hired as a camp counselor, what would my schedule look like?

Typically, a camp counselor would be placed on the morning staff or afternoon staff for the entirety of the summer. Morning shifts run from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Afternoon shifts run from noon to 6 p.m. You would be eligible to work up to five shifts per week! This allows each staff member to work 30 hours per week. On field trip days, you may be asked to work a longer shift, but those days are always the most fun! It never feels like work when you have a chance to visit the water park!

Still have more questions about being a camp counselor with Bryan Parks & Recreation? Reach out to Thomas at tsanders@bryantx.gov. Or, if you’re ready to join the team, you can apply online today.

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